And the winner is ..... (Drum roll please!) ..... May we have the envelope?

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

The CSB GOLDEN AWARD for BEST "DESCRIPTIVE PHRASE" AND MOST IMAGINATIVE E-MAIL ADDRESS OF THE MONTH goes to Mr./Ms (?) Rice for

"white as rice"
and
pukinginthetent
(www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com)

pukinginthetent said .....

Tax money shouldn't be going to the MMF anyway. I qualify for a Metis card and I am "white as rice." I refuse to get one. 11:47 PM
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Dear Mr./Ms (?) Rice:

Interesting descriptive phrase and e-mail address.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Jeez, not again!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Super" Lionel to the rescue - oy veh!"

Bet Lionel sure loves that decision to go to court! Boy, it was totally worth it wasn't it? Now he gets to enjoy all the perks that go with being President of such a distinguished community organization! Best of luck, President ........! (Expletive deleted yet again!)
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. We positively loved your descriptive - how true! Unfortunately, we were advised not to publish it otherwise Mr. Lionel R. R. Chartrand could sue us for defamation. Yikes!

"Super" Lionel to the rescue - oy veh!

ACW Continues Freefall
Helgason, Bartlett Attempt To Pin Woes On Former ACW Pres

By Len Kruzenga
Grassroots News
Volume 10, Number 24
November 21, 2006
Source: www.grassrootsnews.mb.ca/Archives.htm

As if the recent election debacle and subsequent court case weren't enough to paint the ACW as irrelevant and dysfunctional in the eyes of many urban grassroots members of the organization, news that its federal funding has been cut off - it is thousands of dollars in debt, owes over $14,000 in federal taxes and penalties and has exhausted its $20,000 line of credit - have some calling for the organization to be dissolved immediately.

"It's a fiasco and a disgrace," said Logan Avenue resident Clara Maytwayashing." I was shocked to find that the people who have either sat on the Board or headed the organization trying to paint one person Larry Wurcherer as responsible for all this, when they all sat on the Board too. It's really too much, how little respect they have for the people."

But some government sources say the move to suspend federal funding to the ACW is attributable not to the finances of the organization as much as recent events including an election widely viewed - including by the organization's former Chief Electoral Officer - as rife with campaign and voting irregularities.

"Lets just say that it was effectively brought to the government's attention that what occurred at the ACW and some other matters related to the Aboriginal Centre that a decision was made to force accountability on this organization," said the highly placed Conservative Party source.

And while current ACW Director Wayne Helgason and its Treasurer Marileen Bartlett are attempting to pin the blame for the group's financial situation solely at the feet of former President Larry Wurcherer, the Ottawa source noted that the amount owed to the federal government was not significant enough in and of itself for federal funding to be suspended.

There are hundreds of companies and organizations that owe the federal government money but aren't being cut off. The government will work with any organization that they have confidence in as legitimately trying their best. What was missing here obviously for the government to take these steps is a lack of confidence.

As Grassroots News reported last month, both the provincial and federal governments are actively reviewing elements of several funding deals and practices at the ACW and of some groups operating out of 181 Higgins Avenue.

And past members of the ACW say they're pleased the feds have finally stepped in.

"The whole place needs to be put under a microscope. We've got a newly elected President who claims that only a small number of people contested the way the election was conducted, that the courts backed the election - they didn't just the voting results - and we have a number of people from Wayne Helgason, Marileen, Rhonda and others that sit on all these Boards of different groups that are supposed to represent the best interests of the community but are neither accountable to the community or responsible to them," said Andrew Moar. I read the court ruling that Lionel is crowing about. It never said the election itself was free and fair. The judge even said she wasn't asked to rule on that issue. Her ruling just said the results had to stand based on rules of procedure in the ACW's bylaws that's all. So for Lionel to even pretend he has the confidence or support of the ordinary urban aboriginal citizen is a joke.

Both Maytwayashing and Moar say they'll be attending a scheduled November 25 community meeting at the Thunderbird House regarding the ACW.

"The feds know the ACW and organizations like CAHRD only represent a few people so it's time to form a new rganization and take control of all these programs and services funding these groups that were created to serve the whole community and not a select few," said Moar.

"I guess Wayne and Marileen and Lionel really think everyone is stupid or just going to roll over and pretend things are ok."

Our ways are not to go running to court to let owhers decide what the people should be deciding. This group at 181 Higgins only knows one thing and that's running away from the people when they want information or blaming someone else when they were there the whole time everything was going on. These are our leaders? They couldn't get a pack of hungry strays to follow them even if they wore pork chop necklaces.

The deleted descriptive?

Anonymous has left the following message:

Ha ha ha - good luck Lionel you .... (descriptive deleted)!
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. We loved your descriptive - you couldn't have picked a better one! However, we were advised not to publish it.

"Racist filth?"

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Has Anonymous hit a few nails on the head?"

This is racist filth and a new low, even for you. Shame!
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Jeez, that's "racist filth?" Awfully quick to play the race card aren't we?

"The Group of Five" - an endangered species?

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

It seems there's a lot more to Denis Rocan being defeated for the Carman, Manitoba nomination in the next provincial election than was reported in the recent Winnipeg Free Press article.

