Monday, August 28, 2006

That's all we can say!

Cyril has left a new comment on your post, "If only we could tell you what we know!"

Lucky for Legal Aid and the MMF, Lionel is so ....... nobody else would want to see his ...... face around ha, ha ........... .... . You should sue his ...... ... off ....
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Dear Cyril:

Thank you for writing. As you can see we've had to heavily edit your comments. Suffice it to say for now there are protocols which must be followed. All we can tell you is a detailed, formal complaint has been filed.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Thursday, August 24, 2006

The Drum rocks too!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Thunder Voice News rocks!"

The Drum is on its own as well. It is a real newspaper and like Thunder Voice News isn't in anybody's hip pocket. They say what has to be said regardless of what Aboriginal organization tries to black ball them for saying it.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Completely agree again.

The Drum
Publisher Melissa Wastasecoot
General delivery
Scanterbury, Manitoba R0E 1W0
Call Toll Free in Canada: 1-866-374-0404
Fax: (204) 943-1160
E-mail: staff@taiga-communications.com

Winnipeg Office
554-70 Arthur Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1G7
Telephone: (204) 943-1500
Fax: (204) 943-1160
E-mail: staff@taiga-communications.com

Thunder Voice News rocks!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "What! Grassroots News doesn't always tell it like it is?"

Hear, hear. Thunder Voice News rocks while Grassroots News is heavily subsidized by MMF taxpayer dollars.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Completely agree.

Thunder Voice News
Owner/Publisher Dennis Spence
510 King Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2W 3Z5

Telephone: (204) 774-5539
Facsimile: (204) 774-5457
E-mail: publisher@thundervoice.ca

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "What! Grassroots News doesn't always tell it like it is?"

Read the GOOD news read THUNDER VOICE NEWS!

Reader of ALL publications
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Dear Reader:

Thank you for writing. What's most impressive is Thunder Voice News Owner/Publisher Dennis Spence has grown his publication without massive, regular cash infusions of MMF taxpayer dollars.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Friday, August 18, 2006

If only we could tell you what we know!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "MMF's legal team?"

LOL ..... maybe Lionel's now on the MMF legal team.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Love your sense of humour - if only we could tell you what we know!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

What MMF legal team?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Gone fishing!"

Derryl Sanderson (www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com) recently wrote:

"Cybersmokesignals lawsuit is again being rumored to be abandoned by the President and his legal team. Talk in the community is that David Chartrand is worried about taking another beating in a legal area....and he will. Keep on fighting Terry Belhumer, as the concerns you raised are still prevalent in the MMF today....stick by your morals man!"

Weren't others besides Terry Belhumeur involved?
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Yes, Vanessa Everton and yours truly were also named as Co-Defendants. The MMF alleges a petition posted on www.CyberSmokeSignals.com (January 2004) was defamatory. It was written and approved for publication ver batim by Winnipeg Metis lawyer Lionel Chartrand who, at the time, was acting as the site's pro bono General Legal Counsel.. Or as solicitors are given to saying, "We got plenty of "Black Letter!"

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

P.S.



MMF's Legal Team?

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Gone fishing!

" ..... and finally to young computer genius guy with the cool sense of humour behind this website who we don't know exactly what it is you do. Remind us once again, why we bother to keep you around? Before we go to bed tonight, where's the Charlie the Tuna photo you promised?"










Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Anyone know the answer?"

I think David Chartrand has a commercial fishing license and there's a fish processing plant in Duck Bay. Smells fishy to me.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Yes, David Chartrand has a commercial fishers license (Registration Number W51) and yes there's a fish processing plant in Duck Bay. Time to go fishing!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Anyone know the answer?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Your all time top 10 favourites!"

Why are we only allowed, according to the constitution of the MMF, to send 2 delegates per Local to the Annual General Assembly and Duck Bay can send as many as they want -approximately 300 attended in 2004? Let’s calculate that amount =300 X $50 travel = $15,000, that is, if they are only receiving $50 each.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Very good question anyone have an answer?

