The Metis Nationhood Challenge!
Today August 11, 2006 ..... I issue this challenge to all Metis Manitoba ..... lets have a public debate on the quest of sovereignty, Nationhood and all that flows from it. For some time our people have been uttering these words with regularity but it is clear to me that the term is not understood. Therefore lets have an open forum on this.
To me these term are not understood, therefore, lets have a debate where all Metis citizens will have an opportunity to express their views and get clarity from those who use them daily in their dialogue. Perhaps, just perhaps the MMF might setup an extra day at the Annual MMF Assembly in Brandon this September.
Fortunate Guiboche,
Winnipeg, Manitoba Metis Territory
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Dear Mr. Guiboche:
As always, thank you for writing. While we applaud your initiative, however, at the risk of being an iconoclast raining on your parade here are some issues which will make such a meritorious, commendable effort very difficult:
(1) Are those in positions of power at the MMF capable of fully understanding the significance of these terms and their possible impact? If fully implemented the Federation would have to drastically change the way it currently does business. Is a highly centralized organizational structure where "all significant" decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a very few (i.e. "The Inner Circle!") likely to do so. It probably couldn't even if it wanted
(2) Apathy. There are an estimated 100-120 thousand Metis citizens living in Manitoba. Of those approximately 35 thousand are card carrying MMFers. Less than 7,000 voted in the 2006 election. Abraham Lincoln said it best, "In the end people get the kind of government they deserve."
(3) The MMF Annual General Assembly. Face it, all decisions of any importance have already been made long before delegates hit the floor. Can it not be effectively argued it's nothing more than a public relations exercise used by the leadership to showcase themselves to the membership/media? How many attendees have their accommodation, meals and pocket money covered? In some cases could they view it as a paid weekend away from where they live - good time to do some shopping in the Big City?
(4) Realistically, to expect the Manitoba Metis Federation leadership to set aside a day for the kind of debate you suggest may be dreaming in quadruple technicolour
Sorry to sound so cynical but those are the parameters as we perceive them based on much research and observation. However, your cause is indeed noble and most worthy of pursuing. Good Luck!
To me these term are not understood, therefore, lets have a debate where all Metis citizens will have an opportunity to express their views and get clarity from those who use them daily in their dialogue. Perhaps, just perhaps the MMF might setup an extra day at the Annual MMF Assembly in Brandon this September.
Fortunate Guiboche,
Winnipeg, Manitoba Metis Territory
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Guiboche:
As always, thank you for writing. While we applaud your initiative, however, at the risk of being an iconoclast raining on your parade here are some issues which will make such a meritorious, commendable effort very difficult:
(1) Are those in positions of power at the MMF capable of fully understanding the significance of these terms and their possible impact? If fully implemented the Federation would have to drastically change the way it currently does business. Is a highly centralized organizational structure where "all significant" decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a very few (i.e. "The Inner Circle!") likely to do so. It probably couldn't even if it wanted
(2) Apathy. There are an estimated 100-120 thousand Metis citizens living in Manitoba. Of those approximately 35 thousand are card carrying MMFers. Less than 7,000 voted in the 2006 election. Abraham Lincoln said it best, "In the end people get the kind of government they deserve."
(3) The MMF Annual General Assembly. Face it, all decisions of any importance have already been made long before delegates hit the floor. Can it not be effectively argued it's nothing more than a public relations exercise used by the leadership to showcase themselves to the membership/media? How many attendees have their accommodation, meals and pocket money covered? In some cases could they view it as a paid weekend away from where they live - good time to do some shopping in the Big City?
(4) Realistically, to expect the Manitoba Metis Federation leadership to set aside a day for the kind of debate you suggest may be dreaming in quadruple technicolour
Sorry to sound so cynical but those are the parameters as we perceive them based on much research and observation. However, your cause is indeed noble and most worthy of pursuing. Good Luck!
posted by Clare L. Pieuk at 8:04 AM
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