The political blogging community appears to have taken it as a given Progressive Conservative leader Hugh McFadyen was behind Mr. Rocan's ouster and may be trying to engineer the same fate for Portage La Prairie Member David Faurschou. Here's what we find interesting.

Both these gentleman were part of "The Group of Five" who independently publicly endorsed David Chartrand's candidacy as MMF President in the lead up to the June 2006 Federation election. According to what should be a very reliable, knowledgeable source, a third member who advocated on behalf of President Chartrand was also on the Party's radar but it was decided not to proceed because they were too firmly ensconced to dislodge from their Riding.

Perhaps the late Jacquiline Kennedy Onassis said it best, "Politics is a game of knives."

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
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Friday November 24, 2006

The Tory eat-our-own strategy marches on - this past week we've seen two hand-picked Huey-ites win nominations in "safe" PC seats. The most interesting of course was the defeat of incumbent Denis Rocan in Carman, with the leaders' office fingerprints all over the effort.

Similarly, there's likely an upcoming coup heading David Faurschou's way in Portage in favour of another of Huey's close allies. It's no secret Hugh and Co. are behind the effort to dump Faurschou also.

Why so much Tory effort in ridings they are likely not in too much danger of losing? Centralization of Hugh's power on the party seems the most likely answer. Far be it from us to suggest focusing on strong candidates for swing ridings would likely be a better use of his time.

Meanwhile, congrats are in order to Jennifer Howard in Fort Rouge, who edged out James Allum on Wednesday night on the first ballot. A simple, straight-forward nomination race with no blood on the floor at the end of the night. Hmm, compare and contrast.

Again, though, the main issue for the NDP is that the Fort Rouge contest had a selection of quality candidates who either ran, or had been close to running for the nomination: Jennifer, Jamie ... as well as Donne Flanagan and Pete Reimer.

Four quality young candidates who would likely have been assets in a refreshed caucus. Instead, Gary Doer only gets one fresh face while seeking a third term.

It would have been much better to do some work to encourage retirements from the class of 1990 and earlier and renewed the team more thoroughly.

Source: http://blackberryaddicts.blogspot.com/2006/11/to-hell-with-poverty.html

Post: "To Hell With Poverty"

Has Anonymous hit a few nails on the head?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Professor Tom Flanagan strikes again!"

So the "connection" that some Aboriginals have with their casino and gambling lands is what, sacred?

The reality is there is no incentive for Aboriginals to improve their collective plight.

CBC will continue to agitate for greater funding.

Your reactionary hit posts on Flanagan for merely suggesting a solution is absurd.

Many churches have gotten into trouble, some for sexual abuse of Aboriginals, and in a number of cases, what has been the solution to compensate victims at the behest of Aboriginal lawyers?

Sell land!

Aboriginal Canadians get thousands in welfare and funding per person per annum.

Is it that you don't believe that "reserves are dysfunctional?"

What is Wayne Courchene's solution to ongoing problems other than outrage and standing with a hand out?

What is your solution exactly, whine and attack someone who is bothering to suggest a solution?

Sure Flanagan is a Conservative, but attacking him for his "opinion" serves nobody.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Sadly the church's solution has sometimes been to simply move the problem individual from Parish to Parish.

And yes, the CBC will continuing agitating for greater funding just like David Chartrand. By the way, very well written piece. Should provoke a reaction.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Professor Tom Flanagan strikes again!

Selling Reserve Land Could Help Solve Poverty: Professor
Last Updated: Thursday, November 16, 2006 10:22 AM MT
CBC News
www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2006/11/16/flanagan-pressclub.html

One of the only ways to address poverty on native reserves is to enhance property rights, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's former senior campaign adviser said Wednesday night.

The system in place now is stopping aboriginal Canadians from improving their economies, said Tom Flanagan, a University of Calgary professor and co-editor of Self Determination:The other path for Native Americans, a new book that takes a hard look at property rights on reserves.

The value of property on native reserves has gone up significantly, especially on the outskirts of cities like Calgary, he told a meeting held at the Ottawa press club.

Yet people on reserves live in poverty and their homes are falling apart, added Flanagan, whose 2000 book, First Nations? Second Thoughts, called native reserves dysfunctional although he admits he's never been to one.

Under Canadian law, many people on reserves face restrictions when it comes to selling or leasing land but Flanagan believes some of those should be lifted.

Aboriginal people should have the right to sell some of their land to business developers, who would make better use of their property and create jobs for native people, he said.

I don't think native people have much choice in the matter because they are maybe three per cent of the Canadian population," he added. "They are surrounded by western capitalism everywhere."

That comment angered Wayne Courchene, an adviser to the Assembly of First Nations. He said Flanagan's views are narrow-minded and don't take into consideration the traditional connection aboriginal people have to their land.

"I was outraged by the remark," he told CBC News. "I didn't think it reflected what a lot of Canadians feel."
Flanagan, whose work also questions why First Nations should live in a tax-free environment with free housing, stressed that he's not advising the government on aboriginal issues.
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Biography - Tom Flanagan

Former Senior Communications Advisor, Conservative Party of Canada, And Professor, Political Science, The University of Calgary

Dr. Tom Flanagan is perhaps the only person ever to have lived in both Ottawa, Ontario, and Ottawa, Illinois. Born in Ottawa, Illinois, he studied political science at Notre Dame University, the Free University of West Berlin, and Duke University, where he received his Ph.D. He has taught political science at the University of Calgary since 1968.

