Pope's blessing wanted for Metis FMC prayer

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Plans that may see the First Ministers' Conference open with a new prayer by Alberta's Metis people, endorsed by Pope John Paul II, were announced at a recent news conference.

As this issue comes off the press, Metis leaders are in Rome, in conference with His Holiness.

It is no secret that the major Christian churches in Canada endorse the Metis as they struggle in their attempt to secure self-government.

At a recent press conference in Toronto, Canadian church leaders from all major denominations supported the rights of the Metis in their ongoing battle to struggle for themselves a rightful place in a country which once was inhabited only by Native people - the same Native people that are given no recognition today.

"As we build toward the constitutional conference we are receiving a lot of support, said Sam Sinclair, co-chairman of the Metis Council of Canada.

He indicated that more support was coming from the leaders and Elders because of their involvement with the church, and because of the realization that in order to retain any rights or dignities, self-government is a must.

"We are very appreciative of the support we have been given by the church leaders," reiterated Jim Sinclair.

"We hope the new prayer (by Metis and church leaders) will be endorsed by

His Holiness so that we can return it to Canada to be read at the conference. It is a meaningful prayer to us. It serves our needs and that of the church."

The council is looking to build a better future for their people.

Jim Sinclair spoke of the structure:

"We are looking for a foundation on which we can build, a foundation that our people can all be a part of, a foundation, that will, in time, eliminate, among other things, the problems of poverty, welfare, alcoholism, suicide, imprisonment, and infant mortality.

A foundation which, with unity, dignity, persistence and perseverance, will see a more viable people, recognized as a people, contributing as a people, to Canada's future."

A statement prepared by the leaders of Canadian Churches (including Anglican,, Presbyterian, the United Church of Canada, and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops) indicates full support toward the Metis people and their plight.

"We maintain," states the document, "that the rights of Aboriginal peoples are not simply legal or political issues but, first and foremost, moral issues touching the very soul and heart of Canada."

The church believes that some basic dimension of Aboriginal rights needs to be recognized and guaranteed as an essential part of the constitutional process.

These include the right to be a distinct people; the right to an adequate landbase; and the right to self-determination.

It is the aim of both the Metis people and the church to obtain these basic dimensions of Aboriginal rights through the recognition and implementation of Aboriginal self-government in Canada.

The Bishop of Victoria and president of the Western Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Remi J. DeRoo, chaired the meeting.

Various church leaders were on hand at the press conference.