Get your voice heard - another opportunity in caseyou missed the last one

Hi,
I will be attending the one in Red Deer as I have a previous engagement on the Saturday meeting.
Hope you will attend one of the sessions.  Aboriginal voices should not be silent.
sharon

November 15, 2011
Province launches Our Children, Our Future: Getting it Right public consultations on the Education Act
Government to hold forums in seven communities on education legislation
Edmonton... Students, parents, teachers and others interested in building education as the key to individual and community success are invited to participate in upcoming public consultations on the Education Act.

“Education legislation is not reviewed very often and I am committed to getting it right,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. “By opening up this discussion to the public, especially to students, we can ensure this legislation reflects Albertans’ vision for their education system and that it has a direct and positive impact on Alberta classrooms now, and for decades to come.”

One component of the Our Children, Our Future: Getting it Right consultations will be forums conducted in seven communities. The consultations will be exploring four themes:

1. Making schools safe and welcoming
2. Making learning relevant for all students
3. Keeping students engaged in learning
4. Setting students up for success in life

“I encourage Albertans to take part in these discussions,” said Lukaszuk. “For those who cannot participate, we will also be launching an online consultation shortly, so that everyone can have the chance to share their thoughts on the future of education in Alberta.”

Albertans can visit http://education.alberta.ca/engage to register for the opportunity to participate in the following forums.

Date	Location
Saturday November 26	Edmonton
Tuesday November 29	Red Deer
Thursday December 1	Calgary
Saturday December 3	Bonnyville
Monday December 5	Lethbridge
Wednesday December 7	Fort McMurray
Friday December 9	Peace River

While these meetings are open to all Albertans, space is limited. Therefore, confirmation emails will be sent to all who register confirming their space in the community forums. Priority will be given to parents, students and teachers.

Details on the additional elements of the consultation, including online submissions and events in schools, will be announced in the weeks ahead. The results of this public consultation will be incorporated into the new Education Act, to be introduced in the Legislature in Spring 2012.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Donna McColl
Communications
Education
780-422-5248
780-965-9210 (cell)
Donna.J.McColl@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Remembrance Day thought

Last night I attended Kristallnacht, Night of Broken Glass.  November 9, 2011 at the Edmonton Talmud Torah, Guest Speakers Robbie Waisman survivor of concentration camp, and Dr. Leon Bass, Afro American who was in US military to saw the concentration camp first hand.

It is an amazing story of how a black man seemed to be an angel to a Jew.  They made initial contact in a concentration camp just after the allies liberated it.  Amazing the similarities between both stories.  Most people know about the holocaust.  There are still some survivors.  Dr. Bass talks about being discriminated against in the US wearing his soldier uniform and being made to stand in the back of the bus wearing his uniform.  His experiences were mild compared to what he saw in the concentration camp.  I don’t have time to detail everything,(apparently the CBC did a documentary about it)  just to say there are many similarities between these two stories and stories of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada.  Let us remember the holocaust, the American civil war, the Riel Rebellion, the Battle of Frog Lake,  . . . . . .  we must tell the stories.  SO THEY WILL NEVER BE REPEATED. “The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing.”

Those were the days of summer. You think you had mosquitos....

Get involved in your school- parents. Aboriginal voices need to be heard

Hi, I want to encourage you to participate in the mainstreeam - influence what is going on.  Below is info for school council training.  Please consider it.  Let me know how it goes :-)

Edmonton Public Schools - School Council Training - SIGN UP TODAY!!!
Hello:
What could be more fun than coming to an event where you get to eat yummy appetizers, connect with school council folks from all over the District AND  learn a ton of practical, easy to use and implement ideas to take back to your school community?!?
 School Council Training is a great way for newbies and experienced members to start the new school year.  All school council members (parents, teachers, principals, community members) or potential members are invited and welcome to attend School Council Training.  So - even if you’re not currently a school council member but are interested in finding out more about school councils please plan to join us.
 WHEN:  MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – starting with an appetizer reception (yes you can plan to eat supper here!) at 5:30 p.m. with the session beginning at 6:30 p.m.
 You’ll get to choose up to three fun-filled informative sessions to attend over the course of the evening.  Topics include:
 Session 1: Novice News An introduction to what school councils are, what they do, who they benefit.
 Session 2: Who Chairs? Who Leads? Learn how to be a positive, influential member of the school council, even if you’re not the “Chair.”
 Session 3: Table or Tablet – Is One More Valued/Valuable Than the Other? Tired of the “same old faces” doing “all of the work”? Pick up engagement strategies that can result in more people being involved.
 Session 4: No More Awful Meetings Why are some meetings great and others are awful? Take a quick look into the “Anatomy of a Meeting.”
 Session 5: Who’s Who in This Zoo? Who can your school council work with to strengthen support for your students?
 Session 6: Bylaws—Everything You Need to Know Do you need them? What are the benefits? What about liability insurance?
Program:   5:00 p.m.                    Registration begins.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.         Appetizer reception/networking