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Your All Time Top 10 Favourites!

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

We're compiling a list of the worst possible experiences you could or have had happen to you as a delegate at an MMF Annual General Assembly. Some examples:

(1) I started to ask a controversial question but my microphone suddenly malfunctioned!

(2) My expense cheque was a lot less than I thought!

(3) Attempted to ask a question at a Budget Discussion Group but someone suddenly jumped up to table a Motion ending the session. As if on Q, another individual with even greater alacrity was on his feet to Second it!

(4) One year I inquired of MMF lead accountant Bernie Short to explain the one line "Miscellaneous = $250,0000" entry in The Year End Consolidated Financial Statements but he commented they were too numerous to detail - besides, he didn't have the data with him!

(5) None of the leadership could explain the concept of Deferred Expense Accounting?

(6) Was threatened with a defamation lawsuit when I dared ask, "How much has the Federation $250/hr MMF lawyer Murray ("The Happy Litigator") Trachtenberg been paid so far to litigate www.CyberSmokeSignals.com? From where in the budget has the money been expensed?" Oy bloody veh!

(7) They wouldn't let me in because: I didn't religiously listen to the MMF sponsored "Metis Hour Times Two" program hosted weekly on NCI Radio by Ray St. Germain; read www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com far too much; and am not a Priority Financial client!

Please send your worst experiences/nightmares to pieuk@shaw.ca. The 10 winners will receive a dinner for two with President David Chartrand courtesy of the taxpayer funded Manitoba Metis Federation. Hurry, enter today as many times as you want!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

The Metis Nationhood Challenge!

Today August 11, 2006 ..... I issue this challenge to all Metis Manitoba ..... lets have a public debate on the quest of sovereignty, Nationhood and all that flows from it. For some time our people have been uttering these words with regularity but it is clear to me that the term is not understood. Therefore lets have an open forum on this.

To me these term are not understood, therefore, lets have a debate where all Metis citizens will have an opportunity to express their views and get clarity from those who use them daily in their dialogue. Perhaps, just perhaps the MMF might setup an extra day at the Annual MMF Assembly in Brandon this September.

Fortunate Guiboche,
Winnipeg, Manitoba Metis Territory
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Dear Mr. Guiboche:

As always, thank you for writing. While we applaud your initiative, however, at the risk of being an iconoclast raining on your parade here are some issues which will make such a meritorious, commendable effort very difficult:

(1) Are those in positions of power at the MMF capable of fully understanding the significance of these terms and their possible impact? If fully implemented the Federation would have to drastically change the way it currently does business. Is a highly centralized organizational structure where "all significant" decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a very few (i.e. "The Inner Circle!") likely to do so. It probably couldn't even if it wanted

(2) Apathy. There are an estimated 100-120 thousand Metis citizens living in Manitoba. Of those approximately 35 thousand are card carrying MMFers. Less than 7,000 voted in the 2006 election. Abraham Lincoln said it best, "In the end people get the kind of government they deserve."

(3) The MMF Annual General Assembly. Face it, all decisions of any importance have already been made long before delegates hit the floor. Can it not be effectively argued it's nothing more than a public relations exercise used by the leadership to showcase themselves to the membership/media? How many attendees have their accommodation, meals and pocket money covered? In some cases could they view it as a paid weekend away from where they live - good time to do some shopping in the Big City?

(4) Realistically, to expect the Manitoba Metis Federation leadership to set aside a day for the kind of debate you suggest may be dreaming in quadruple technicolour

Sorry to sound so cynical but those are the parameters as we perceive them based on much research and observation. However, your cause is indeed noble and most worthy of pursuing. Good Luck!

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

From past debates at the Manitoba Legislature!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "The list just got longer!"

FYI about Gaudry ..... http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/hansard/2nd-36th/vol67/h067_2.html

Mr. Struthers: Could the minister tell the House whether or not these discussions are in any way related to certain charges under The Fisheries Act against Mr. Robert Gaudry?