Although Dr. Flanagan has published in several areas, he is best known as a scholar for his books on Louis Riel, the North-West Rebellion, and aboriginal land claims, and his books on these subjects have won several prizes. Most recently, his book First Nations? Second Thoughts received both the Donner Prize and the Canadian Political Science Association’s Donald Smiley Prize for the best book on Canadian politics published in the year 2000. He has served as a consultant and expert witness for the Crown in aboriginal and treaty-rights cases such as Dumont, Blais, Benoit, and Victor Buffalo.

During 1991-93, Dr. Flanagan was an adviser to Preston Manning and the Reform Party, but he was fired for giving too much advice. His experience working for the party is described in his book Waiting for the Wave: The Reform Party and Preston Manning, published in 1995.

In 2001-02, he began to work for Stephen Harper, managing Mr. Harper’s campaigns for the leadership of the Canadian Alliance (2002) and of the Conservative Party of Canada (2004), as well as the Conservative Party’s national election campaign in 2004. He has now returned to teaching at the University of Calgary but remains an adviser to Mr. Harper. He worked as Senior Communications Adviser in the Conservative war room during the party’s successful 2005-06 election campaign.

Dr. Flanagan was elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 1996. He is married to Marianne Stanford Flanagan. They have three children and one grandchild.

Established in 1974, The Fraser Institute is an independent public policy orgaization ("think tank") with offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Professor Flanagan is a Senior Fellow.

www.fraserinstitute.ca
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B'nai Brith Canada

During the last federal election President Chartrand was quoted in the media as having compared Dr. Flanagan to "Hitler without an army" (His words not ours!). He subsequently wrote a letter of apology to Mr. Frank Dimant, B'nai Brith Executive Vice President (Toronto) for trivializing the holocaust. Presumably Mr. Chartrand received legal advice under The Defamation Act of Canada such statement(s) could be deemed defamatory.

In the past, MMF lawyer Murray Norman Trachtenberg has been active in this organization. His online resume lists:

B'nai Brith Canada League for Human Rights Mid-West Region
1987-88 Director
1988-90 Vice Chairman
1990-93 Chairman

B'nai Brith Canada Board of Governors
1993-94 Member at Large
1994-95 Regional Vice President
1996-97 Regional Chair, Institute for International Affairs
___________________________________
B'nai Brith Canada is the independent voice of the Jewish community, representing its interests nationwide to government, NGO's (Non Government Organizations) and the wider Canadian public.

Since 1875, it has been respected for its groundbreaking work on matters relating to anti-semitism, racism and human rights, its strong advocacy on the pressing issues of the day, and the important social services it provides.

www.bnaibrith.ca/

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Denis Rocan departs Manitoba legislature!"

Amazing resemblance to Davey ..... must be dining out at the same restaurants if you catch my drift .....
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Unfortunately, we had to delete your last sentence even though it may be true.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Possible lawsuit against Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party?

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

After reading the recent Winnipeg Free Press article about Denis Rocan losing the nomination as PC Conservative candidate in the Carman, Manitoba Riding, several red flags immediately went up:

(1) With all due respect to winner Blaine Pedersen, how could a relatively unknown provincial politician "seemingly" come out of nowhere to defeat a 20 year MLA veteran - and by a wide margin at that! Is there a story within the story?

(2) As you may recall, prior to the last MMF election Mr. Rocan and four other Conservative Members publicly endorsed President Chartrand's candidacy thereby possibly creating the mistaken impression it represented the Party's official position. If so, did it place Leader Hugh McFadyen in an embarrassing predicament? Could Denis Rocan's recent demise in any way be related to this?

(3) Were other factors involved?

Both Messrs. Rocan and Pedersen were interviewed separately on CBC Radio this morning. The former claimed some of his challenger's nomination documentation was incorrect and filed late while the latter took the position everything was in order. Of course, it leaves the door open for Mr. Rocan to seek redress through the courts by suing the PC Party. Does anyone know if a similiar lawsuit has been previously launched at either the provincial or federal level?

Recently the nomination process for Michael Ignatieff's candidacy was raucous with some of his opponents threatening to sue the Liberal Party of Canada for not adhering to its own guidelines/rules. However, to the best of our knowledge nothing ever came of it.

We decided to undertake a little research to see what the Blogs were saying. Some very interesting comment/speculation can be found on:

www.andy-fletcher.blogspot.com
www.blackberryaddicts.blogspot.com
www.commentsclosed.blogspot.com
www.endlessspin.blogspot.com

A cautionary word is in order - www.CyberSmokeBlogs.blogspot.com in no way, shape or form endorses the authenticity/accuracy of any statement(s) which appear on these sites. Nor does it have the means to verify their validity or lack thereof.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Perhaps the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg should ask the MMF for a loan?

