Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/68073
JUNE 2012 • PAGE 3 President's Message Changes: Before I get into some of our current events, I would like to take the opportunity to congratu- late our youth. This time of year is about gradu- ations and looking forward to the new challeng- es you will face in the next phase of your life. Whether you are graduating from high school or moving up a grade, you have achieved something very important for yourself, your family and the Métis Nation. As your President, I am proud of you. You have also done so much to ensure the Métis culture will thrive. Our young musicians who are recording cd's or performing the Métis jig for thousands, this is a legacy you have not only inherited but you are claiming as your own. It was interesting to watch the young men from Sagkeeng incorporate our jig into their national talent victory on Canada's Got Talent. Congrat- ulations and kudos to those performers. The lands our people fought for when Louis Riel stepped on the surveyors' chain need to be preserved once again, it seems. The lands we hunt on and the waters we fish in are be- ing affected all the time by projects that are being built. Manitoba Hydro is building power generation dams and transmission lines; min- ing companies are looking to extract minerals from the ground; oil companies are drilling in areas we used to hunt buffalo; and the places of cultural importance to us seem to be fading from our use. In the next few weeks, MMF staff will be attending meetings in some of our regions to discuss with you the potential effects of a hydro-electric transmission line coming down the west side of our province. We need to hear Your voice is important President David Chartrand – Manitoba Métis Federation from you on this issue. I've spoken about the importance of the Duty to Consult, how the province and the federal government must talk to us on these projects. These consulta- tions are not perfect but they are the chance we have to say that, yes, our hunting, fishing and trapping will be affected. Where we go to get blueberries and firewood could change. Your voice is so important; I cannot emphasize this enough. It is not just about Manitoba Hydro, though this is one of the first steps. There are other companies that will be changing our land, either by digging holes for minerals or oil, or changing the way the water flows in our lakes and rivers. The MMF, as your Métis Government, fights for your interests but we need you to stand beside us. Strong together is how we fought our bat- tles in the past and unity in defending the Mé- tis Nation today is how we will make sure that our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities as every other Canadian citizen. Participation in developing the resources of Métis traditional lands is every bit as important as ensuring that our lands and resources can be conserved for future generations. I hope you are all well as we enjoy the warm days of spring. I know there are going to be so many Métis celebrations across Manitoba and I look forward to visiting with many of you this summer. Believe in yourself, believe in Métis Meeqwetch. ~ President David Chartrand, Manitoba Métis Federation We are your experts. INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION LEADER Dowland is your Industrial Construction expert. With over 25 years experience, our diverse team brings to every industrial project a level of expertise and ingenuity in Construction Management and General Contracting that is second to none. We have significant experience executing projects within the Mining, Oil, Gas and Green energy sectors from coast to coast to coast! At Dowland, workplace safety and quality control are top priorities. Our safety record exceeds industry standards. Safety First to Last. Large or small. Whatever it takes. Builder of choice. Every time! Unions Building Your Future MANITOBA BUILDING TRADES 204.956.7425 www.mbtrades.ca live better work union Contact us for your next project and visit our website to find out more t. 250-372-7488 www.dowlandindustrialworks.ca