aga-060710-14-approved-070709-13

ADOPTED 13th Annual General Assembly MINUTES DATE: July 10-14, 2006 MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario, held July 10-14, 2006 at Ojibway Park in Sault Ste Marie, ON PCMNO MEMBERS PRESENT: Tony Belcourt, President Gary Lipinski, Chair France Picotte, Vice Chair Tim Pile, Secretary-Treasurer Senator Gerry Bedford Councilor Cameron Burgess, Region Ginny Gonneau, Youth Representative Executive Senator Reta Gordon Councilor Guy Lefebvre, Region Councilor Sharon McBride, Region Councilor Brent McHale, Region Senator Roland St Germain Councilor Pauline Saulnier, Region Councilor Maurice Sarrazin, Region Councilor Eric Scofield, Region Anita Tucker, Post Secondary Representative Senator Audrey Vallee REGRETS: Councilor Brent Calder, Region QUORUM: A total of 152 Métis Nation of Ontario voting delegates were registered as of noon on the first day of the AGA (Quorum therefore being 76.) PREPARATION OF MINUTES: Rae Ratslef, Raincoast Ventures Ltd WELCOME – JULY 10, 2006 CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER Chair Lipinski called the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario to order at 9:47 a.m Senator Brenda Powley offered an Opening Prayer Sierra Noble offered a fiddle song WELCOMING REMARKS BY CO-CHAIRS Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Welcome letters from Gary Lipinski, PCMNO Chair and France Picotte, PCMNO Vice Chair Chair Lipinski welcomed delegates to the 13th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the MNO, which would set a vision for the PCMNO’s work in the coming year Comments were offered regarding the First Ministers Meeting (FMM) in November 2005, which was preceded by nearly two years of preparatory meetings of Métis, First Nations, Inuit, federal/provincial/territorial governments seeking means of filling the gaps between Aboriginal peoples Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED and mainstream Canadians in areas such as education, health, housing, and economic development The FMM was historical in that it was the first FMM where complete consensus was achieved, and given that it had resulted in the Kelowna Accord and commitments of $5.2 billion over five years for distinction based solutions Although the term “Métis Nation” had been identified in the Throne Speech and the federal budget in 2005, suggestion was that the new federal government was not living up to the Accord and so there was need to communicate to government that the Accord must be honoured and implemented An overview of other subject areas that would be reported on during the AGA was provided, and the Chair acknowledged the MNO’s volunteers, staff, leadership and citizens who continued to provide the support and guidance that propelled forward the Métis Nation within Ontario Alternating between English and Michif, Vice Chair France Picotte acknowledged the necessity of the AGA for the PCMNO to receive its mandate, adding that the AGA was also an important celebration of Métis heritage and culture She referenced the Michif Language Initiative, noting that there was opportunity for Michif speakers to be videotaped at the AGA GREETING BY THE HISTORICAL SAULT STE MARIE METIS COUNCIL On behalf of the Historical Sault Ste Marie Métis Council, Senator Brenda Powley welcomed delegates and dignitaries, and extended a special thank you to PCMNO Executive Senator Reta Gordon for her coordination of the Senators Forum that preceded the 13th Annual General Assembly OPENING ADDRESS BY MNO PRESIDENT TONY BELCOURT Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Welcome from Tony Belcourt, Métis Nation of Ontario President MNO President Belcourt recalled that the AGA had been held in Sault Ste Marie five years prior, and discussed the historical significance of the area In 1849 the Métis and the First Nations of the area had turned back the miners at Mica Bay, an action that eventually resulted in the Robinson Treaty This was important to First Nations because their rights were recognized, and to the Métis because it was that period of time that led to the recognition of Métis rights in the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Powley Concern was noted that Ontario’s history books offered seeds of discrimination against Métis people because of their derogative references to Louis Riel It was shared that in 1872, Ontario and the Queens’ Park Legislature had put a $5,000 bounty on Louis Riel’s head which led to him being unfairly tried and in 1875 He was the only person to be for high treason in Canada’s history Regardless, the MNO had hope that Métis people would soon be proudly recognized by Canada’s federal and provincial governments Since the MNO began, it had reawakened the interest of Ontario’s Métis to learn and write about their Métis history The MNO President suggested that there was need to rediscover and write about this rich history, in order to paint a picture of the Métis Nation from Ontario to British Columbia MNO President Belcourt discussed the history of his family, which included kin in Sault Ste Marie and the surrounding area He then referenced sources for accessing historical records, including the 1999 provincial government document titled “The Historic Populations of Mixed Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal in Ontario” that was prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources The report identified at least four heads of Métis families in the historic Matawa-North Bay area, whose descendants remained in the area in significant numbers – some of whom worked for the MNO Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED On the subject of provincial relations, the MNO President spoke of the need to remind the Premier of past discussions regarding the formation of a Chair in Métis Studies at an Ontario university Meanwhile, the MNO had taken it upon itself to something about Métis education It proudly had endowment funds of approximately $4 million at 32 colleges and universities, which every year earned money that went towards helping Métis students get to college and university MNO President Belcourt welcomed former Deputy Grand Chief Nelson Toulouse, and spoke of the nation-to-nation relationship of the MNO with the Anishinabek Nation The President reported that he had recently attended a traditional pow wow, and acknowledged the continued strengthening of the relationship Remarks were also offered regarding the MNO Development Corporation’s efforts towards a joint MNO-Anishinabek Nation venture called the Aboriginal Voice On-Line Call Centre At the international level, the MNO President shared that he had been involved in the discussions on the United Nations (UN) Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which was approved by the UN Human Rights Commission on June 28, 2006 He added that although Canada had supported the Declaration in its drafting phase, Canada in the end opposed the Declaration as a result of the recent change in government The MNO’s communications efforts were acknowledged, including its website, www.metisradio.fm, the Métis Voyageur, and video conferencing Telehealth facilities at 15 sites across Ontario In regard to the latter, a demonstration of a system test which linked people from three communities who could not attend the AGA was provided The MNO President indicated that volunteerism was fundamental to the success of the MNO, sharing that in one year 9,800 hours of volunteer services had been given by Métis citizens in the long term care program alone He led delegates in applauding the contributions of the volunteers, including MNO staff The President commented on the MNO Registry, which was launched 13 years prior and was comprised of legitimate Métis