6:45 – 8:45 p.m.         Choose from a variety of sampler sessions
9:00 p.m.                    Leave with practical tools you can begin using with your school council immediately!
 WHERE:   Centre for Education, One Kingsway – Blue building across from the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Free underground parking (front of building, down the ramp).  Please note there is construction on Kingsway so directions to get here depend on which direction you’re coming from.  If you’re not familiar with how to get into the building given the ongoing road work, please email janice.bell@epsb.ca for further instructions that will make your drive easy!

 REGISTRATION:     Click on http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PB3TXS2  to register online or call Kim at 780-429-8040 to register by phone.
If you have further questions, please call Janice at 780-429-8279.  Hope to see YOU on November 7th!
Janice Bell , Communications Consultant, Partners in Education, Edmonton Public Schools, One Kingsway, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4G9 , P: (780) 429-8279  F: (780) 429-8288, E: Janice.Bell@epsb.ca  W: www.epsb.ca

Check out our new webpages at http://www.epsb.ca/familiescommunity/index.shtml 

Join Edmonton Public Schools on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and LiveStream

Aboriginal Women's Professional Association promo video - check it out

If you are not a member, why not ladies?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNYA1DipT30&feature=player_embedded#t=0s

Courageous is a film second to none both technically and the acting.

Courageous is a film second to none both technically and the acting.  This new generation of faith based films is comparable to anything Hollywood produces. Nothing amateurish here.  The characters could be your next door neighbor or a co-worker, the scenarios are contemporary and relevant.   I was pleasantly surprised.  It was bold in the sense of faith presentation in the lives of the characters and it was real.  I didn’t have the feeling of anything being contrived.  The pace was steady and fast enough to keep you engaged and not guessing ahead to what was coming.  Real choices, real challenges that we all face in one form or another are played out with real consequences, not all a fairy tale ending or ‘trust God and it will work out’ mentality.  Practical and hard hitting yet encouraging and healing.

Initially I went to see the movie to support visual art with a message the same way I see Aboriginal movies to support the Aboriginal community.  As an Aboriginal person who believes that Jesus is the Messiah, I support Christian efforts.  This is a primary way to influence the media – support good wholesome ‘entertainment’ and Hollywood will actually produce some of it. 

The primary message of the movie was fatherhood and what it means.  Just because it focuses on fathers doesn’t let women off the hook though.   There is something for everyone in this movie, both young and old, men and women.  The movie is brilliant in this regard that it touches so far and so vast an audience.  Everyone has a father and everyone has relationships.

It is well worth the drive to south commons.  I encourage you to see it this week as I don’t know how long it will play in the theatre.  Go and support faith based media.  Better yet, go and be inspired, challenged and provoked.  Let me know what you think of it.

Thought:   What does a generation of fatherless children look like? 

Similarities of two cultures shown at Høstfest - MinotDailyNews.com | News, sports, business, jobs - Minot Daily News

Similarities of two cultures shown at Høstfest - MinotDailyNews.com | News, sports, business, jobs - Minot Daily News

Official count in on MNA website

Well yesterday at about 4:00 pm an email was sent to me notifying me that the count would be at 8:30 am Wednesday.

So this morning I went and was expecting the poll boxes for Lac La Biche to be in the board room ready to be opened and counted and to have an explanation of some kind.
The  board room was empty of any election materials.  Sheila came in with her two staff carrying a poll box.
She showed the poll box with the ballots was still locked.  She opened it and showed the ballots were still in it.

