"Who is using who" in Metis politics?

Page 4

Editorial

Editors Note: This editorial will not carry any individual names nor will it single out any person or group involved in the power struggle within the Metis Association of Alberta and its members. One reading this editorial will quickly see who is who in this Metis struggle.

Anyone studying and following the Metis political movement in Alberta can clearly see the different political camps taking shape, gearing up to meet the bugle call for elections, recruiting Metis members to their camps, making back room deals with power brokers and drafting mandates.

This is a healthy sign because it indicates to the Metis leaders that the members are restless and are prepared to initiate changes.

This behind-the-scheme Metis movements are predominantly evident in strong Metis locals with their presidents taking a 'front and centre' approach in directing the Metis Association of Alberta's elected representatives. These local presidents are pushing for a stronger, leaner and unified political voice to speak for the Metis people of Alberta.

These latest political machines are drumming political support and interest from the Metis people of Alberta. It is good for democracy, however the tactics involved are questionable.

There are four or five outspoken Metis leaders who are in the process of breaking ground and establishing political camps. Some are quite open with their political aspirations and some are very secretive about their intentions.

However, all or most of the Metis leaders seeking the MAA's head positions are openly manipulating individuals to further their careers in Metis politics.

This type of manipulation was clearly visible in last week's Metis local's seminar held in Edmonton.

It is the right of any Metis leader to push his political beliefs and what he/she stands for, but the questionable part comes when he/she is using established Metis individuals, elected or otherwise.

Opposition in our democratic system is needed and the right to create political camps should not be frowned upon because it opens doors for Metis to get involved.

"Politics are dirty" and this political machinery chews up and spits out any individual who is not careful when playing the game of politics. These individuals become political casualties when plans backfire for the camp they supported.

The seasoned, well experienced and financially stable politician can easily manipulate other politically inclined individuals, and at times, these persons who allow themselves to be manipulated openly or secretly, often do not fully understand what's at issue. Or they allow themselves to be manipulated for some promised reward.

These manipulative individuals who declare their support, secretly or openly, are responsible for causing the rifts within the Metis political body.

These Metis puppets-on-s-string should be capable of seeing that they are being used for individual rewards and should be able to understand their disruptive powers when one political machine has already been put in place when its representatives were elected by the Metis people.

In their lust for power these Metis political hopefuls jockeying for political positions will sacrifice their own Metis people who permit themselves to be manipulated and used.

This is an important time in Metis history and for the Metis people of Canada because of on-going constitutional talks and what's at stake.

Therefore, the Metis people of Alberta should be aware of this behind-the-scenes political movement which involves manipulation.

Who is who in this game is very important and it must be addressed before the Metis people are split into self-seeking groups, thus destroying their unity in Alberta.