Mr. Enns: Madam Speaker, my understanding is Mr. Robert Gaudry is facing certain charges for illegally using small mesh net and for fishing without a fishing licence. Most fishermen in Manitoba are aware of these preconditions prior to fishing in the province of Manitoba.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for sending the excerpt. To see the full discussion go to the above link where you will find:

ORAL QUESTION PERIOD

Scroll down to:

St. Laurent Fish Processing Plant
Funding

Robert Gaudry was born in the Métis community of St. Laurent. He is married to Rolande and has four children. Robert has lived a traditional Métis lifestyle since he was a child. He has been an active Commercial Fisherman all his life. Robert was elected Chairperson of the St. Laurent Local in 1970, to the Board of Directors in 1987 for the Interlake Region, Vice-President in 1990 for the Interlake Region, and was elected consecutively as Vice-President up until 1996. Source: www.mmf.mb.ca

Note: Mr. Gaudry was re-elected to the Interlake Regional Board of Directors in the June 2006 MMF election by a whopping 370 votes.

Editorial Comment:

Living the traditional Metis lifestyle is good, meritorious fine and dandy Robert. Problem is, you still have to respect Manitoba's existing harvesting laws until such time as they're changed.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

What kind of chicken?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "The list just got longer!"

I think the only thing you have to do to become eligible for Office at the MMF is sacrifice a chicken and kiss David Chartrand's ring.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Love your sense of humour!

The list just got longer!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "It just keeps getting better!"

Dont forget about (Name Deleted). If you're looking up anyone check this loser out. He's a f.....g criminal, always having brushes with the law.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. We'll add him to our list.

Monday, August 07, 2006

It just keeps getting better!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "How does the MMF pre-screen its candidates - or does it?"

It might also interest your readers to know that (Name Deleted) was charged with trafficking a few years back. He was growing pot right on his land. (Different Name Deleted) also has numerous charges. What a glorious bunch!
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. As you can see we've deleted the names provided. While we don't doubt for a moment the accuracy and veracity of what you've told us we have not yet had a chance to run these individuals through the Provincial Court File Registry but we will. Suffice it to say for now both were successful in the last MMF election. If true your allegations lend further credence to our belief the Manitoba Metis Federation has no candidate pre-screening process or if it does it's woefully inadequate.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

P.S. How much was he charging for a pound?

How does the MMF pre-screen its candidates - or does it?

Anonymous said:

Good for you publishing this stuff Clare! Deslauiers is a ..... , and I can vouch for what the previous writer said about Darrel complaining of these recent posts. Last week he went crying to David and a lawyer - not Murray Trachtenberg it was someone else - to see if anything could be done to stop you from displaying these judgments. He was even more depressed when the solicitor said there was nothing. Absolutely pathetic!
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. The information you've seen so far is available to the public at the Provincial Law Courts Building (File Registry). But there's more, a lot more, much of it highly explosive. Suffice it to say for now he's been involved with the judicial system on numerous previous occasions.

Perhaps he should have thought of this when he agreed to become a Plaintiff in the defamation lawsuit against www.CyberSmokeSignals.com - what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Maybe he would have been well advised to check the facts of the case before rushing to judgment.

This situation raises a much bigger issue. What safeguards (e.g. obligatory criminal/civil record checks, disclosure of possible conflicts of interest, etc.), if any, are in place (MMF constitution or elsewhere) to pre-screen potential candidates before their names are allowed to stand on the ballot? The election bylaws are severely flawed!

A friend, who spoke with one of the Progressive Conservative candidates (Manitoba) in the last federal election, was telling me recently of the detailed, multi-page questionnaire they had to complete as part of the nomination process. Does the Manitoba Metis Federation have a similar pre-screening system for those it endorses to run for elected Office? Probably not.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Darrel, you're going the wrong way - the courthouse is in Winnipeg!