Native Group Mired In Debt
Aboriginal Council's Federal Funding Cut Off - Owes More Than $14,000 In Taxes

By Carol Sanders
Winnipeg Free Press
Monday November 20, 2006
Page B1

THE non-profit organization set up to look out for the interests of Winnipeg's native community is mired in debt and controversy, and divided over who best represents the interests of the city's aboriginals.

The Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg has had its federal funding cut off, is thousands of dollars in debt, owes more than $14,000 in federal taxes and penalties and has maxed out its $20,000-plus line of credit, says newly-elected board member Wayne Helgason. He is a former Council President who served until 2003.

"At this moment, we couldn't spend a dime," Helgason said. He contacted the Free Press to say the Council is in a financial mess, and he blames the most immediate past-president, Larry Wucherer.

The two men represent two factions that vied for control of the Council in an election in September.

Wucherer lost and says he's being made the scapegoat. He says Marileen Bartlett - who supported Helgason's slate - was the Council's Treasurer and was responsible for the finances.

Bartlett, who was elected to the Council in December 2005, says that Wucherer had total control of the Council's finances and wouldn't share information or account for spending.

Bartlett said the Council receives $200,000 in government funding a year - $100,000 from provincial Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and $100,000 from the Canada Privy Council-Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

Bartlett is also the Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), of which Helgason is an appointed Board Member. The Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg and CAHRD are housed at the Aboriginal Centre campus at Main Street and Higgins Avenue.

Critics of the winning slate complain that Helgason, Bartlett and other groups running programs out of the Aboriginal Centre have controlled the bulk of government funding for urban aboriginal projects without seeking adequate input from the rest of Winnipeg's native organizations.

"The Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg could be a very important tool for aboriginal people, especially since there's such an influx of families coming to the city," said Dilly Knol, Executive Director of the Andrews Street Family Centre. She ran in September's Council election for a Director's seat because she didn't feel the Aboriginal Council was representing many urban aboriginal people, including families the Andrews Street Centre is trying to help in the North End. She's not alone.

"The ACW claims to represent 7,000 members," said Community Development Worker Diane Roussin, a registered member of the Aboriginal Council. "You gotta be kidding me. What are (they) doing to involve those members?" She said people throughout the aboriginal community are questioning what the Council does. Many wonder if organizations working outside of the Main and Higgins campus benefit from any of the government funding the Council has secured on the basis that it is the voice of Winnipeg's aboriginal people.

Like Knol, Roussin ran for the Council and lost in the September election that was rife with complaints about voters -- mostly adult students attending classes at the Aboriginal Centre - being improperly influenced.

Of more than 52,000 aboriginal Winnipeggers identified in the 2001 Census, 7,000 were eligible to vote in the election held at the Aboriginal Centre campus. Close to 800 cast ballots. After the election, a General Assembly of the Aboriginal Council voted to hold a new election, but Helgason and Chartrand applied to court to uphold the outcome. The court ruled the election result was technically valid, but did not address the allegations of voter influence.

Wucherer, Knol, Roussin and others wrote letters asking the province and the federal government to look into the use of public money in the election campaign.

Provincial Minister of Advanced Education and Training Diane McGifford has asked for a review of the matter, she said in a letter to Wucherer.

The newly elected president of the Aboriginal Council said he doesn't think there is any acrimony in the urban aboriginal community.

"I've had a lot of positive feedback from people," said Lionel Chartrand, whose full-time job is as a criminal lawyer for Legal Aid. He said people want the Council to get on with the business of advocating for aboriginal people.

He said Wucherer "and his followers" don't have the broad community support they claim to have. Chartrand said Wucherer is trying to create the "illusion" the community is divided.

It's no illusion, said Roussin. Members of the aboriginal community are meeting at Circle of Life Thunder Bird House on Saturday, Nov. 25, to discuss urban aboriginal issues, especially leadership, representation, accountability, fairness, openness and future directions.

She said Wucherer broke from tradition and reached out to the rest of the urban aboriginal community outside the campus at Higgins and Main, and that's why people were supporting him.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca

Denis Rocan departs Manitoba legislature!

Farmer Unseats Incumbent To Run For Tories
By Mia Rabson
Winnipeg Free Press
November 18, 2006
Page B7

Elm Creek farmer Blaine Pedersen pushed out one of the longest sitting MLAs in the Tory party Thursday by a margin of almost two votes to one.

Pedersen won the right to represent the provincial Conservatives on the ballot in Carman during the next provincial election, defeating incumbent Tory MLA Denis Rocan, who has been an MLA since 1986.

Almost 900 people turned up in the Notre Dame de Lourdes community hall for the vote, and about two out of three voted for Pedersen.

"We knew we had the memberships sold, but it all depended on getting the membership out to vote," Pedersen said.

His win gives him an excellent shot at a spot in the legislature after the next provincial election - expected next year - because Carman is considered Tory safe territory.

Rocan, one of the most independent Conservatives has been targeted by some Tory insiders for years. A former speaker of the house his bipartisanship left some members of his own party feeling as if he was occasionally too cosy with the government.

One former Conservative colleague, David Orchard, wrote to a local rural paper this fall calling for Rocan to be voted out, saying the MLA no longer was the best person to represent the riding.