descendants of historic Métis communities, as one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada that enjoy Constitutional rights as a people He offered that the right to hunt and fish for food was only one of the rights that the Métis had dealt with, but that the courts had made it very clear that the Métis had rights and that governments had obligations It was added that governments were entrusted to protect Aboriginal rights that were recognized and affirmed in Canada’s Constitution, and that the MNO had been built on a strong foundation of being a people that desired to take its rightful place within Canada In his concluding remarks, the MNO President expressed his honour to be President of the MNO, and to have so served for the past 13 years He looked forward to the MNO’s next year, and invited delegates to enjoy the AGA, and to celebrate the wonderful history and culture of the Métis in Ontario PRESENTATIONS BY DIGNATARIES AND GUEST SPEAKERS Historical Sault Ste Marie Métis Council On behalf of the Historical Sault Ste Marie Métis Council, Brent McHale, PCMNO Councilor – Region 4, acknowledged the honour and privilege of holding the Annual General Assembly (AGA) on Ojibway lands, and welcomed delegates, dignitaries, First Nation representatives, Members of Parliament, the Senators, and others to the AGA He recognized the many volunteers and staff who had organized the AGA, and led delegates in a moment to remember the Métis citizens who had passed on during the prior year, and the Métis veterans overseas Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED Chief Lyle Sayers, Garden River First Nation On behalf of the Garden River First Nation Council, Blaine Belleau welcomed the AGA to the area PCMNO Chair Lipinski presented Mr Belleau with a MNO 13th Anniversary AGA gift paddle Nelson Toulouse, Nishnabee Language Commissioner In his native language, Commissioner Toulouse extended a welcome to the attendees, noting that he was officially attending the AGA as a Nishnabee Language Commissioner He spoke of the primary goals of the Commission, which included: capturing intelligence; assessing what currently existed; formation of a standardization board to standardize orthography; development of a Dictionary Committee It was added that the Commission was seeking funding from the province of Ontario, which was commended for the changes it had already made to curriculum Commissioner Toulouse shared stories of having met with the Maori who today had their own educational institution where it was possible to a PhD in Maori He added that the Maori created an average of 400 new words each year to stay caught up with modern technology, and recalled having witnessed the launch of Microsoft Maori As a result of its interactions with the MNO, Commissioner Toulouse shared that the Chiefs of Ontario were reverting back to their traditional ways of meeting and now included some fun interaction in their Assemblies He thanked the MNO for this gift Commissioner Toulouse concluded with comments on his attendance at a recent graduation of language immersion teachers He offered that 30 years of language instruction did not provide one speaker, while immersion provided the ability for individuals to think and see things as an Indigenous person PCMNO Chair Lipinski presented Commissioner Toulouse with a MNO 13 th Anniversary AGA gift paddle The Honourable Christopher Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities On behalf of Ontario Premier McGuinty, Minister Christopher Bentley extended greetings to all Annual General Assembly (AGA) attendees noting that he was very pleased to have been included in the arrival of the dignitaries that morning Minister Bentley offered that the Métis were still and had always been an important part of the country, and that Premier McGuinty was as committed as he had ever been to ensuring that the Métis achieved what they hoped to achieve – all the rights and obligations that were due to them He noted that Ontario had established a new approach for Aboriginal relations, and offered that it would not be surprising if consultations took a little longer and had a few bumps as they had historically not occurred Minister Bentley commented that the province would not achieve its full potential unless every person in the province achieved their potential, including the Métis achieving the potential that they saw for themselves For this reason, the Premier had established a Committee of all Aboriginal peoples on which the Métis were represented, and which considered investments for more Métis to achieve post secondary education training and to achieve success The Minister advised that he would inform the Minister of Education of the Métis interest in education He also acknowledged his awareness of and commitment to achieving the Chair of Métis Studies, with the need for advice from the Métis as to where and how that should occur The Minister looked forward to working with the MNO on how to improve access to post secondary education and training, which was essential for the future of the Métis, the Métis communities, the province and the country Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED Minister Bentley concluded with note that Premier McGuinty remained very much committed to the spirit and the fact of the Kelowna Accord, and would ensure that they fulfilled their obligations and more as a government PCMNO Chair Lipinski presented Minister Bentley with a MNO 13 th Anniversary AGA gift paddle He reminded the Minister of the commitment in the Accord to improving access to colleges and universities, noting that the MNO had a related proposal to the federal government to enhance its existing scholarship and bursaries funds The Minister confirmed his commitment on that front Howard Hampton, Ontario NDP Leader and MPP for Kenora-Rainy River MPP Hampton greeted the MNO Annual General Assembly (AGA) delegates, and expressed appreciation for having been invited to attend He shared that it was an honour and privilege to be in the presence of people that dedicated their lives to making things better for Métis communities, acknowledged that there was much inequality in the province, and suggested that the Métis struggle for recognition and equality was a struggle on behalf of all Ontarians MPP Hampton acknowledged that the Métis Nation was one of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples with a distinct culture, language, customs, government, and rights that were recognized in Canada’s Constitution, but not always in the day to day activities of the federal and provincial governments The NDP supported the Métis in their struggle for equality, recognition, and to be able to take their rightful and proper place in the history of the province and Canada, and in making sure that the McGuinty government honoured the agreement with the MNO in terms of harvesting rights The MPP congratulated the organizers of the 13th AGA, and the Métis leadership that had shown true commitment in the face of adversity He wished the AGA the very best in good discussions and debate, and the opportunity to enjoy and renew the unique Métis culture and traditions MNO President Belcourt presented MPP Hampton with a MNO 13 th Anniversary AGA gift paddle Tony Martin, MP Sault Ste Marie MP Martin welcomed all Annual General Assembly (AGA) attendees to the traditional gathering place, and encouraged them to have fun in the natural surroundings so that the important relationships could be strengthened in order to move forward in confidence He looked forward to working with the Critic for Aboriginal Affairs and the MNO to ensure that work was done on behalf of the Métis MNO President Belcourt presented MP Martin with a MNO 13 th Anniversary AGA