WHERE'S DARREL?

IN THE QUEEN'S BENCH
WINNIPEG (CENTRE)

BETWEEN: THE T. EATON COMPANY LIMITED, Plaintiff

- and -
DARREL R. LESLAURIERS, Defendant
JUDGMENT ROLL
The Defendand not having delivered any statement of Defence to the Plaintiff's Statement of Claim:
1. IT IS THIS DAY ADJUDGED that the Plaintiff recover against the DEFENDANT $1,260.92 and $202.20 costs taxed. DATED the 12th day of march 1985.
Signature (Untelligible)
Deputy Registrar of the Court
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Suite No. 85-01-00755
IN THE QUEEN'S BENCH WINNIPEG CENTRE
BETWEEN: THE T. EATON COMPANY LIMITED, Plaintiff
- and-
DARREL R. DESLAURIERS, Defendant
JUDGMENT ROLL
CHRISTIE, MACKAY AND COMPANY
Barristers and Solicitors
700 - 444 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 3T1
Solicitors for:
THE T. EATON COMPANY LIMITED
Lawyer: C. C. SETTLE
Phone No: 947-6801
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No. 85-01-00755
IN THE QUEEN'S BENCH Winnipeg (Centre)
THE T. EATON COMPANY LIMITED, Plaintiff
vs
DARREL R. DESLAURIERS, Defendant
CERTIFICATE OF TAXING OFFICER
Gregory Cartwright
CHRISTIE, MAKAY AND COMPANY
Barristers and Solicitors
700 - 444 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 3T1
Solicitors for: The T. Eaton Company Limited
Lawyer: C. C. Settle
Phone No. 947-6801
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Form No - Certificate of Taxing Officer Gregory Cartwright
Suit No. 85-01-00755
IN THE QUEEN'S BENCH
Winnipeg (Centre)
BETWEEN: THE T. EATON COMPANY LIMITED, Plaintiff
- and -
DARRYL R. DESLAURIERS, Defendant
CERTIFICATE OF TAXING OFFICER
I CERTIFY that the costs of the PLAINTIFF, THE T. EATON COMPANY LIMITED have been taxed and allowed at $202.20. Dated the 12th day of March 1985
Signature (unintelligible)
Deputy Registrar

What! Grassroots News doesn't always tell it like it is?

Arnold "Pravda/Tass" Asham








Tansi/Good Day Folks:

The following article appeared recently in the Cree Opaskwayak Nation newspaper Natotawin News a twice weekly publication (circulation over 2,500) operating for over 25 years in The Pas. I guess Mr. Kehler won't be working again for Grassroots News anytime soon. A special thank you to the reader who sent the electronic link.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
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The World Of Aboriginal Media In Manitoba
Special Guest Editorial R. Irwin Kehler
May 12, 2006
Page 4
(Source: www.opaskwayak.mb.ca/May12,2006.pdf)

I wonder sometimes about how much the general public, or particularly, the Aboriginal public may know of what is actually going on behind the scenes in the Aboriginal media world? Take for example, my recent visit to The Pas Regional Office of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF).

In a discussion with an employee there I asked a kind young lady if she knew anything about how much the MMF Head Office pays one particular Aboriginal newspaper to print news in its centre spread pages. She shook her head and stated she did not know. I informed that from my information the MMF Head Office regularly paid this newspaper every fiscal year (April 1) an amount in excess of $50,000. Furthermore, this amount did not include the additional advertising dollars spent by the MMF Head Office in this publication for other activities which from my knowledge exceeds an amount over $100,000 per annum.

The thing that I pointed out was intriguing in this business arrangement was the simple fact that from my knowledge, of all the seven MMF Regional Offices in Manitoba, there is no advertising budget allocated in their budgets - they don't have a need in The Pas or Thompson or Brandon to promote their own regional interests?

For me as a permanent member of the MMF, the $100,000 plus earmarked by the MMF for just one Aboriginal publication must be examined closer by the Metis people of Manitoba and they must be allowed to know how and why this business plan has been set up the way it is. That is my opinion as a guest editor.