She said they looked in all the envelopes and stuff and found all the information they needed.  She made up a dummy poll book and discovered they had all the information.  She said she pieced it all together and it matches. We were shown nothing.  Just given this information, then she declared the official count  - it was the same as what was arrived at last week.

I was shocked.  I don't personally feel this is right.  I didn't say anything because there didn't seem to be any point as she has always had the attitude to get this done without incident no matter what. I don't know how she could come to that conclusion when it seemed there were about 50 ballots missing from the Lac La Biche poll boxes - those for provincial president.

This was the official count.  Anyone can call for a recount according to the bylaws.  I don't agree with some of the decisions already made by Sheila Genaille e.g. allowing 36 ballots when only 34 names are on the poll book.  There were some inconsistencies as well.

This is a brief report from my perspective.  If you want more details from me, ask.  I don't feel like typing anymore right now.

Better still, ask the chief electoral officer - in writing.  Send your request in writing so it should come back in writing.  Also, consider writing a request to the provincial council asking the CEO to include in her report the numbers from each poll of those people who had a card and were not on the list - they signed a paper and were allowed to vote.  I haven't checked the bylaws about that.

You might also want to ask to have included on her report the numbers from each poll of those who had no card but were on the list - they showed 2 pieces of ID and were allowed to vote.  This information can be useful.

Not sure if I'll write anymore about this unless there is an interest.  Thanks for listening.  I will be writing something about the campaign later.

MNA count - still waiting

Tansi,
Patience is a virtue.  For many of you the poll results will not change your life at all.  For some, perhaps a fraction of a fraction.  For others their whole life will be directed - the candidates obviously.

Since the election was called I've sent five communications to the chief electoral officer, Sheila Genaille and received only one reply.

Last night the candidates for president for region one were to have been informed about the Lac La Biche polls in case a conclusion was reached.   Friday the 16th there was a possibility the verdict would be in on Tuesday the 19th  and if they wanted to come to Edmonton to personally view the findings they would need to know the night before.  I inquired and was told to contact her via email as she doesn't do voice mail. She said, 'Oh I forgot you guys will want to come too.' Indicating three people including myself who were there to witness the official count.

Well I received no communication, the website hasn't been updated since one or two days after the election - Whitecourt is still listed as locked poll box.  I sent an email as requested.  If any members know any more than that please let the rest of us know.  As I am still the vice president of region four I feel it is my responsibility to keep informed about all this and pass it onto you.

Thanks for listening.

MNA elections - its not over.. still counting.. . also comment about PC candidates forum last night

To those faithful few who are subscribed and regularly check this blog, this update is for you.  I am tired and would rather go to bed early but know you want to know so here it is. 

Today was day three of what I thought was a re-count of votes.  That was my assumption because several days passed since I made my request and thought an official count had been done of what was available.  (Whitecourt locked poll box was still locked). I had sent an email plus left a voice mail for the chief electoral officer which were never replied to. 

Monday I received a notice that I posted about a recount.  After hearing comments from the chief electoral officer and her staff, these three days have actually been the official count.  That discrepancy will be addressed at another time.  For now, it seems the only issue for the chief electoral officer is Lac La Biche polls.  Because the issue will be worked on during the weekend I will avoid details (they’ll come later if necessary).  The chief electoral office is convinced that comparing paper work – poll books with ballot stubs and numbers will resolve the dilemma of the missing ballots.  I think some of it may be resolved but not all of it.  For now, she will do what she thinks needs to be done and she will inform the interested people Monday night about when region 1 Lac La Biche polls will be resolved.  I asked about an official announcement and she said Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.   

One of several issues I noted are a few polls having more ballots that names on the poll book.   To refresh your memory, when a voter goes to the poll their name is recorded in the poll book, they are handed ballots which then go into the ballot box.  The number of ballots is supposed to equal the number of names in the poll book.  If there are more ballots in the box than names recorded, from where did those ballots come? 

If you have any concerns about voting – you saw something or feel that something was not right, please feel free to email me.

Thanks for listening and continue to pray that the truth will be revealed.