gift paddle Michael Ignatieff, MP Etobicoke Lakeshore On behalf of MP Ignatieff, Christian Provenzano, Liberal Candidate of Record in Sault Ste Marie, read aloud a letter expressing appreciation for the invitation to the AGA The letter referenced a meeting with Aboriginal and Métis leaders the prior week, and acknowledged the significance of Sault Ste Marie in the history of the Métis Nation It suggested that Canada was at a cross roads visa vie its Aboriginal communities and in achieving equality in education, health care and economic opportunities between Aboriginal communities and the rest of the country The Kelowna Accord was seen as a real effort to level the playing ground and to match good words with good deeds However, with the federal government having abandoned it, the MP was committed to ensuring greater accountability at each level of government MNO President Belcourt presented Mr Provenzano with a MNO 13th Anniversary AGA gift paddle Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED Special Presentation to MNO President Belcourt Councilor McHale and Senator Powley presented MNO President Belcourt with a golf club in appreciation of his ongoing efforts on behalf of the Métis Nation Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario Via video broadcast, Premier McGuinty extended greetings to the Annual General Assembly delegates He indicated that Ontario valued and celebrated its diversity, and thanked the Métis for sharing their culture and traditions The Premier looked forward to working with the MNO to ensure a higher quality of life for all Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary Via video broadcast, Parliamentary Secretary Bruinooge extended greetings on behalf of the Federal Interlocutor, and recognized the work of the MNO and its volunteers, which was greatly appreciated Parliamentary Secretary Bruinooge shared that his goals included developing productive relationships and addressing issues to lead to improvements for Aboriginal peoples as an enormous and valuable resource for the future of the country The government was committed to working with the Métis, as well as First Nations and Inuit, to make real progress To this end, government had taken steps through commitment of $3.7 billion in support of Aboriginal peoples, and by striking a working group with the Métis National Council to move forward on mutual priorities Parliamentary Secretary Bruinooge expressed confidence that the Métis would enjoy a cooperative, productive relationship with the new government, and wished the MNO a successful AGA DELEGATES’ MEETING – JULY 10, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Chair Lipinski called to order the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Delegate Meeting on July 10, 2006 at 1:56 p.m It was noted that delegates were required to display their Delegate Card at all times in order to participate in the voting process The Assembly Rules of Order, and the process for making motions and voting as needed were reviewed Messages of Conveyance Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package:  Welcome letters from PCMNO members Reta Gordon, Executive Senator; Tim Pile, Secretary-Treasurer; Cameron Burgess, Councilor, Region 2; Pauline Saulnier, Councilor, Region 7; Sharon McBride, Councilor, Region 8; and Eric Scofield, Councilor, Region  Correspondence from:  The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean;  The Lieutentant Governor of Ontario, James Bartleman;  The Métis National Council President, Clemént Chartier;  The Métis Nation British Columbia President and Métis National Council Minister of Culture, Heritage and Language, Bruce Dumont;  The Sault Ste Marie Mayor John Rowswell;  MP Sault Ste Marie Tony Martin; Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED             MPP Algoma-Manitoulin Michael Brown; Leader of the Government in the Senate, The Honourable Marjory LeBreton; Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, The Honourable Jim Prentice; Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, The Honourable David Ramsay; Minster of National Defence, The Honourable Gordon O’Connor; Minister of Children and Youth Services, The Honourable Mary Anne Chambers; Minister of Education, The Honourable Sandra Pupatello; Minister of the Environment, The Honourable Laurel Broten; Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, The Honourable Monte Kwinter; Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Jim Bradley; Minister of Transportation, The Honourable Donna Cansfield; and Minister of Labour, The Honourable Steve Peters Materials distributed under this item were received for information at the Assembly Establish Quorum Vice Chair Picotte reported that there were 152 registered delegates in attendance at the 13 th Annual General Assembly, and advised that 50%, or 76, of the registered delegates were required to be present to form quorum In order to pass simple motions the support of 50% plus of the registered delegates was required, and motions to amend the bylaws or that affected citizens’ rights required 2/3, or 102, of the registered delegates to vote in support Review and Accept Agenda It was MOVED (Eric Scofield) and SECONDED (Sharon McBride) That the Agenda for the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario be approved as follows:  Appoint a Resolutions Committee  Review Minutes  Business Arising From Minutes  Presentation: Suzanne Rochon-Burnett, Volunteer Awards  Presentation: Heritage Community Recognition Certificate  Meeting Reports  Senators  WMNO  Youth  Finance and Administration  Treasurer’s Report  Audit 2004/05  Financial Report  Appointment of Auditor  Administration  Overview of Branch Administration  Métis National Council President  Legal Update/Métis Rights Issues  Métis Litigation  MNO Cases Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED         Harvesting Agreements  MNO Revised Harvesting Policy Environment Canada: Great Lakes Water Quality Review MNO Cultural Commission MNO Development Corporation AGA Intergovernmental Relations  First Nations  Federal  Provincial Resolutions Other Business Closing Ceremonies RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-01) Appoint a Resolutions Committee Chair Lipinski outlined the responsibilities of the Resolutions Committee and presented the names of individuals who had volunteered to serve on the Committee It was MOVED (Judy Trott) and SECONDED (Eric Scofield) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario approve the membership of the Resolutions Committee as follows: Lawrence Gladue, Paul Heighington, André Lefebvre, and Senator Roland St Germain RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-02) Delegates were later informed that resolutions could be submitted to the Resolutions Committee until 5:00 p.m on Thursday, July 13, 2006 Honouring this deadline allowed for printed copies of the proposed resolutions to be distributed on July 14, 2005 Review Minutes Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Draft Minutes of the 12 th AGA of the MNO held July 4-8, 2005 It was MOVED (Eric Scofield) and SECONDED (Jacques Leroux) That the Minutes of the 12th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 4-8, 2005 be adopted with the following amendments: a) throughout, correct references to the AGA as being held in 2005 rather than 2004; and b) page 1, replace “Total Attendance” with “Quorum” and replace the paragraph under that heading with “A total of 154 Métis Nation of Ontario registered voting delegates as of noon on the first day of the AGA (Quorum therefore being 77.)” RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-03) Business Arising From Minutes In response to a question regarding the status of