President’s Message
For two centuries, our Metis Nation governance has
followed fundamental democratic principles. These
principles have directed leadership decision-making and
action-taking since the time of the great prairie buffalo
hunts. Today these principles are embodied in the texts
of our modern Metis Government Constitutions. The
Directors of the MMF Board and myself take this seriously
and are vigilant to ensure responsible and accountable
Metis governance cross our province and nation.
There will be justice. But this is not the first time this
has played out. In 1994 I stated that the MNC is not a
Presidents’ Club. The President’s cannot choose the MNC
delegates. These delegates must be fully and properly
elected Board Members from the 5 Metis Governments.
But back in 2007-2008 MNA President Poitras attempted
a coup and tried to remove 8 members of her Board whose
vote she couldn’t control. Thankfully these shameful acts
were brought to an end before any more damage to the
democratic rights of the Metis in Saskatchewan and
Alberta, and before the impacts crippled the MNC and
the democratic rights of Metis across the Homeland.
Recently there has been some media coverage in the news
this past week in which the journalist made it appear
there is internal division within the Metis Nation. There
President David Chartrand, LL.D
The governance vacuum created by the MNS President
is no internal division of the Nation. The Metis People are
Doucette prevented the MNC from holding General
strong. But there are three Presidents (Dumont of Metis
Assembly and its Presidential elections. Last week’s
Nation British Columbia; Poitras of Metis Nation Alberta;
and, Lipinski of Metis Nation Ontario), who, for their own personal reasons and Saskatchewan Court decision will now allow the MNC General Assembly and MNC
political ambitions, support the undemocratic, unaccountable, and illegal actions of President election to take place. Both current MNC President Clement Chartier
and myself had made it clear that the election would occur after the Saskatchewan
the rogue Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS) President Robert Doucette.
issues were sorted out. The Court decision validates and rewards the hard work and
Why is the MNS President running wild? The context is that it is the Metis National determination of all those who protected the democracy of the Metis in Saskatchewan
Council (MNC) election time for the MNC President position. The MNC election and across the Metis Homeland.
uses a delegate system for voting for the President. There are 55 delegates who
vote. These delegates include 15 from the MNS Board of Directors, also called the The undemocratic and illegal activity by MNS President Robert Doucette, and
Provincial Metis Council. MNS President Doucette attempted to remove 12 MNS supported by Dumont, Poitras, and Lipinski, has harsh impacts our image as People.
delegates who do not agree with his ideas and methods, and who would be likely to In the media all the Metis are painted with the same brush. Some say it is infighting.
But it is about taking a stand: right against wrong. A President abusing democratic
vote in a way that he could not control at the MNC Presidential election.
rights and overriding the constitution is unacceptable. When this is attempted,
When Doucette attempted his coup to remove his Provincial Metis Council as MNS President Doucette has recently failed to do, it is a backwards step into
members, the MMF Board, and myself as MMF President and as MNC Vice- autocracy and dictatorship. This is wrong.
President, took the necessary steps to protect MNC democracy at the national
level. Back in Saskatchewan, MNS Vice-President and MNS-designate to the MNC I want to quote the very clear words the Saskatchewan Judge wrote in his decision:
Board of Governors, Mr. Gerald Morin, along with the other 11 MNS Provincial Metis “[…] it is important for all parties to honour their Constitution and follow the
Council members, went to the Court to protect MNS democracy and the voice of directions set out in the Constitution.” This is easy to understand. The MMF will
the Metis in Saskatchewan.
continue to protect our Constitutions and our People’s right to responsible and
accountable self-government. It is important that we defend the democracy of our
This past week, the Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan ruled in favour of Ancestors for our Citizens today and tomorrow. Our government belongs to our
Vice President Morin. Doucette’s attempt to remove the 12 democratically elected
People and our Nation. Together we stand, united, and strong.
members - the majority - of the Provincial Metis Council, has failed. The Court
ruled that Doucette’s actions were irregular, prejudice, and an illegal attempt to Believe in Yourself - Believe in Metis
strip Morin and his colleagues from their elected office, and rewrite the MNS
Meeqwetch.
Constitution. The Judge ruled the Special Meeting and Assembly that Doucette
called to remove Morin and his colleagues were not constitutional. There was a
complete failure by Doucette to follow the governing rules.
President David Chartrand, LL.D
Free COR Certification for Metis Businesses
When: April 28 to May 2, 2014
Where: MMF Home Office, 150 Henry Avenue, Room 16
This five-day course will begin on April 7, 2014 at the MMF Home Office at
150 Henry Avenue.
How to Register:
Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to certify your health and safety
processes.
Call 204-942-7535
For more information, or to register for the upcoming courses, please call
204-942-7535 or email to [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Businesses interested in securing provincial government contracts, no matter
how big, will soon require COR/SECOR certification.
If you are a Metis-owned business looking to contract with the provincial
government on infrastructure projects, we can help you get certified.
The Metis Economic Development Organization (MEDO) and the Manitoba
Metis Federation (MMF) have partnered with the Manitoba Heavy
Construction Association (MHCA) to offer certification courses to Metisowned businesses at NO CHARGE to you.
Class 1 Driver Training Opportunity
The Manitoba Metis Federation-Southwest Region is seeking applications from
individuals interested in entering into a career in the Truck Transport Industry.
If you have a sincere interest in pursuing employment as a professional
transport driver please contact:
Class 1 Driver Training
Julie Parenteau, Project Officer
Individuals that successfully complete Class 1 Driver Training and acquire their
Class 1 license are able to secure employment opportunities in wide variety of
areas within the transportation industry.
Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. Southwest Region
Metis Employment & Training
656-6th Street
Brandon, Manitoba R7A 3P1
Phone: 204-725-7520
Email: [email protected]
Training is 6 weeks in length and the training location(s) will be determined
based on the communities expressing sufficient interest.
Deadline for Applications is April 7, 2014
Who Can Participate:
•
Unemployed or Underemployed Métis, Non-Status, or Inuit individuals
•
Must be 18 years of age or older
•
Must have a valid Class 5 Driver’s license or higher
•
Willing and able to provide a recent Driver’s Abstract & Criminal
Records Check