Another situation that shows the behind the scenes activities of the Aboriginal media and the way it delivers information to the First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, of the province. I attended a Chiefs' conference at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation one year recently. I was doing coverage for the MKO Newsletter at the time. I had signed a 3 issue agreement with MKO Grand Chief Sidney Garnoch and MKO Projects Advisor Ken Henry and Arnold Asham, Publisher of one of the Aboriginal newspapers whereby I would sell advertising for the MKO Newsletter and also write its articles.

At the time I was attending the Manitoba Chiefs' conference at the Kikiwak Inn, I had a meeting with Steve Clarke who was Executive Director of the MKO Secretariat. One of the things Steve had suggested to me in an earlier meeting at the MKO Offices was that I do work with MKO on their newsletter and that "we don't need" Arnold Asham of Grassroots News. So I had told him that I was doing the third installment of the MKO Newsletter, as per agreement, and that I would consider doing the MKO Newsletter by myself with MKO after I honoured the original agreement with the MKO Grand Chief and Ken Henry.

Well the interesting thing is that after I had a special meeting with Ken Henry, Arnold Asham, and Michael Jerch, Legal Counsel of MKO was in attendance, of course, Arnold Asham blew his top and Grassroots would not be dropped from the agreement. So I felt good about calling the meeting and working out an effort we all could live with.

Eventually, Steve Clark met with Arnold Asham of Grassroots News and I was dropped from the agreement and Steve Clarke would not authorize me to put out the third issue that I was working on for the MKO and he subsequently signed an agreement with Arnold Asham whereby Arnold would do eight more issues fo the MKO newsletter ..... that's how the Aboriginal media works. This is one of my experiences and this is truly how our Aboriginal media is employed ..... Dog eat dog!

Another situation, I created the Southern Chiefs' Newsletter under former SCO Grand Chief Bill Traverse and I distributed the first issue at an SCO Chiefs' Summit in Dauphin, Manitoba. I hitched a ride back to Winnipeg from Dauphin with MKO man Joe Guy Wood and SCO Fisheries Director Pascal Bighetty (current Chief of Mathias Colombe), I had a chance during this trip to ask some questions from these "old political vets" of Manitoba Aboriginal politics and I remember asking Joe Guy what he thought of Phil Fontaine and his answer, "I think one word to describe Phil is "......."

Man that was an interesting response! I asked Joe Guy what he meant and I recall him stating that once he sets his mind on something there is no way in H to get him to change his mind! Anyway, after Bill left as SCO Grand Chief, Margaret Swan was elected to take over. I got a call from the new SCO Executive Director at the time to do another issue of the SCO Newsletter under the new SCO Grand Chief. I acquiesced.

Fast forward to 2004 where I was producing the MKO Newsletter with Arnold Asham that I seek approval from SCO to do their newsletter again and produce it as in a 24 page newspaper format like I was doing with the MKO Newsletter. At the time, Chris Henderson, SCO Communications Officer was interested. I even arranged a discussion between SCO acting Grand Chief Norman Bone, Arnold and myself to move the plan ahead. Chris ignored me for certain reasons.

Eventually, Chris ran as a candidate for the SCO Grand Chief position and won. On the first day of his term as SCO Grand Chief, Chris was signing an agreement with Arnold at his newspaper office for a whole year of advertising. I had left Winnipeg and was busy on tour for the MKO Newsletter conducting interviews and business meetings in northern communities. I was left out of the meeting between Chris and Arnold and I got nothing out of it. The point here is ..... that is how the Aboriginal media works in Manitoba.

One other important event has to be discussed herein to see what I am talking about. I recall receiving a letter from Carol Wood of Nisichiwayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) describing her feelings towards the proposed Wuskwatim Hydro Electric projects. She released the letter for publiation and I thought that would be a good "Letter to the Editor" type of story for the MKO Newsletter - I've written in over 25 local, regional and national publications and I had a good feeling that this would be a great grassroots type of article.