the actions towards the establishment of a Youth Camp, it was noted that a related summary would be reviewed at an upcoming Executive Committee meeting Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED In regard to the establishment of a medal for MNO Veterans, it was noted that the MNO Veterans Council President had been working out of country for some time, but that there had been discussions with the Minister of Veterans Affairs on the matter prior to the change in government Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page of 26 ADOPTED Presentation: Suzanne Rochon-Burnett, Volunteer Awards On behalf of the PCMNO, MNO President Belcourt introduced a proposed Suzanne RochonBurnett Volunteer of the Year Award Ms Rochon-Burnett’s many volunteer efforts to champion Aboriginal people in the arts were recounted; and her vision of the MNO having a Métis owned radio station, which led to the launch of www.metisradio.fm, was recalled A video recapping Ms Rochon-Burnett’s volunteer efforts – first viewed when she was inducted into the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame – was played Her passing on April 2, 2006 was acknowledged MNO President Belcourt announced the launch of a new MNO website section about Ms Rochon-Burnett and the Award following which a review of the website section was provided It was reported that the PCMNO had approved the establishment of the Award, the objective of which was to honour one MNO volunteer per year as determined by a Selection Panel Information on the Call for Nominations, the deadline, the Panel review process, and Panel composition was provided The MNO President discussed the process for volunteers to be nominated for the Award, and also asked volunteers to submit their names to receive volunteer recognition certificates and pins for 3, and 10 years of service It was requested that the Senators, the community council presidents and the youth gather during the AGA to decide their representatives on the Volunteer of the Award Selection Committee It was MOVED (Wayne Trudeau) and SECONDED (Joanne Young) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario endorse the PCMNO recommendation to establish a Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-04) It was MOVED (Tony Belcourt) and SECONDED (Eric Scofield) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario endorse the PCMNO recommendation that Suzanne Rochon-Burnett be named posthumously as the first recipient of the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-05) It was acknowledged that Ms Rochon-Burnett’s daughter Michelle Burnett had been unable to attend the AGA to accept the Award due to unforeseen circumstances, and had asked President Belcourt to accept the Award on her behalf It was added that the PCMNO had appointed Ms Burnett as a member of the Volunteer Award Selection Panel Presentation: Heritage Community Recognition Certificate Senator Claire Kearns read a letter from The Honourable Lincoln M Alexander, Chairman of Ontario Heritage Trust Commission, and on his behalf presented a framed Ontario Trust Heritage Commission Cultural Heritage Achievement Award to Olivine Teidema for her volunteerism in conserving the province’s Métis heritage Cameron Burgess announced that the Ontario Heritage Trust had also recognized Scott Carpenter in appreciation of his volunteer work to identify, preserve, protect and promote Métis heritage, and presented Mr Carpenter with a framed Award DELEGATES’ MEETING ADJOURNED The 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 adjourned its Delegate’s Meeting on July 10, 2006 at 3:53 p.m Senator Roland St Germain offered a Closing Prayer Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 10 of 26 ADOPTED Councilor Sharon McBride, Provincial Secretary for Métis Women, identified Barb Parker as the WSMNO’s representative on the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award Selection Panel 9.3 Youth Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Report titled “Eliminating Barriers and Creating Opportunities” Ginny Gonneau, MNO Provincial Youth Services Coordinator, reported that – given the number of vacancies on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC) – the PCMNO had struck a committee in December 2005 to review the MNOYC structure and to form recommendations to address the barriers preventing youth from participating in the MNOYC A MNOYC gathering was convened at the time of the roundtable consultations, with 20 youth from across the province participating (aged 16-26) From the gathering a report titled “Eliminating Barriers and Creating Opportunities” was developed, the recommendations of which were reviewed Ms Gonneau advised that the MNOYC was coordinating with Canada World Youth to have 11 Métis youth to spend 14 days volunteering in a community north of Ecuador’s capital Related fundraising initiatives would take place during the AGA 9.4 10 Community Council Presidents It was announced that the MNO Community Council Presidents had appointed Urgil Courville, Joanne Young, Wayne Trudeau and Natalie Durocher as their representatives on the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer Award Selection Panel Finance and Administration 10.1 Treasurer’s Report Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: “Finance Report form Tim Pile – PCMNO Secretary-Treasurer” Secretary-Treasurer Pile reviewed the Finance Committee membership, and discussed the activities of the Committee in 2005/06 He expressed concern that while the MNO was accountable to the government for its spending, the government was not accountable to the MNO in providing funding on time, and announced it was anticipated that the MNO would be debt free within the next three years 10.2 Administration Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Blue Tab – Finance and Administrative Report Pierre Lefebvre, Executive Director, reviewed the Finance and Administration Report A delegate expressed concern that a breakdown of the program allocations to each community for each program had not been provided Clarification was offered that the prior year’s audited statements provided a breakdown of funding from each program, as Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 12 of 26 ADOPTED did the branch reports It was added that program funding was managed centrally by the MNO, and did not flow to the regions as was the practice of some other organizations 10.3 Financial Report Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: The Métis Nation of Ontario Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2006 Steve Berry, Director of Finance, reviewed the MNO Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2006 In response to a delegate’s question, it was clarified that the total revenue generation activities of the community councils did not have to be included in the audited financial statements (as explained in Note to the MNO Financial Statements) Additional clarifications included that: only profits made through the housing branch and the registry could be applied to the deficit; and delays in receipt of government funding currently had the MNO running a deficit of $800,000 which affected the ability of the MNO to deliver its programs A delegate noted that First Nations, Inuit and Métis across the country were dealing with the issue of government funding flowing late, and suggested that the Métis work with others to resolve the matter In response, it was noted that staff had recently met with the Auditor General and Ontario and would continue to seek ways of addressing this issue 10.4 Audit 2004/05 Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: The Métis Nation of Ontario Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2005 Randy