Orchard did not respond to a request for an interview yesterday.

Neither did Rocan. At Thursday's event he was told the results before they were announced, and stayed in the hall only long enough to congratulate Pedersen.

A Metis, Rocan is the only Tory MLA of aboriginal heritage, and is also the only one who speaks fluent French.

He was recently recognized for being responsible for the province-wide smoking ban, since it was his private member's bill on the issue that ultimately was adopted by the government.

Premier Gary Doer said Rocan had a lot of integrity and was well respected by "broader communities than the normal Tory base."

"I think it is going to be a weakness not to have Denis Rocan in the legilature and in the Conservative caucus," Doer said.

Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said it was disappointing the Conservatives would "oust" such a strong MLA and suggested there is room for Rocan in the Liberal caucus.

"I think it shows the nature of the current Conservative party under Hugh McFadyen," Gerard said.

He said when Stuart Murray was leader, no MLA had their nominations challenged.

McFadyen wished Rocan well but said that in a democracy the people are always right.

"There was a will on the part of party members to have a change there, but I do want to take the opportunity today to acknowledge 20 years of excellent service in the legislature on the part of Mr. Rocan," McFadyen said. "I know this is a difficult time for him personally."

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
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I first encountered Mr. Rocan in 1987-88 after arriving in Winnipeg from Quebec City. My first job was as a Policy Analyst/Researcher for the Liberals under Sharon Carstairs although I have never been a member of any political party. At the time, Denis Rocan was Speaker of the House which carries significant behind the scenes influence. Speakers Chair the Management Committee which makes spending decisions at the Legislature.

In those days he was an unpretentious person - what you see is what you get. A smoker back then it seems he subsequently reformed.


Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Never mind "Whitey" and Catherine where's Murray?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post, "Manitoba's true Poet Laureate?"

I've been visiting www.ptlaw.mb.ca for over two weeks to see if it has posted anything about the Yvon Dumont trial. However, each time I get the screen:

MTS allstream

English/Francais

This web site is hosted by MTS Alstream

What's happening?

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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing that's the first we've heard. Hard to say:

(i) After being thoroughly pummeled by Defence solicitors Anders Bruun and Jeff Niederhoffer in the Metis National Council Secretariat/Metis National Council/President Clement Chartrand versus Yvon Dumont case maybe he decided to quickly leave town? We should be so lucky!

ANDERS BRUUN and JEFF NIEDERHOFFER

(ii) We checked online Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench File CI 05-01-42919 and could find no evidence Counselor Trachtenberg has filed a Notice of Appeal on behalf of his Plaintiffs. Justice Menzies rendered a decision July 5, 2006. Recall His Hounour offered to resolve any dispute over fees owing. There was no documentation indicating he has been asked to intervene

(iii) Therefore, this would seem to suggest the Plaintiffs are on the hook for all legal costs. How much? An educated guess - ballpark figure - $75,000! For what?

(iv) Given Counselor Trachtenberg's MMF billings to date for the defamation lawsuit against www.CyberSmokeSignals.com it was time for a much needed upgrade of the Posner & Trachtenberg webpage? If you've seen Murray's new site please contact us so we can link him to us.

Sincerely,

Clare L. Pieuk

Murray and his empty office?

Manitoba's true Poet Laureate?

University Receives Lost Louis Riel Poem
Globe And Mail
November 16, 2006
Page A8

SASKATOON - In the weeks leading up to his hanging for high treason 121 years ago today Louis Riel struck up a friendship with his jailer.

This week a poem the Metis leader wrote for Robert Gordon becomes a prized part of the archives at the University of Saskatchewan.

"It's a beautiful piece of writing," says Maria Campbell, a Metis author and playwright who has studied Riel extensively.

Traditional historians tended to overlook Riel's artistic side and the social context in which the events of his political life took place. The poem provides a window into both, Ms. Campbell says.

It's also significant because it doesn't need translation.

"This is the first poem that I know of that he wrote in English because all of his work has been translated from French to English. So for me, that's what's exciting about reading it."

Written in Riel's flowing script, the poem was apparently penned at Mr. Gordon's request. The loose pages, now yellowed with time, are dated Oct, 27, 1885. Riel was hanged about three weeks later on Nov. 16.

"The jailer was a very sensitive man, and in a couple of places there is mention where he said that when Riel's wife came to visit him, he allowed them some time alone," Ms. Campbell said.

Edna Warrington, development officer for the University of Saskatchewan library, said officials were "blown away" when a woman who was in her late 80s approached them a year ago with the intention of leaving the poem to the library in her will.

It's unclear what happened to the poem in the years immediately after Mr. Gordon received it. The woman who bequeathed it to the university was not one of his descendants.

The guard is one of many characters to be portrayed in a multidisciplinary performance by musicians, poets and actors directed by Ms. Campbell at the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company's third annual Louis Riel celebration today.

Candaian Press

'Let virtue be our soul's food'

A poem and introduction written by Louis Riel for his jailer about three weeks before Riel was hanged for treason:

Robert Gordon I beg your pardon for so having lept you waiting after some poor verses of mine. You know, my English is not fine. I speak it; but only very imperfectly.

