New group to promote Metis nationalism

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The new Alberta Metis Nation Alliance is "now in action," according to acting president Ron LaRocque, who spoke at a meeting held in Edmonton friendship centre Nov. 8.

More than 60 people, some from as far away as Lac La Biche attended the three hour meeting, including five Local presidents.

LaRocque led a discussion about a variety of problems he feels are facing the Metis people of the province and blamed many of these problems on the current administration of the association.

"We are here in reaction to what is happening in the MAA. Once there was a real pride in belonging to the association," he said.

However, LaRocque pointed out that the association is still being funded to provide services for Metis people.

"We are aware they receive this money. We are aware that the MAA will receive many millions to provide economic development," he said. "That's why we are going to be a watchdog. We are their real opposition."

Former Metis Association of Alberta vice-president, Jo Ann Daniels, who is also president of an Edmonton Local confirmed that she would be officially leaving the association.

"After the election (held Sept. 1) there were many disappointed people whose hopes were dashed, but now the true feelings of the people are coming out," she said.

Muriel Stanley-Venne said she felt the Metis Association did not truly represent Metis interests but rather those of non-status Indian people.

"Metis are not just another kind of Indian. Louis Riel fought for our rights; for the rights of Metis. If you don't believe in your heart that you are Metis how can you build a nation?" she said.

Stanley-Venne was joined by many others in the room who added their grievances.

Acting president LaRocque then read the Alliance constitution and explained points to the new members.

"We aim to unite as Metis in Alberta to forge a movement that will promote Metis nationalism in Canada," said LaRocque, reading from a list of objectives outlined in the constitution.

"The Alliance will heighten the political awareness of Metis in Alberta and within Canadian society . . . and ensure that our political and administrative structures represent the will of the Metis people in their own communities."

After further discussion LaRocque introduced the interim board and executive committee. At present, Daniels will act as vice-president, secretary is Margerie Friedel, treasurer is Freezien Norris, and board members are Muriel Stanley-Venne and Dorothy Daniels.

An election and general meeting will be held in March next year to elect a new board and executive, however, LaRocque says he will not stand for election.

"I've never been a political person. I much perfer to be a bureaucrat," he said.

After further discussion, LaRocque announced than an official affidavit declaring Metis status would be signed Monday Nov. 16, 102 years after the hanging of Louis Riel.

"I don't know how many of you are aware, but each year the Metis place a wreath on the steps of their legislature buildings all across the prairie provinces in remembrance of Riel who was the father of western Canada," said LaRocque.

"We intend to make that day this year by signing these declarations and then paying our respects to Riel at the legislature buildings," he said.

After the discussions, a vote was taken to accept the interim executive and board by a show of hands. Then LaRocque accepted several $20 membership applications.

In an interview after the meeting Daniels said she would be meeting with her Local within the next few days, but would not close the Local down.

"It is up to the membership which way they go," she said. "Right now I understand the Local has been struck off the corporate registry and I have to get that rectified first. I am not going to leave a mess. Everything will be sorted out before I go," she said.

Stanley-Venne says she too will be meeting with her Local to discuss her resignation from the association.

"There will be somewho want to stay and some who want to go. It's up to them," she said.

Metis Association president Larry Desmeules was contacted at his Edmonton office, but declined comment regarding the new Metis group.