Tivy, Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants, reviewed the Auditor’s Report, as provided on page of the Financial Statements, and discussed the audit process, which included final approval of the Financial Statements at the AGA In response to a query, Pierre Lefebvre, Executive Director, confirmed that Services Canada was conducting an audit of MNO programs since 1999 If the reviewing accountant was of the opinion that the MNO did not spend according to the program they would make adjustments – but only for under spending The report would be provided to the program funder and not to the MNO, as was occurring with many organizations across the country Mr Tivy added that the Financial Statements were fairly presented, but that there could be a contingent liability as a result of the Services Canada review The MNO President offered further comments on the program review, which commenced approximately 16 months prior The audit team had since been provided full access to all of the MNO’s financial records and reports Assurance was offered that if the reviewers had found anything significant the MNO would have been informed Instead all of the MNO contracts had been renewed Secretary-Treasurer Pile also noted appreciation for the community council staff that had prepared and submitted their financial reports to the MNO in a timely manner Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 13 of 26 ADOPTED It was MOVED (Joanne Young) and SECONDED (Sharon McBride) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario approve the Métis Nation of Ontario Audited Financial Statements for the year ending March 31, 2005 as presented RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-06) 11 10.5 Appointment of Auditor It was MOVED (Joanne Young) and SECONDED (Wayne Trudeau) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario appoint the accounting firm of Collin Barrows as the MNO Auditors for the fiscal year 2006/07 RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-07) 10.6 Overview of Branch Administration Consideration of Item 10.6 was deferred until July 14, 2006 Legal Update/Métis Rights Issues Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat By-Laws, dated November 2005 Métis National Council (MNC) President Clemént Chartier extended greetings on behalf of the MNC, and offered comments on the relationship with the federal government In 2003, with the election of Paul Martin as the Prime Minister, the Métis were engaged in an unprecedented twoyear process with the federal government that brought recognition of the Métis Nation a long way In May 2005, the signing of the Métis Nation Framework Agreement set the stage for the historic Kelowna Accord reached in November 2005 where for the first time in history, Canada recognized the Métis as a Nation It was seen as significant that then Prime Minister Martin and then Federal Interlocutor Andy Scott were willing to work with the Métis to conclude agreements The MNC President spoke of the history of the MNC, which was formed in March 1983 From that day forward the MNC had pursued processes for the Métis Nation that was separate and distinct from First Nations and Inuit processes This had finally been achieved with the Kelowna Accord which included Métis Nation education and research, housing, health, childcare initiatives, etc in a 10 year process that also featured further First Ministers Meetings MNC President Chartier discussed the failure of the Charlottetown Accord in 1982, which had included a Métis Nation Accord At this time, some people were of the view that the Kelowna Accord had also failed as a result of the newly elected Conservative government However, leadership continued to push to salvage whatever was possible from that Accord, and had appointed Jason Madden as the MNC’s Chief Negotiator for the Framework Agreement The Assembly was informed that a letter had long ago been sent to former Prime Minister Martin discussing the need to resolve longstanding legal issues – based on the country’s legal system that eventually dispossessed the Métis of their lands and resources through the Manitoba and Dominion Lands Acts That letter was recently resent to current Prime Minister Stephen Harper The responsibility of the MNC to push the political/legal agenda was recognized Reference was made to the Northwest Saskatchewan Land Claim, and the Manitoba Métis Federation Land Claim The need to continue to press these and other legal issues was emphasized The MNC President commented on his participation at a recent 100 th year celebration of the giving and taking of scrip It was a celebration because the Métis continued to survive as a people Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 14 of 26 ADOPTED with a strong identity regardless of script having dispossessed the Métis of their lands He concluded his presentation with note that the Métis were a strong people that would continue to survive and grow stronger, that there was a big battle ahead of the Métis, and that in the end the Métis would succeed 11.1 Métis Litigation Related materials distributed within the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Métis Law Summary 2006 CD-Rom, prepared by Jean Teillet Jean Teillet, Pape Saulter Teillet, Legal Counsel, provided an overview of Métis litigation across Canada Northwest Territories In 1982 in the Northwest Territories (NWT), the Saulteux Dene and Métis Land Claims Agreement was signed As well, the Tlo:cho First Nation (which included many Métis locals) was currently in land claims negotiations relative to the Mackenzie Valley Gas Pipeline project The Métis in the NWT are treated the same as the First Nations in relation to harvesting British Columbia In British Columbia (BC), the Willison case won at trial, but was appealed by the crown The Appeal Court indicated that there was not enough evidence to support the findings of the trial judge and overturned the decision Legal advice to the Métis Nation BC at this time was to not appeal that ruling, but to wait for a stronger test case However, Mr Willison could decide to appeal the case to the Court of Appeal in BC, which in a worse case scenario could result in a statement that there are no Métis rights in BC A further consideration in the Willison case is that the Okanogan Nation Alliance had filed an intervener application at the BC Superior Court stating that the area in question was their territory and that they had say in whether there were any Métis people in the area While it was important for the court to focus on fact, rather than First Nation perspective, it was difficult to face having a First Nation come in against Métis rights Alberta The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) has an effort underway to develop a province-wide consultation policy with the province of Alberta so that the MNA can participate in land use planning to ensure that development in the early part of the 20 th century benefits Métis communities In regard to harvesting, the MNA signed an agreement with the Government of Alberta that gave all Métis in Alberta the right to hunt, fish and trap for subsistence on crown lands anywhere in the province However, as there was a split between the interpretation of the agreement by politicians and some of the prosecutors on the ground (who decided that the agreements had no legal foundation) there were currently nine charges in Alberta Many of the Alberta charges were against Métis for fishing with a rod and a reel, which the government saw as fishing for sport and requiring a license Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 15 of 26 ADOPTED Saskatchewan In Saskatchewan, in Laviolette the Crown decided not to appeal the ruling, but was forcing