The snow,
Which renders the ground all white,
From heaven, comes here below:
Its pine frozen drops invite us all
To white - keep our thoutht and our acts,
So that when our bodies do that,
Our merits, before God, be facts,
How many who, with good desires,
Have died and lost their souls to fires?
Good desires kept unpractic'd
Stand, before God, unnotic'd,
O Robert, let us be fond
Of virtue! Virtues abound
In every sort of good,
Let virtue be our soul's good.

Louis (David) Riel Oct. 27, 1885 Regina Jail

Oh what a web we weave when we practice to deceive!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "I know the MMF is under close spending scrutiny ....."

What a ....! The only story here is that Terry actually believed Roulette.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. Obviously Mr. Belhumeur discussed the situation with Mr. Roulette eyes wide open and fully aware of the gentleman's reputation. Perhaps what we have here is a classic case of double, double cross.

Goodon's Duck you're dead in the water!

Goodon's Duck has left a new comment on your post "I know the MMF is under close spending scrutiny ....."

Ha ha , the MMF is going to sue you losers to kingdom come!
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Dear Goodon's Duck:

Thank you for writing. They already are. Can you imagine how Federal and Provincial politicians must feel when they read on this site about the thousands and thousands and thousands of your hard earned taxpayers' dollars being paid to MMF lawyer Murray Trachtenberg to prosecute the defamation lawsuit?

Do you really think they're pleased to learn public monies given the Federation to help Manitoba's Metis in dire need of improved housing, health care, youth initiatives, employment and education are being diverted to pay Mr. Trachtenberg's minimum $250 hourly fee - unless, of course, President Chartrand and his fellow Provincial Board of Director Plaintiffs are paying Mr. Trachtenberg out of their own pockets. Not bloody likely!

Like Goodon's Duck you too are dead in the water!

"I know the MMF is under close spending scrutiny ....."

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

The following was posted by Terry Belhumeur webmaster and owner of www.CyberSmokeSignals.com. The statement, "I know the MMF is under close spending scrutiny ....." is genuinely eye-popping. Perhaps Mr. Belhumeur would like to elaborate precisely what this means for internet readers.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
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November 11, 2006

I am having trouble believing that the MMF and David Chartrand are still intent on spending money suing me. I was assured by Don Roulette (prior to the MMF elections) and a few other Metis people from head office that they wanted this damaging lawsuit to just go away and that if I stopped publishing all things adverse to the MMF it would.

I have no will left to fight for anything political. I was drawn into this thing by other parties and forced to attempt to defend myself as best as I could without the benefit of legal council. Now I get a letter from Murry Trachtenberg telling me he is ready to start with the "Examination for Discovery" phase.

What a waste of time since I have nothing on my part for him to discover. I hate the thought of going through all the crap again of informants leaving me material at secret places. I know the MMF is under close spending scrutiny after what some who are being sued did but I assure you it was not me. If any Board Members are reading this please contact me confidentially and lets put this to rest.

If not then I guess no one cares.

For all those who support me, I am not selling out. The correct way to change any government is through voting. I urge you to use that method if change is what you desire. Only if one is backed into a corner should one come out swinging.

Terry

Whitey please call home everyone's worried!

Mob seen! Cop: I saw Whitey leaving 'Departed'

Was that Whitey departing The Departed? California cop believes he saw Bulger flee flick

By Dave Wedge and Laurel J. Sweet
The Boston Herald
Friday, November 10, 2006 - Updated: 01:27 AM EST

Notorious fugitive James J. Whitey Bulger may have starred in his own quick getaway scene after a cop spotted a man resembling the crime boss exiting a screening of the mob flick The Departed at a San Diego cinema.

Sources said an off-duty police officer spied the 77-year-old Bulger - or at least someone matching his description - leaving a downtown theater after watching the film, which stars Jack Nicholson as a dead ringer for the South Boston crime lord.

San Diego Police Department spokeswoman Monica Munoz confirmed the department responded to the report about three weeks ago.

The off-duty cop tailed the Bulger look-a-like out of the theater but lost him when the suspect hopped onto a trolley. San Diego transit cops searched the trolley system but were unable to find anyone matching the description, Munoz said.

A source told the Herald the cop recognized the man as Bulger from his steely blue eyes and muscular physique. A law enforcement source confirmed that authorities are probing the alleged sighting.

Samantha Martin, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office, which is in charge of the Bulger Fugitive Task Force, declined comment.

The incident is the latest possible sighting of the crime boss who vanished in 1995 as an organized crime strike force made up of state police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service closed in. A longtime snitch, Bulger fled the night before he was indicted for 19 gruesome mob murders, thanks to a tip from his boyhood pal and longtime FBI handler John Connolly.

The last confirmed Bulger sighting was in London's Piccadilly Circus in September 2002.

The Task Force released a statement earlier this year saying authorities run down every lead and exclude every look-a-like sighting. There were sightings reported in 19 countries in 2005.

