Metis assembly set

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Details are being finalized for the 58th annual assembly of the Metis Association of Alberta (MAA) to be held in Athabasca August 22 to 24.

This year the assembly will get off to an earlier start than usual, with registration of delegates beginning at 9 a.m., Friday, August 22.

The official opening beginning at 2 p.m. with an opening prayer by an Elder and welcoming remarks from MAA President Sam Sinclair.

Others expected to participate in the opening ceremonies include Ray Martin,

New Democrat leader and leader of the official opposition in the Alberta Legislature; Athabasca-Lac Biche MLA Leo Piquette; Liberal leader and MLA Nick Taylor;

Mayor A. Schinkinger of Athabasca; and the command of the Athabasca RCMP detachment.

Other activity on the agenda for the fist afternoon includes selection of the resolutions and grievance committees, discussion and assembly and presidents report.

A dance is scheduled for Friday night. Resolutions will be dealt with first thing Saturday morning. This is a departure from previous assemblies where resolutions were left to the end of agenda where it was felt they were given inadequate attention.

Last year, for example, resolutions were merely tabled with little discussion and no other action on them.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the assembly will be addressed by Neil Crawford, the Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs, who is also responsible for Native Affairs and Housing.

Following Crawford's address, Aurele Dumont will present the MAA treasurer's report and President Ron LaRocque will report on Metis Urban Housing Inc.

Saturday evening a successor to 1987 Metis Princess Tracy Ladouceur will be selected at a Metis Beauty Pageant. A dance will follow.

More reports will be presented Saturday, including reports from zone vice-presidents and board members, the MAA housing department, the MAA constitutional committee, the Metis National Council, the Apeetogosan Corporation and on the 1986 MAA election.

The assembly will close with speeches from candidates for board members for the six MAA zones.