Have a great weekend and if you have a PC membership get out and vote tomorrow, Saturday.   ANYONE BUT MORTON.   I went to the final leadership forum in Edmonton last night and it was worth the effort.  About 1000 people showed up.  It was a good experience.  As you know I voted for Gary Mar.  Hearing his reply about what he would do about homelessness confirmed my decision.  He talked about Aboriginal people having a disproportionate higher rate of homelessness than nonaboriginal people.   He quoted the stats and said we need to address the disparity and mentioned that the Aboriginal population is growing faster than the national average and that the average age of Aboriginal people is younger as well.  I felt it was an informed, sincere and passionate response.  Let me know what you think J

MNA recount update

Well there is the agenda and then there is reality.  It was an ambitious agenda I thought but nothing wrong with ambition as long as  it doesn't distort reality.

As you would guess region one was the first to be recounted.  Serious issues here that will be revisited today.  Region one has not been completed.  Lac La Biche polls are in question.
Region two went quickly with having only 84 votes to count. It appeared there were no irregularities but one which was accounted for.
Region three was started. Three polls were done.
Have a great day.

Other election info, PC leadership advance voting poll is TODAY

FYI  If you are interested in provincial politics here is some of the latest.

Personally, I am interested in the whole person, not just what their views are on Aboriginal issues.  When someone is mocked for their faith that is disrespectful at least and disciminatory at worst.  I know two people who NOT to vote for. (if you guessed Ted Morton you were right)

The Advance Polls   TODAY!!!!

Advance voting for the first ballot takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept 13) from 9 am to 7 pm, so if you can't make it on Election Day, please go to the advance polls. You can see advance poll locations across the province at:http://www.albertapc.ab.ca/admin/contentx/default.cfm?PageId=10031. For Edmonton, advance polling takes place in the Kingsway Ramada Ballroom on 11834 Kingsway Ave. NW. For Calgary, visit the BMO Centre on the Stampede Grounds, 20 Roundup Way SE, in Palomino Rooms E-H. Alberta's future is in your hands.

The Big Day   Saturday, September 17 is the date of the first ballot and polls will be open from 9 am - 7 pm. Over six months of amazing work from our dedicated team of volunteers and staff have led up to this day. Please make time to go the polls and encourage everyone you know to do the same; it's a small commitment with a very big payoff. This is your chance to help build a better Alberta. For info on where to vote, please see http://www.albertapc.ab.ca.   PC Alberta Leadership 2011 – Important Dates Election Day(s)   Primary Election Dates (first ballot and second ballot if required)                           Saturday, September 17, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (First Ballot)                           Saturday, October 1, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (Second Ballot – if required) Advance Poll(s)  Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (First Ballot)                            Tuesday, September 27, 2011 9 AM – 7 PM (Second Ballot – if required) Last All Candidate Forums   Thursday, September 15, 2011 - Edmonton, Radisson Hotel South, 4440 Gateway Blvd 7:00 pm I think. Some candidates will be having a meet and greet before hand.

MNA elections - its not over. Official recount notice

From:	"Chief El. Officer" <elections@metis.org>
Subject:	Official Recount
Date:	Mon, September 12, 2011 3:04 pm
To:	spasula@softhome.net
Métis Nation of Alberta, Chief Electoral Office Suite 202   11738 Kingsway Avenue, EDMONTON, ALBERTA    T5G 0X5 , TELEPHONE:  (780) 453-0294  or 1-800-252-7553  ex. 212, FAX:  (780) 453-0276, email:  elections@metis.org September 12, 2011  This is to inform you that the official recount will take place at the Métis Nation of Alberta main boardroom as follows:              Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:00 am          Region 1 10:30 am         Region 2 11:30 am         Region 3 1:15 pm          Region 3 (continued) 3:00 pm          Region 4              Thursday, September 15, 2011 9:00 am          Region 5 10:30 am         Region 6  Métis Nation of Alberta – Election By-Laws  44.2     No person may be allowed in the room where the recount is being conducted except:  (a)  the Chief Electoral Officer, (b)  the Returning Officer, (c)  the Deputy Returning Officer; (d)  Poll Clerk; (e)  the candidates or an elector appointed in writing to be present on behalf of the candidate.  Dr. Sheila D. Genaille, LL.D., Chief Electoral Officer, 1-800-252-7553, (780) 453-0294

FYI Request for a recount

Friday I sent a formal request for a recount of the votes.  With a close count of 37 plus the variance of 77 votes - the difference in count between those who voted for president and those who voted for vice president, it is a good call.  Will keep you posted.  Keep me in your loop as well.