In August, authorities released 25-year-old surveillance videos of Bulger in an attempt to ferret out more tips.
Bulger, who fled with longtime galpal Catherine Greig, has a $1 million bounty on his head and remains the FBI's No. 2 most wanted fugitive, behind only Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden. He has also remained a compelling media figure as stories about Bulger recently appeared in newspapers in England, where authorities once found Bulger's safety deposit boxes.
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The Departed was directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Vera Faimiga, Mark Whahlberg. Anthony Anderson, Ray Winstone, Alec Baldwin and Amanda Lynch.

A remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film called Wu jian dao (Infernal Affairs), The Departed tells the story of two men from opposite sides of the law who are undercover within the Boston State Police Department and the Irish Mafia but violence and bloodshed boil when discoveries are made and the moles are dispatched to find out their enemy's identities. Source: www.thedeparted.com

The Departed is based on the life of James "Whitey" Bulger who for over 20 years headed South Boston's Irish Mob. For much of this time, unbeknownst to even his closest associates, he doubled as a secret informant for the FBI and Massachusetts State Police against the City's Italian Mafia.

We think Catherine and Whitey are hiding in the basement of the Manitoba Metis Federation's headquarters building amongst all the clutter and leftover anti-Stephen Harper placards from the last federal election.

It is our understanding, speaking hypothetically of course, IF Whitey and Catherine were indeed found in the cavernous basement at 150 Henry Avenue they could be extradited to the United States for trial. But that then begs the interesting question were they being harboured? If so it's a "Felony Class 1 Crime" in the USA punishable by imprisonment. Could we possibly see, for example, MMF Leadership being indicted in the US? Interesting to speculate isn't it?

So remember Federation Leadership, it is against United States law to knowingly harbour fugitives. Please comply "FORTHWITH" and "GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY" or else!

And the award for Best Harvester Card comment goes to (Envelope please!) .....

OTIS from derrylsanderson.blogspot.com for:

"I agree with Charles (Beer) in that the MMF is not the government of the Metis. It is nothing more than a corporation. I am also a Club Z member with a Club Z card. Does that mean I have the right to shoplift at Zellers which is also agaist the law? Metis do not need no card."

Learn more about your culture and language!

----- Original Message -----
From: josph proulx
To: office.mimn@telus.net
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 11:54 AM
Subject: Re CD

French Mechif CD and Dictionary both available from Elder Rene Proulx for $15.35. Send money order made payable to:

Rene Proulx
2633 B Kinghorn Rd
Box 1 C5
Nanoose Bay, British Columbia
V9 P 9A1
Telephone: 1-(250) - 468-0267
E-mail: dproulx1@telus.net

An the winner is (Drum roll please!) .....

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

We've decided to give awards in certain categories. The prize? A free coffee (small) at Tim Hortons! Today's winner is fellow blogger and colleague Mr. Derryl Sanderson (www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com) for Best Politically Correct Statement of the Week!

Lionel Chartrand President Of Aboriginal Council

"Congratulations to the new President and Board of Directors. Much has been written on the alleged voting irregularities during the ACW's election, but now that the Queen's Bench has made their decision, I think it is time to move forward for the benefit of the members. Without knowing many of the players, I don't want to assume anything other than what I know, so I trust the new President and Board will strive to achieve the Board's mission and carry on the good work that has been accomplished at the Centre."
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Upon reading it everyone at CyberSmokeBlog suddenly became violently ill!

Anyone wish to buy a CD?

Hi Clare,

It's Rene from British Columbia. In case you know someone who might want a CD (add $2.25 for shipping & handling), you can put it on your site if you want.

Marsi,
Un vyeu Mechif fiere
Rene Proulx
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Dear/Cher Monsieur Proulx:

Reading between the lines, do you have a CD of Mechif language or perhaps some unique music. Please send more details and we'll post them. Also, what is your e-mail address? Your message arrived as Rene Proulx. If you'd like, pass it along and it can be displayed as well. Have a telephone number to share with our readers?

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!

Tansi/Good Day Folks:

As noted today by Derryl Sanderson (Charles Beer Takes On MMF's Alan Benoit On Hunting Rights -www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com), the following letter appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press. According to Mr. Sanderson, "He (Mr. Beer) was narrowly defeated by President David Chartrand's brother, Elbert, in the last Manitoba Metis Federation election. Beer came awfully close to unseating the incumbent in the Northwest region."

We've also included comments by Lionel R. Chartand posted on www.CyberSmokeSignals.com who, in an early April 2004 telephone conversation with me, stated he had entered into a personal services contract to do paid legal work for the Federation. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
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The Winnipeg Free Press (Editorials)
Wednesday November 8, 2006
Page A14

Metis Rights Constitutional
Re: Metis hunting Cards, October 28

The Metis of Canada have the right to hunt, fish and gather and other aboriginal rights under the Constitution of Canada.

I don't know where a corporation (Manitoba Metis Federation) has obtained the authority to give out cards to the Metis people for hunting when this card is illegal in Canadian law. The Metis people need to know and remember that this is not a right given to them by a government of the MMF Corp.; this is the Metis birth right, just like every other aboriginal in Canada.

As far as Allen Benoit suggesting a Metis hunter needs a harvester card to claim a constitutional right to hunt, this is totally false. The Constitution doesn't support this nor does the Supreme Court in Powley or the Christie McPherson case in The Pas. Therefore, that statement should be retracted by him personally and the MMF Inc.

