Metis Association disbands in Sask

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A rift between Metis and non-status Indians has erupted into the dissolution of the 50-year old Association of Metis and non-Status Indians of Saskatchewan just weeks after a $750,000 cut in funding by the Saskatchewan government.

The dissolution plan evolved during the July 23-24 annual assembly of AMNSIS which this year experienced a sharp decline in attendance. The reason given by the society's executive for the decrease is lack of funds, since the province did not renew the $750,000 core funding it has provided in the past.

By noon of day number one, a mere 131 delegates had registered. By day two, the figure had only increased to a total of under 200 which is less than half the usual number. A similar situation was experienced at the last assembly of the Alberta Metis when their organization was unable to provide expense money to delegates.

Following two days of debate at Batoche, Saskatchewan, delegates voted 86-51 in favor of splitting the organization and separating the Metis from the Non-Status Indians.

Although the decision has been finalized, there have been mixed feeling about the division. It has been a hotly contested issue for some years and one of the main arguments against the split is that it would not really change the conditions of the people. There would still be alcohol problems, unemployment, etc. said Rose Boyer and Nora Ritchie of Saskatoon as well as Jim Favel from Ile a la Crosse. They added that the organization would remain a stronger body if it included both groups.

Favel maintained that, "nothing's going to change; the problems will still be there." He commended the efforts of the president during his 20 years in office, particularly his role in the Constitutional Talks in Ottawa. "I believe in the pilosophy of a Native organization being supported by Native people," said Favel who does not think the split is representative of northern sentiments where Metis and Non-Status people lead similar lifestyles.

The northern areas were greatly under-represented Favel argued, noting that only six northern locals were present at the assembly to represent northern interests. He further accused the assembly of being vastly "over-represented" by southern members.

Other delegates expressed confusion over the split and admitted to being pulled in two directions at