Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/73121
JULY 2012 • PAGE 13 President's Message Every day is President David Chartrand – Manitoba Métis Federation It has been a couple of years now since our last election and I can't help but reflect and thank you once again for the trust and confidence you placed on me then. Every day it is an honour for me to serve. So, briefly, I want to express my appreciation. Much of what we do is working with other levels of government to advocate, press for services, fairness and recognition. Many days we have successes but sometimes some- thing small but greatly symbolic hits us from out of the blue. Several days ago, Parks Canada announced that Riel House would be shutting its doors after this summer. All Canadians are aware founded but in which we were pushed to the side for decades. Today, however, our issues are the issues all Manitobans care about. One of the best ways we can show our that the federal government is cutting costs. But when I heard that this symbolic home of the Founder of Manitoba and Fa- ther of Confederation, Louis Riel, was shutting down, it was hard for me to believe. And the uproar was not just from our- One of the best ways we can show our federal government of the importance of Riel House to our people is by going there. selves – our friends and neighbours through- out Manitoba could see the issue was about more than just preserving one man's house, or even just about the Métis. This was about Manitoba and our shared history that puts pride in the hearts of all Manitobans. Though the funding for this piece of our history is still in question, the decision to shut down Riel House was changed. The solidarity we saw from all walks of life was heartening. We are making strides; Manitoba is the province we federal government of the importance of Riel House to our people is by going there. It is very much a part of a pilgrim journey to visit significant Métis sites like the cemetery at St. Boniface, the church at Batoche and Riel House. And to protect our history, that is our country's history, is all we are asking. Speaking of our culture and heritage, this week I was pleased to join my friends in Selkirk on Aboriginal Day – June 21st – and maybe we might have a very important announcement that day. I can't let the cat out of the bag, figura- tively speaking, just yet though. But I know that Vice President Alfred Anderson will be hosting an excellent celebration, and I look forward to visiting with many of you there. As June is a month of graduations, I also want to extend my best wishes again to all of our graduates and good luck on the path you choose for the future. And finally, with so many events and festi- vals happening shortly, I am sure to see many of you in the summer months. I'm definitely looking forward to that. Believe in yourself – believe in Métis! 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DUST FREE PHONE: (204) 781-7677 DIRECTFAX: (204) 896-4290 www.dustfreerm.com ROADMAINTENANCE APTN an honour to serve Continued from page 12 ply. Musicians need to apply to First Tracks 2012 by 5 PM (Central Standard Time) on July 31, 2012. Not only does APTN support the telling of stories by Aboriginal musicians, but the net- work also works to build bridges between Ab- original and non-Aboriginal Canadians. One way the network does this is through its an- nual flag contest, where the network invites all youth, ages 12 to 17 from across Canada, to submit their artwork for the chance to win $500, a trip to Winnipeg, and an appearance on APTN's National News. This year, the winner of the flag contest was celebrated at Aboriginal Day Live. The winner is 17-year-old Cynthia Undyantara from Ontario. Her design was chosen from 267 entries received from across Canada. Ms. Undyantara, a 17-year-old girl of Indo- nesian descent, developed a flag design that represents the richness and diversity of all of Canada's Aboriginal Peoples. It shows what National Aboriginal Day means to her. "I included important symbols that reflect the core teachings of a culture based on an appreciation for nature, friendship and a quest for spiritual enlightenment and guidance," says Ms. Undyantara of her design, which incorporates vibrant colour and symbols that represent Aboriginal Peoples as a whole. original groups, "Doing my research on the different Ab- I found that although each group has slight variations in culture, they also have common beliefs," explains Ms. Undyantara. "The infinity symbol represents their [Aboriginal Peoples'] bond with the Eu- ropean settlers. This exchange of knowledge and customs had a significant influence in the history of Aboriginal culture. I closed the de- sign with a circle, representing the uniting of the groups." The flag design was a final course project for her graphic design class at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in Thornhill, Ontario. Since the design was part of a school project, her school received $750 to purchase learn- ing materials. To see all the contest entries, visit http:// www.aboriginaldaylive.com and click on "flag contest." As the winner of this year's contest, Ms. Undyantara's flag is now flying on top of APTN's headquarters in downtown Winnipeg. As Canada's only Aboriginal television net- work, this contest is one way APTN provides opportunities for young people across Cana- da to share their vision and pride in Aboriginal culture and heritage. ~ By Melanie Ferris DUST FREE ROAD MAINTENANCE