As far as the Goodon case being hailed as a landmark test for Metis hunting rights, it is far from that, unless for those Metis using the MMF Inc. harvester card as their rights to hunt, (which card remains as MMF Inc. property).

If these harvester cardholders are relying on a corporate card to give them constitutional rights, they probably don't have any.

I find it absolutely discriminatory that the Manitoba government continues to break the highest law in the land and continues to charge Metis people when it knows what the law is. And now the head of the resource department of the MMF Inc., Benoit is stating that he too would like to have enough money to put officers in the field to also charge the Metis people for exercising their customs, culture and tradition as upheld by the Constitutional Act of 1982.

CHARLES BEER
Shortdale
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From: "Lionel Chartrand" <lrc@shaw.ca>
To: "clare pieuk" <pieuk@shaw.ca>
Sent: January 20, 2004 1:00 AM
Subject: david 2

Dear Editor:

David's "leadership" has been very costly to Manitoba Metis and hopefully this will change very quickly with the Honourable Mr. Dumont taking over the reins. David has done many things in reverse of convention.

Normally, Aboriginal groups keep their harvesting rights but settle their land claims. Land claims are much more difficult and costly to prove in Court. Rather than fighting in Court spending needless millions of dollars, he should sit down with his friendly government counterparts and attempt to settle the case - then taking any acceptable offers to the membership for a referendum. This is how First Nations usually settle their own land claims.

On the other hand, harvesting rights are normally kept, and not negotiated away. Why is David negotiating them away now that the Supreme Court has confirmed the Manitoba case, and now that the government is legally obligated to honour these rights? Can David name ONE First Nation band or Tribal Council which has negotiated away their rights and their members must apply for and pay for permits and licenses? I am personally not aware of any.

I look forward to sensible and responsible leadership. We can't get the Honourable Mr. Dumont back in as president soon enough.

Lionel

Please support this worthwhile cause!

LITE is gearing up for its ........
10th Annual Wild Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
Friday, November 24
7:00 - 10:00 am
Indian and Métis Friendship Centre

This annual event is an opportunity for community members, CED organizations, politicians and anyone who loves pancakes to come together to celebrate CED in Winnipeg's inner-city. Groceries for the delicious pancakes are purchased at Neechi Foods, an Aboriginal worker-owned co-op. Pancakes and muffins are prepared and served by Native Women's Transition Centre Catering, Wolseley Family Place Food Connections Project, Andrew's Street Family Centre Catering and St. Matthew's-Maryland Community Economic Development program.

Local musicians and performers are hired to entertain throughout the morning. This year features the North End Women's Centre Drum Group, The Borrowmen from Gordon Bell High School and young performers from a number of schools in the area. Local crafters and artists sell their wares at the Arts and Craft Sale. (This is a great place to start your holiday shopping!) Artists from Graffiti Art Program (GAP) are hired to create a piece of art during the Breakfast which will be raffled off in support of LITE and GAP. CBC Radio One will be doing live updates from the breakfast, so stay tuned to 990 AM on your way.

We are looking for folks who have attend all 10 LITE's breakfasts. If you know of someone, please send an email to litepr@mts.net.

This year's Breakfast is on Friday, November 24 from 7:00-10:00 am at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (45 Robinson). It is a province-wide in-service day, so bring the whole family! Tickets are $10 or $4 for low-income earners or children. You can contact the LITE office for tickets at 942-8578, email litepr@mts.net to have tickets and an invoice sent out to you, or purchase them at the Breakfast. Come and celebrate the impact of CED in our inner-city!

For more information about LITE visit file://www.lite.mb.ca/
Chris McCarvillePR and Events Coordinator
LITE (Local Investment Toward Employment)
New Address:
571 Selkirk Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2W 2M8
(204) 942-8578

THANK YOU RED!

The Gardens Leprechaum says:











"So how's it going up there in Canada eh? Sorry for not talking with you sooner but we've had a real loss here in Boston. RED Arnold Auerbach who Larry-Joe Bird once called, 'The Godfather of professional basketball' passed away recently. Above the 2006/07 team is shown honouring him prior to Wednesday's game at the TD North Gardens (TD as in Toronto Dominion). Unfortunately, RED died a couple days before otherwise that would have been his 60th home opener at "Da Gardens!"

RED with Celtic Great Bill Russell. Mr. Auberach was the first coach in professional sports history to field an all back team!







Celtic living legend Larry Bird with RED after winning yet another NBA Championship! Give his cigar back Big Guy!









ARNOLD RED AUERBACH (1917-2006)

CyberSmokeBlog.blogspot.com and its Blogmaster:

(1) Are not liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information on this site

(2) Assume no responsibility for its use and

(3) Are not liable for damages:

(i) Of any type

(ii) For reason(s) however caused under any theory of liability arising from the use of this site even if advised of the possibility of that damage.

Please comply "FORTHWITH" and "GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY!" or else.

Quote of the day!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A special message for Anonymous!"

How does that saying go again? "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer? Hmmm ..... just a thought.
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Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for writing. How true! Here's another one which aptly covers the situtation. "Oh what a web we weave when we practice to deceive."