the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan to take forward similar cases to prove rights in other areas Manitoba The Manitoba government position is that all Métis rights were extinguished in that province As such, approximately 20 charges have been laid Also, the Manitoba Métis Federation land claim case had been active throughout the past several months and a ruling was soon anticipated Ontario In Ontario, significant hydro electric development was anticipated from the north which would triple capacity in order to service the demands of Toronto This would affect game cycles, fishing, water routes, etc As well, there was massive diamond exploration in northern Ontario As such, the duty of consultation would become extremely important for the Métis in Ontario, and there was need for the MNO to develop a province-wide consultation policy, to pursue impacts and benefits agreements, and to learn from the NWT experiences Ms Teillet referenced the July 2004 Harvesting Agreement reached between the MNO and the Government of Ontario Within several months, Ontario’s interpretation had narrowed so that all Métis south of Sudbury were not receiving the benefit of the Agreement This had resulted in approximately 12 charges being laid Three cases had been bundled together and a motion to stay proceedings had been filed The Crown had since employed litigation tactics to stall the process, so it was suspected that it would be a year before a judgment was received Ontario had meanwhile agreed to continue the Agreement according to their interpretation of the area covered Federal Harvesting Guidelines Ms Teillet indicated that the Métis were benefiting very little from the federal harvesting guidelines, and encouraged anyone who had benefited to communicate their experience to the MNO Captains of the Hunt who would convey the information to Legal Counsel 11.2 MNO Cases Jean Teillet, Pape Saulter Teillet, Legal Counsel, advised that all but two of the MNO cases were being adjourned until one test case was decided Two other cases were being litigated on the subject of traditional territory A delegate advised of a MNO citizen who had been charged with hunting without a small game license, and hunting ducks with lead The Crown Attorney opted not to pursue the first charge, so long as the individual pled guilty to the environmental charge In response to a question, confirmation was provided that the MNO should be approached when charges are laid against MNO citizens who are registered harvest card holders As well, it was offered that it was always dangerous to take advice about law from nonlawyers, who with every intention of making things better could make things worse The MNO had 10 years of experience in dealing with harvesting charges in court, and had many people that could assist its cardholders Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 16 of 26 ADOPTED A delegate queried whether the MNO had taken a position against nuclear reactors Chair Lipinksi responded that the MNO had done consultations in this regard, which would be reported on later in the Assembly Another delegate queried whether success in the legal cases would mean that harvesting cards would be allowed in the south Ms Teillet confirmed that if individuals met the test in Powley they could receive a MNO Harvesters’ Card, and would benefit from the success of harvesting cases A delegate suggested that mobility of harvesting rights was another issue to be addressed Legal Counsel agreed, noting that this was a future battle to be taken on once Métis rights in Ontario had been resolved 11.3 Harvesting Agreements This item was discussed earlier in the Agenda together with Items 11.1 and 11.2 11.4 MNO Revised Harvesting Policy Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package:  Excerpt from the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario Regular Meeting held March 30-31, 2006 providing Motion PC0602-05; and  Draft Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Harvesting Policy, dated April 2006 Jean Teillet, Pape Saulter Teillet, Legal Counsel, reviewed the PCMNO and Captains of the Hunts’ proposed changes to the MNO Harvesting Agreement, and related rationale In response to a query, it was confirmed that Captains of the Hunt were mandated to work with community councils in coordinating fall hunts, and that lists of harvest cardholders were not shared with community councils or others given privacy considerations Request for Action It was requested that discussion regarding the coordination of fall hunts be referred to the next meeting of the Captains of the Hunt It was MOVED (Ken Simard) and SECONDED (Eric Scofield) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario approve the proposed amendments to the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Harvesting Policy, dated April 2006 RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-08) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Jamie Aikens presented MNO President Belcourt and Jean Teillet, Legal Counsel, each with a walking stick in appreciation of their efforts on behalf of Métis in Ontario Bonny Cann recognized the MNO President for having received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2006, and together with PCMNO Executive Senator Reta Gordon presented MNO President Belcourt with a hand made Métis jacket as a gift from the people The jacket pattern was a replica of Louis Riel’s, with the beadwork designed by the MNO President’s daughter Christie Belcourt MNO President Belcourt presented Métis National Council President Clemént Chartier with a MNO 13th Anniversary AGA gift paddle, and expressed appreciation for his earlier presentation to the Assembly Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 17 of 26 ADOPTED DELEGATES’ MEETING ADJOURNED The 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 adjourned its Delegate’s Meeting on July 12, 2006 at 3:11 p.m Senator Gerry Bedford offered a Michif Closing Prayer DELEGATES’ MEETING – JULY 14, 2006 DELEGATES’ MEETING RECONVENED The 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 reconvened its Delegate’s Meeting on July 14, 2006 at 9:15 a.m Senator Reta Gordon offered an Opening Prayer Agenda Varied The order of the Agenda was varied at the AGA to resume consideration of Item 9.3 at this point Meeting Reports 9.3 Youth Lawrence Gladue, Chief Electoral Officer, announced the results of the MNO Youth Council (MNOYC) elections held July 12, 2006 as follows:  Sean Berry, Region  Dan Lesperance, Region  Alison Croft, Region  Scott Russell, Region  Ginny Gonneau, PCMNO Youth Representative It was added that Chantel Leondracki, Region 8, had been elected to the MNOYC during the last provincial election, and remained a member 12 Environment Canada: Great Lakes Water Quality Review Alison Kennedy, Environment Canada, discussed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, signed in 1972 between Canada and the U.S to address concerns around water pollution Amendments to the Agreement since that time were reviewed, with note that the Agreement was required to be reviewed every six years There was now widespread support for a comprehensive review of how the Agreement was meeting its goals to restore the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin The Review’s guiding principles were referenced, noting that specific advice was being sought regarding whether the Agreement was meeting the needs of Aboriginal groups within the Basin An Agreement Review Committee was coordinating the Review and would look specifically at each provision in the Agreement Environment Canada recognized the critical role of Aboriginal peoples in the Basin, and wanted to ensure an appropriate mechanism for their participation in the Review