That sure was "ballsy" MMF leadership!
Be Proud Be Metis!
By Don Marks
Grassroots News
May 29, 2007
Page 6
With an eloquent and impassioned message of unity and working together, Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand, MMF Board of Directors, the Local Executive, citizens and friends celebrated the very first unveiling of a Local Metis Government sign in Ste. Rita, Manitoba on Saturday, May 26th - the first of 130 signs that will be placed in cities, towns and villages throughout the province to inform the public they are entering a territory with a Local Metis government.
"Our Locals are the foundation upon which we build our Nation," said President Chartrand. The signs are part of our ongoing effort to remind the general population of our Metis nationhood that founded this province, that we are not going away and we are not going to be forgotten. Our governments will work positively with all other provincial groups to enhance the economic and social strength for the betterment of all. This is the essence of Canada which is a multiculteral country based on mutual respect, friendship and unity."
The sign reads, "Our Local Metis Government welcomes you to Ste. Rita" and is adorned with a section of Metis sach, the MMF logo and the familiar blue and white Metis insignia of unity.
But President Chartrand's appeal for unity contrasted sharply with the views of a couple local citizens who chose to remain anonymous threatening to us the informative yet artistic signs for "target practice" or cut them down with saws.
"If anything happens to this sign, another one will go up the very next day. All 130 signs will continue to go up until they ran out of gas for their chain saws." President Chartrand replied. "This is a historic provincial initiative which enhances the profile of Metis people and our Metis government which is enshrined in the Canadian constitution. The signs showcase our strong Metis pride, cuilture and heritage."
People are coming forth everyday to re-claim their birthright and their citzenship to our Metis Nation," Chartrand continued. "These signs recognize this fact and introduce our willingness to work in co-operation with our fellow citizens.
Cold, rainy weather did not deter the good sized crowd form showing up at Highway 15 and Ducharme Road where the sign was unveiled. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ste. Rita and was attended by dignitaries including the Honourable Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface (Simard.R@parl.gc.ca/info@raymondsimard.ca), Mr. Gerald Hawranik, MLA for Lac Du Bonnet, Local Chair Garland and Vice Chair Jeanette Garand and Vice-Chair Dan Benoit and Bob Monkman on behalf of Manitoba Hydro.
The ceremony was followed by a gathering at the Ste. Rita Community Centre where some folks danced the jig to fiddle music played by Oliver Boulette, sipped on coffee, tea, donuts and bannock and then joined in supporting a military parade for a plaque dedication honouring veterans from Craig Siding (incredibly, there are 57 veterans from this single, small area of Manitoba!).
And it's reasonable to assume the veterans would be very honoured to know that Highway 15 is now beautified and signified by a tasteful and informative pronouncement of the Metis fact the veterans served and preserved goes on and will go on in 130 locations throughout Manitoba.
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"With an eloquent ....." Isn't that an oxymoron? Wonder where the next sign will suddenly appear?
Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
By Don Marks
Grassroots News
May 29, 2007
Page 6
With an eloquent and impassioned message of unity and working together, Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand, MMF Board of Directors, the Local Executive, citizens and friends celebrated the very first unveiling of a Local Metis Government sign in Ste. Rita, Manitoba on Saturday, May 26th - the first of 130 signs that will be placed in cities, towns and villages throughout the province to inform the public they are entering a territory with a Local Metis government.
"Our Locals are the foundation upon which we build our Nation," said President Chartrand. The signs are part of our ongoing effort to remind the general population of our Metis nationhood that founded this province, that we are not going away and we are not going to be forgotten. Our governments will work positively with all other provincial groups to enhance the economic and social strength for the betterment of all. This is the essence of Canada which is a multiculteral country based on mutual respect, friendship and unity."
The sign reads, "Our Local Metis Government welcomes you to Ste. Rita" and is adorned with a section of Metis sach, the MMF logo and the familiar blue and white Metis insignia of unity.
But President Chartrand's appeal for unity contrasted sharply with the views of a couple local citizens who chose to remain anonymous threatening to us the informative yet artistic signs for "target practice" or cut them down with saws.
"If anything happens to this sign, another one will go up the very next day. All 130 signs will continue to go up until they ran out of gas for their chain saws." President Chartrand replied. "This is a historic provincial initiative which enhances the profile of Metis people and our Metis government which is enshrined in the Canadian constitution. The signs showcase our strong Metis pride, cuilture and heritage."
People are coming forth everyday to re-claim their birthright and their citzenship to our Metis Nation," Chartrand continued. "These signs recognize this fact and introduce our willingness to work in co-operation with our fellow citizens.
Cold, rainy weather did not deter the good sized crowd form showing up at Highway 15 and Ducharme Road where the sign was unveiled. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ste. Rita and was attended by dignitaries including the Honourable Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface (Simard.R@parl.gc.ca/info@raymondsimard.ca), Mr. Gerald Hawranik, MLA for Lac Du Bonnet, Local Chair Garland and Vice Chair Jeanette Garand and Vice-Chair Dan Benoit and Bob Monkman on behalf of Manitoba Hydro.
The ceremony was followed by a gathering at the Ste. Rita Community Centre where some folks danced the jig to fiddle music played by Oliver Boulette, sipped on coffee, tea, donuts and bannock and then joined in supporting a military parade for a plaque dedication honouring veterans from Craig Siding (incredibly, there are 57 veterans from this single, small area of Manitoba!).
And it's reasonable to assume the veterans would be very honoured to know that Highway 15 is now beautified and signified by a tasteful and informative pronouncement of the Metis fact the veterans served and preserved goes on and will go on in 130 locations throughout Manitoba.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"With an eloquent ....." Isn't that an oxymoron? Wonder where the next sign will suddenly appear?
Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk
posted by Clare L. Pieuk at 7:33 PM
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