Looking for people who have news and want to share it

Hi,

A reporter from APTN is looking to cover the MNA election.   
Info re: disputed votes, locked poll boxes, people not told where poll locations were, advance polls not available, etc.

The reporter is also looking for feedback about comments Ted Morton made about Metis and private land ownership and the Metis settlements

Please call Naomi at cell 780.886.8405  Office 780.5159 or email  nlopinto@aptn.ca.

MNA elections - its not over.

I'm waiting to hear back what will happen to those locked poll boxes;  will they be opened and counte an dif so, should be done with RCMP present which the MNA will have to pay for as it is not a public election.
 Will keep you posted.

To my knowledge the MNA has no formal historical record of its existence.  Why isn't there a book, at least a newsletter style documenting the activities and major events of the MNA.  For example John Weinstein's book Quiet Revolution is a political history of the Metis Nation nationally.
I'm saying this because apparently there was a re-election once in the history of the MNA.  Before Larry Desmeules time I was told.  Does anyone know the details of that?  Who were the candidates involved and if a court challenge was made who did it - one of the candidates I'm guessing.
Please send me whatever info you know about that event.
Thanks.
On the Metis trail...

MNA elections - its not over.

Well, the unofficial results are on the MNA website.
 It appears no change in sight, unless the locked poll boxes will make a difference - if they get counted.
Two polls in region 4 were locked poll boxes which means they were tampered with.  Some are calling for a re-election because of it.  What do you think?

The Chief Electoral Officer has ten days to declare official results.  Until then everything stays the same.

Back to school. Card from grade four children after doing a presentation. Very touching for me.

Rupertsland Institute inquiry and response

 I’ve been asked about the Rupertsland Institute.   Attached are the cards of the four board members and those eight who work in an office tower downtown (as far as I know there are eight).  Note the names and positions of the board members.   
I've also included the staff members, that I know of, who work at the Metis employment office which also has empty offices, to my knowledge.

Simply stated,

The LMD – Labour Market Development unit that was housed at the MNA head office and which brought in significant revenue (e.g. rent, etc.) became the Rupertsland Institute.  At the decision of Lorne Gladue, Chief Executive Officer who was appointed by President Poitras, he moved the LMD/ Rupertsland downtown saying he thought it would be better to be downtown.   There was no consideration given to the impact of this on the operations of the head office or the MNA generally.  Once the move was made and the impact of the huge revenue loss felt, it was slash and cut, basically devastating to the whole organization.   Many offices on the main floor have been empty for several years – loss of revenue and no activity, then the LMD offices gone upstairs, more empty offices that have never recovered revenue.  I’m guessing the building is 35% full, or 65% empty whichever way you look at it.  I think the Rupertsland Institute is a great idea that should have stayed housed at the head office at least for a transition period. 

What do you think?  Vote with your answer on September 6, 2011.

Tansi everyone,

I trust you have been enjoying the weather this last long weekend of the ‘summer’.   I have as well as being on the campaign trail.

 I received a call this AM that the last letter I posted on the blog about Mr. Lyle Donald not submitting a criminal record check in order to represent region 4 at the Métis Urban Housing board, is personal and as such would I remove it in order to avoid possible legal repercussions.  Of Course I will, I said.  Thank you was the response.

It is personal, not just to the people named in the letter, but it is personal to the Metis Nation especially when the person in question is running for office.   We see these kinds of things in mainstream politics all the time, the 'skeletons' old and new, come out.  Metis people in region 4 voted for me in 2008 because they wanted to know what is going on and they expected me to do the right thing.  For this I have been persecuted and took many hits.   It is time now for you to decide once again who will represent you at the regional level - someone who keeps you locked out of your own regional office, some one who refuses to get a criminal record check to sit on an MNA board or someone who feels its time for change and is willing to do something about it.    

Interestingly, there had been a motion at one time for candidates to have a mandatory criminal record check but lawyers said it violated some rights and could not be enforced.  However, provincial council were encouraged to submit one voluntarily.  I have had a current criminal record check for decades – doing volunteer work and employment of various kinds which required it.

Thought, whenever you see something interesting on the internet, you should copy it and keep it in your own records in case it gets subsequently removed from the internet. 

What would Louis Riel do?  