But I was approached by Kevin Mason, Editor of Grassroots News and he pointed out that I should think twice before printing Carol's letter because it could cause "problems" between MKO Grand Chief Sidney Garrioch and Elvis Thomas of NCN who was a proponent of the hydro projects. By the way, Carol opposes the projects and she is Elvis's sister. Anyway, Kevin Mason in his wisdom somehow convinced me nto to publish Carol's letter in the MKO Newsletter. My point here? This is the Aboriginal media at its finest whereby we try not to share information that cause rifts between our leaders. They must agree on everything because we're one big happy family! Huh?

I must point out here that I also am very impressed by Arnold's business dealings at Grassroots and other northern leaders on how they deal with the Aboriginal media and tell it what it should and shouldn't write about. For example, those who are regular readers of Manitoba Aboriginal media publications may recall how after time and time again the Editor of The Drum newspaper would attack Norway House Chief Ron Evans regarding his work in his local community. It seems The Drum would eventually be blacklisted by various Aboriginal leaders and communities. What is interesting is that today that same former Editor of The Drum newspaper is now employed as an Editor for the Grassroots newspaper, a newspaper that has a signed agreement with MKO News to regularly publish articles for the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chief, Ron Evans.

I believe that readers of Aboriginal newspapers should take a closer look at how these types of business maneuvering take shape because it is the MMF, AMC, MKO and SCO that financially give the lion's share of advertising dollars to the Grassroots newspaper.

Do you believe the Grassroots Newspaper is writing independent articles or is there a possibility that there is influence peddling and meddling of Grassroots Newspaper in the Aboriginal media of Manitoba. As the writer of this article and these are my comments and statements, not the opinion of Natotawin News, I am very gracious to have the opportunity to have submitted articles for publication consideration by the new Editor, Mr. Constant, and I hope he does allow my freelance articles to be published in his newspaper for his readership.

If you have any questions about my article, I can be reached at the following contact numbers:

R. Irwin Kehler (204) 283-2456
E-mail: Attention Mr. R. Hehler, glendasl@shaw.ca

P.S. I have taken a lot of space in this article. One more thing, I have gone to the big brother newspapers such as the Winnipeg Free Press and I have asked a simple question, "Has the Winnipeg Free Press ever, ever sold their front page for coverage of some special event?" and the response of the journalist whom I was talking to commented that she thought that was, "Out of the question!" I informed her that from my experience and knowledge, the Aboriginal media does that type of thing.

Chi' Miigwiich,
R. Irwin Kehler

Saturday, August 05, 2006

What about the MMF's post election report?

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

Thank you to the reader who sent the following article. Under terms of the Manitoba Metis Federation's constitution, the Chief Electoral Officer is required to prepare a post mortem report for the Provincial Board of Directors which provides comment, analysis and recommendations. Will Alvin Zivot's June 29, 2006 findings be made public? Probably not.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
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CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN ANNOUNCE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE FOR METIS NATION - SASKATCHEWAN ELECTION

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN (June 30, 2006) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today announced the creation of an Independent Oversight Committee to assist in the holding of a new and fair democratic election for the leadership of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MNS). The announcement comes as the next step forward in efforts to facilitate a process that leads to a democratically elected MNS Provincial Council.

Rita Bouvier, Ronald George James Lamabe and Marilyn Poitras have been named to the Committee. In addition, David Hamilton will be the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

"The establishment of this committee is in the best interests of all parties," said the Honourable Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Jim Prentice. "We have worked together in moving forward on this challenging situation, and acknowledge the constructive participation of the Métis National Council. We believe that this independent process will lead to a fair election and ensure greater accountability."

"Each member of the committee is a highly-regarded member of the Métis community with a keen interest in ensuring that the next MNS election is fair, accountable and responsive to the needs of Métis people," Saskatchewan's Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations Maynard Sonntag said. "This announcement represents a significant step forward in arriving at a fair and democratic election for the Métis people of Saskatchewan."