As such, there were agreements in place with the MNO, the Ontario Métis and Aboriginal Association and the Chiefs of Ontario, and some individuals had been participating in the Review’s Working Groups Ms Kennedy indicated that the Review would conclude in December 2006, at which time the government would evaluate the information it received Sources for additional information on the Review were provided Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 18 of 26 ADOPTED Paul Heighington, Policy Advisory, confirmed that the MNO had been working with Environment Canada to seek a more thorough and comprehensive consultation process, particularly to engage communities in the Great Lakes Basin between now and December 2006 Agenda Varied The order of the Agenda was varied at the Annual General Assembly to now consider Item 10.6 10 Finance and Administration Cont’d 10.6 Overview of Branch Administration Cont’d Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package:  Green Tab – Registry Branch Report 2006;  Orange Tab – Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Branch Summary of 2005/06; and Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC) Initiative Report 2006;  Light Blue Tab – Métis Nation of Ontario Aboriginal Languages Initiative “Remembering Our Culture” Activity Report 2005-06;  Red Tab – Métis Labour Market Development – Building Bridges to a Skilled Métis Workforce;  Yellow Tab – Post-Powley Resources 2005/2006 Final Report;  Bright Blue Tab – Métis Nation of Ontario Harvesting Update for Métis Citizens, dated June 2006;  Bright Green Tab – Métis Nation of Ontario Health Branch Report to the AGA July 2006;  Light Purple Tabs:  Annex A: The Métis Nation of Ontario AHWS Community Wellness Worker Programs – Yearly Service Statistics 2005-2006 Service Year;  Annex B: The Métis Nation of Ontario Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children’s Program – Yearly Statistics 2005-2006 Service Year;  Annex C: Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children Community Asset Mapping Project March 2006;  Annex D: The Métis Nation of Ontario Métis Nation Specific Provisions in the “Transformation Agenda” Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, November 2005;  Pink Tab – Housing Branch Report AGA 2006 Sault Ste Marie Ontario;  Bright Orange Tab – Métis Nation of Ontario Human Resources MNO staff reviewed the reports provided in the distributed Agenda package 13 MNO Development Corporation AGA DELEGATES’ MEETING ADJOURNED The 13th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 adjourned its Delegate’s Meeting on July 14, 2006 at 10:14 a.m in order to convene the MNO Development Corporation AGA Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 19 of 26 ADOPTED DELEGATES’ MEETING RECONVENED The 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 reconvened its Delegate’s Meeting on July 14, 2006 at 10:46 a.m 14 MNO Cultural Commission Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package:  Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission Annual Report 2005-2006, prepared by Bonny Cann;  Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission overview; and  Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission st Annual Charity Golf Tournament announcement MNO Cultural Commission (MNOCC) President Belcourt introduced the MNOCC Board of Directors He advised that the MNOCC had been active in sponsoring the: Métis Canoe Expeditions; www.metisradio.fm; an on-line Métis history project; the Building Bridges Festival; and annual Louis Riel Day celebrations in Toronto The MNOCC also fundraised for the MNO’s endowment and bursary programs, and assisted in cultural workshop presentations The MNOCC had twice applied to the Trillium Foundation for funding to: assist community councils in developing fundraising methods; undertake community and youth outreach; develop educational kits for community councils and citizens on Métis history and culture; and assist Métis communities in promoting volunteerism In response to a delegate’s query, MNOCC President Belcourt confirmed that Trillium provided grant application assistance, and identified Métis individuals involved with Trillium Another delegate provided information on Trillium funding that their community had received Steve Berry, Director of Finance, presented the MNOCC Financial Statements It was MOVED (Sharon McBride) and SECONDED (Wayne Trudeau) That the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario accept as presented the MNO Cultural Commission Financial Statements for the year ending March 31, 2006 RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-09) 16 Intergovernmental Relations Related materials distributed under Tab of the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Government of Canada Press Release regarding “Government of Canada Invests in Immediate Action to Improve Lives of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada”, dated November 25, 2005 In addition to the report provided during his opening comments on July 10, 2006, MNO President Belcourt referenced the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) – a pan-Aboriginal approach While the UAS had hired a consultant to undertake studies and surveys, the MNO had developed its own survey and was seeking comments from citizens on its form Once the comments were received the Executive would approve the survey for distribution and completion by MNO citizens 16 Resolutions Related materials distributed on-table at the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario Agenda package: Paper titled “Métis Nation of Ontario Annual General Assembly 2006 Sault Ste Marie, ON Resolutions”, providing draft resolutions numbered through 17 Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 20 of 26 ADOPTED 16.1 Women’s Secretariat of the Métis Nation of Ontario Terms of Reference It was MOVED (Sharon McBride) and SECONDED (Pauline Saulnier) WHEREAS the committee appointed by resolution at the 2005 Annual General Assembly to restructure the Women of the Métis Nation of Ontario (WMNO) has adopted Terms of Reference creating a new structure called “Women’s Secretariat of the Métis Nation of Ontario (WSMNO)”; and WHEREAS the WMNO at the 2006 Annual General Assembly have endorsed these Terms of Reference; THEREFORE BE IT RESOVLED that the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario adopt the WSMNO Terms of Reference RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-10) 16.2 Request for Amendment to MNO Governance Documents It was MOVED (Sharon McBride) and SECONDED (Audrey Vallee) WHEREAS the Women’s Secretariat of the Métis Nation of Ontario (WSMNO) Terms of Reference have been presented and ratified by the 13 th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario; and WHEREAS by adopting the WSMNO Terms of Reference it is recognized that the bylaws of the MNO will have to be changed for adoption at the MNO’s 14 th Annual General Assembly; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) be requested to amend the current governance documents of the MNO to reflect the new structure of the WSMNO, and further to ensure that the newly constructed WSMNO can function until the adoption of the new governance documents RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-11) 16.3 Identification Symbol for PCMNO Councilors During Annual General Assemblies It was MOVED (Eric Scofield) and SECONDED (Sharon McBride) WHEREAS most Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Councilors are in attendance at Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assemblies (AGA); and WHEREAS the PCMNO Councilors are easily accessible to our citizens at the AGAs; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the