Thanks for listening and call me if you need a ride to the poll tomorrow :)

Aboriginal news opportunity

Hi,
I shared with someone this week that I read some interesting news from the Bearspaw Newswire.  Anyone can subscribe.  We are given a short version in the email and then a separate attachment with the full articles.  It is a weekly news wire focussing on Aboriginal issues locally, nationally and internationally.  e.g. Last week I read that Tantoo Cardinal was arrested for peacefully protesting a pipline scheduled to go across parts of the US.  In the news we hear about Darryl Hanna but not Tantoo Cardinal.   Anyway,  the subscription info follows;  feel free to tell her I referred you :)

Dawn Ostrem, Communications and Resource Officer,

Bearpaw Legal Education and Resource Centre

Resource Centre: 780-447-9337

Office: 780-482-7891

Main: 780-451-4002

Fax: 780-428-0187

dawn-ostrem@ncsa.ca

www.bearpaweducation.ca

MNA An article you might be interested in before voting. Plus a letter that affects you if you are a Metis woman

MNA election info...Advance poll info updated

Hi, there is some confusion about the advance poll.  There is at least one advance poll in each region.  On the polling list i provided earlier, it is marked with an   "a"  beside a number on the left hand column.  Most regions only have one place for an advance poll, soem have 2.  All advacne polls are on Saturday, 27 August, 2011.

In region 4 there is only one advance poll and it is in Edmonton - Saturday August 27, 2011 at the Westmount Hall.      There is a poll in St. Albert for September 6.

If you had a Metis Nation membership card at any time in your life, you should still be on the list and eligible to vote.  Come out and vote - even if you lost your card, bring ID and you cna vote when you rname is found on the list.  If you are not sure, call me and I can check it, or you can also call the Chief Electoral Officer at 780. 453.0294 1.800.252.7553 ex.212 Fax 780.453.0276 email: elections@metis.org

If you are in Edmonton or surrounding area and want to vote this Sat 27th at the advacne poll and you need a ride, please call me.  We will try to arrange it.  Also, voting day, if you need a ride call me.
780.456.3774     Leave a voice mail if necessary.

My report to the 2010-2011 Annual General Assembly. Vice President, Metis Regional Council IV, Metis Nation of Alberta

This report almost didn't make it in.  The protocol that was followed the last two years was not adhered to this year.   I was not informed when the final deadline was so had to cut this one short.   Nevertheless, it embodies the essence of my work in the last year.  Feel free to call me to discuss anything. 

 I don't believe this is on the website yet. Not sure if it ever will be as the MNA no longer has a communications department/person according to Mrs. Poitras at a candidates forum this evening. 

  Call the head office to get a copy.

Scrutineer form - blank, in case you need it. :)

Official candidate list and polling places provincially

campaign poster

Metis Nation provincial and region 4 candidates forum

Message from

Murial- Dusty Rose- Dennis   on Facebook

There will be a Forum on Tuesday August 23rd at 7:00 pm in the basement of the Moose Lodge in Wetaskiwin. (Moose Lodge is east of Fas Gas, corner of 50th ave and 49 street.)

 All Metis welcome and please bring your questions for the Candidates

For more info call. Muriel at 780.389.2229 or fax 780.389.2249.

All candidates forum - Provincial and region 4

Hi, I became aware there is a candidates forum in Wetaskin the last Tuesday of this month, I believe.  Contact below for details.  Tell the provincial and region 4 candidates.

Rose Dennis dustyrose2002@hotmail.com

Brochure content for easy reading

Elect

Pasula, Sharon (Letendre)

Provincial Vice President

Métis Nation of Alberta, 2011 Election

Contact me ∞ 780 - 456 - 3774

Learn more about my campaign @ http://pasulasharonletendre.blogspot.com/

∞  History ∞

Building on strong Métis roots in the community of Lac Ste Anne, I spent childhood summers helping Granny and Grandpa (Caroline and Archie Letendre) during the annual pilgrimage. Typical Métis entrepreneurs, Archie’s ‘stand’ were the only one for many years and helped meet a need for the pilgrims. This was a great introduction to business and hard work! Such was a Métis kid’s life.

My first annual assembly with Aunties and cousins in Lac La Biche was awesome and exciting; it was the first time I was inside a big tent, complete with sawdust on the floor. It was Métis culture at its finest, noisy with laughter, conversation and fun.