"We see today's announcement as a positive step forward in resolving the current electoral issues the MNS and the Métis people in Saskatchewan face. We have confidence in the selected men and women and their collective abilities to work with the MNS and Saskatchewan Métis in order to arrive at a democratic and fair election," added Audrey Poitras, Vice-President of the Métis National Council.

The Independent Oversight Committee will oversee the implementation and management of all aspects of the next MNS election. The Committee will operate under the principles of transparency and accountability and will communicate with the Métis community on the election process.

Together, the Committee and CEO will develop a timeline, work plan and budget for the election and establish a verifiable voter's list for the election. It is expected that the MNS will work with the Independent Oversight Committee to enable an early election to be held in accordance with the MNS Constitution.

Upon completion of the election process and the tabling of a final report to the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the new elected MNS Provincial Council, the Committee will dissolve.

Attachments:
Committee Member Biographies
Independent Oversight Committee Terms of Reference and Member Selection Guidelines

For More Information Contact:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations (819) 953-1160
Robert MacDonald, Director of Public and Media Relations Métis National Council (613) 232-3216
Alethea Foster, Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations (306) 787-5701

Friday, August 04, 2006

For the record!

Ernie Todd has left a new comment on your post, "We are so very sorry Mr. BiG KAHUNA - please don't come looking for us!"

Just to be clear, the meeting we had was to discuss a fund raiser for your legal defence fund, as recommended by someone we both know. I have only met you once & that was the time. If you or anyone else is interested in hiring the CWF for a fund raiser of special event, I am available, plus I offer Youth Workshops on Crystal Meth prevention & awareness, as well as several other issues of importance & offer pro wrestling training starting in Sept. If you saw the Venturing Forth program, you would see what I am all about. The last time I spoke to Ella was to offer my condolences for the passing of Nelson's brother Armand who used to wrestle as The Warrior. I do not know how to get a hold of Nelson, so I called Ella. It's a respect thing. Jeff Richard is a man of his word & if he even needs my help, all he has to do is ask.

Take Care
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ernie Todd:

Thank you for writing. Recently you were quoted on www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com:

"Would like to clear something up since Claire has refused to post my response to his suggestive methods & writing on this blog."

Here it is. Your assumption is incorrect. I have never refused to post this e-mail - where has that been publicly stated? Rather, it's about finding the time - trust us, yours is not the only letter we receive!

"First off Claire asked for the meeting to discuss the possibility of doing a Gimili or Wpg, with the proceeds to go to his legal defence fund. If someone wants to hire me for a fund raiser no matter their political affiction or asperations, I am available. I met the man once in my life."

That "someone we both know" expressed concern their telephone/e-mail messages were not being promptly returned if at all. On that basis we decided to cancel the project.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

You have to show up to win - anyone seen Darrel?













File # SC97-01-67321
THE QUEEN'S BENCH
Winnipeg Centre

BETWEEN: (CCA) COMMERCIAL CREDIT ADJUSTERS LTD., Plaintiff
-and-
JOANNE GREGOIRE AND DARREL R. DESLAURIERS, Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF DECISION ON DEFAULT
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that this Small Claim matter was heard before a Hearing Officer under The Court of Queen's Bench Small Claims Practices Act on April 8, 1998.
Decision:
Against DARREL R. DESLAURIERS who failed to appear, for the sum of $467.68 plus $25.00 (costs) plus $133.63 (interest) plus $61.30 (disbursements) for the total judgment of $687.61. Claim was granted in favour of (CCA) COMMERCIAL CREDIT ADJUSTERS LTD.
Amended May 5, 1998
The judgment will bear interest at the rate of 1.5% per month.
Date: April 20, 1998
(Signature)
SUNDSTROM, N
Deputy Registrar
Note: This decision could have been appealed. We found no evidence of such.