∞  Connecting   ∞

Sharon connected with her roots in a formal way while in her final year at the University of Alberta. In 1990 she became a member of the Métis Association of Alberta (before it became the Métis Nation of Alberta) then on St Albert Trail in Edmonton. Wanting to ignite interest and spur growth, she supported the community by serving as a local president.

Sharon also served the Métis people in the capacity of literacy project coordinator. This was a new position and a new field at the time, both of which captured her interest and energy. During this time, Sharon was also a founding member of the Métis Women of Alberta. 

∞      Opportunity Knocks   ∞

Opportunities presented themselves and Sharon went to Ottawa to serve Métis women as the first Executive Director for the Métis National Council of Women. While in Ottawa Sharon was an active member of the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association now known as the Métis Nation of Ontario. 

From there it was on to Manitoba for ten years, where she was a card carrying member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, again active in the local community.  It was during this time that Sharon first attended the Batoche celebration in Saskatchewan, the ‘Jerusalem of the Métis.’ 

∞ Back Home  ∞

After earning her Master of Arts degree in adult education in Manitoba, Sharon returned to Edmonton in 2003. She then registered her consulting business, Sharon A Pasula Consulting.  

Her work focused on community and personal development and training. Sharon continued her healing journey, participating in support groups which evolved into group facilitation.  Seeing the need for broader grief resolution she developed a curriculum Grief, Loss and Wholeness.

In 2008 Sharon felt the call to formal community support and successfully ran for the position of Vice President, Métis Regional Council, Region Four, Métis Nation of Alberta. She has continued volunteering and joined several organizations for both professional and personal reasons, such as the Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association (AWPA).

∞       2008-2011 Regional VP    ∞

Commitment, perseverance and community support have helped me raise the Métis profile in Region Four.  Attending and presenting a Métis perspective at countless community and organizational events throughout the region resulted in numerous invitations to serve on boards, committees and consultation groups.  Accepting as many invitations as possible has allowed me to better network members with resources, to field inquiries and to identify ways to meet needs in the Métis community.

I have participated in two of the three active locals in the region, met with mainstream politicians (federal, provincial, municipal) and presented Métis culture and identity to both children and adults in a variety of settings. Other areas of advocacy have emerged. One is to maintain our Aboriginal distinctiveness in the face of growing multiculturalism. There is a subtle and sometimes brazen move to homogenize Aboriginal peoples with multicultural groups, particularly in regards to programming. I also advocate for every program and grant to have an Aboriginal component. Who will help see this through?  I WILL ! 

∞         More Than A Vision       ∞

As Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta you will see relevant and significant results.   I will continue advocacy work. We should also insist that all students take one Aboriginal elective per program.  In university it would come from Native Studies for example. This is part of our Canadian heritage after all.  Studies show that knowledge and familiarity can help reduce racism as well.  The more people know about our contributions toward this country Canada, the less inclined toward racism they could be.

Finally, another area of import to the Nation I’ve witnessed is healing. Too many people operate out of woundedness.  Healing/sharing circles and knowledge will aid in alleviating the pain many in our community experience and subsequently pass onto others.  Let us revive the Métis Nation spirit.  Vote for me on September 6, 2011.

  

 P PASULA, Sharon (Letendre)

 

    PProvincial Vice President

spasula@softhome.net

Brochure content written by Sharon Pasula

Brochure

Campaign brochure

Hello,Tansi, Boujour,

It took me awhile but good writing usually does.  My brochure is finished. I will post it in two forms.  One is in the format that gets printed as a brochure, in case you want to print it off and read it and print more to pass around.  The other format is for reading directly on your computer screen, which of course you can print off and read.  This one will have no pictures right now but photos will be included later this week.

Your feedback is appreciated.  I am happy to provide more details about anything and of course I am still working as Vice President until September 6.  For example, a member called last week asking me to advocate for him because he was discriminated against at a public office.  I sent a formal letter and the issue was resolved in 24 hours.  I am taking some vacation time interspersed.

I have been blessed to represent and advocate for Métis people generally but particularly in region four.  I look forward to your continued trust and support. 

Also, there is opportunity to support my campaign, both in volunteer time and financially. Contact me and lets together move the Métis Nation forward.

Sincerely,

Sharon

Note: Unfortunately, Metis Nation campaigns are not tax deductible.