MNO administration be respectfully requested to work with the PCMNO Councilors to develop a common visual symbol (such as a shirt, pin, badge or hats) to distinguish Councilors so that citizens can better identify Councilors at future assemblies RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-12) 16.4 Submission and Payment of Annual General Assembly Expenses Speaking in favour of proposed Resolution #4, a delegate referenced the intent of the resolution to assist in ensuring quorum on the last day of the Assembly Several delegates spoke in opposition to proposed Resolution #4 Submission and payment of per diems was seen as an administrative issue, and concern was that the resolution would encumber the current administrative process; and cause problems for Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 21 of 26 ADOPTED individuals who had to leave the AGA earlier than the final day As well, it was not seen as the best means of ensuring quorum during voting In response to suggestion that proposed Resolution #4 be referred to the Finance Committee to consider the financial impacts, clarification was offered that financial implications were not a consideration as the AGA budget allowed for per diems It was MOVED (Norm Monaghan) and SECONDED (Andre Bosse) BE IT RESOLVED that all Métis Nation of Ontario citizens that have travel and per diem expenses for attending Annual General Assemblies (AGA) present an itemized expense sheet with receipts on the first day of business, with approved payments of these accounts to be paid on the final day of the AGA DEFEATED (5 delegates voting in the positive, 70 voting in the negative, and abstentions.) 16.5 Attendance of MNO Health Staff at the AGA Delegates Meeting A delegate spoke in opposition to proposed Resolution #5, noting that the only way that funding could be secured for MNO staff to attend the AGA was if they attended training Given this, suggestion was that activities at future AGAs be scheduled so that staff could both participate in training and attend the business meeting It was MOVED (Eric Scofield) and SECONDED (Maurice Sarrazin) BE IT RESOLVED that the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Health Services Branch staff who are required to be at the Annual General Assembly (AGA) for Health Meetings and are citizens of the MNO, strive to attend the business portions of the AGA DEFEATED (18 delegates voting in the positive, 49 voting in the negative, and 20 abstentions.) 16.6 MNO Office Hours A delegate spoke in opposition to proposed Resolution #6, as it did not allow administration the flexibility to set hours of work at different locations to accommodate need, particularly within the health branch It was offered that while office hours could be standardized, the reality was there would not always be staff within the offices as they carried out their daily activities It was MOVED (Richard Sarrizan) and SECONDED (Natalie Durocher) WHEREAS the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is dedicated to providing the best programs and services to its citizens; and WHEREAS there are variations in MNO employee work hours; and WHEREAS efficiencies can be achieved through implementation of standardized operating procedures; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the MNO set consistent office hours for all of its offices throughout the province RESOLVED (AGA06-13) (78 delegates voting in the positive, 11 voting in the negative, and 13 abstentions.) Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 22 of 26 ADOPTED 16.7 Call for Election of Captains of the Hunt Speaking in opposition to proposed Resolution #7, a delegate expressed concern that electing Captains could impact the good work that had been done by the current Captains to establish relationships with the Ministry of Natural Resources As well, if Captains needed to be concerned with politics, it would be difficult for them to follow up with individuals who were violating Métis laws without fear of a campaign to vote them out of office Another consideration was that the Captains of the Hunt process was established based on Métis tradition It was MOVED (Wayne Trudeau) and SECONDED (Norm Monaghan) BE IT RESOLVED that the position of the Captains of the Hunt for all regions be an elected position within the Métis Nation of Ontario with the election for these positions to be held at the same time as the elections for the Provisional Council of the MNO DEFEATED (3 delegates voting in the positive, 80 voting in the negative, and abstentions.) 16.8 Senators and Elders Area at Annual General Assemblies It was MOVED (Carey Calder) and SECONDED (Jennifer St Germain) WHEREAS the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assemblies (AGA) can be long; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) create an area designed for Senators and elders at future Annual General Assemblies (AGA) The area would be fully accessible to the main tent and business proceedings and would provide comfortable seating, refreshments and healthy snacks Senators and elders could choose to use the area during the breaks, as their seat during the meetings, or for breaks as needed during meeting proceedings RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-14) It was suggested that consideration also be given to allowing individuals with disabilities to have access to a designated area 16.9 MNO Employee Hours of Work As proposed Resolution #9 was a duplication of earlier considered proposed Resolution #6, it was removed from the Agenda 16.10 System for Supervision of MNO Employees As proposed Resolution #10 was not moved, the Chair declared it as having “fell off the table” 16.11 Proposed Amendment to the MNO Community Council Bylaws Confirmation was provided that proposed Resolution #11 would require amendment to the MNO community council bylaws, and that while the MNO could make recommendations to the councils, each approved their own bylaws It was MOVED (Richard Sarrizan) and SECONDED (Natalie Durocher) WHEREAS the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Community Councils operate with volunteers only; and WHEREAS Community Council volunteers are difficult to retain; Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 23 of 26 ADOPTED THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Community Council bylaws be amended to allow Community Councilors that have moved away from the geographical limits of their council to continue their service to that council TABLED 16.12 Donation of Food to the Fire Keeper It was MOVED (Carmen Gravel) and SECONDED (Urgil Courville) BE IT RESOLVED that every Métis Nation of Ontario Community Council that is hosting a fundraising breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Annual General Assembly donate at least one serving to the fire keeper in appreciation of his or her commitment to this task RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-15) 16.13 Gifting of the Title “Honourary Senator” Delegates indicated that proposed Resolution #13 did impact the bylaws, which set out the way in which Senators were elected; specified that former PCMNO Senators received the title of “Honourary Senator”; and affected Senators’ voting rights Concern was also noted that the resolution did not specify that individuals had to be a Senator for 10 years Speaking in favour of proposed Resolution #13, a Senator suggested that the number of community council Senators who served 10 full years would be very few, and that the idea of gifting the title was appropriate Given that proposed Resolution #13 would affect a bylaw change, it was necessary to confirm that there were 102 voting delegates present to consider it As there were only 97 voting delegates present, the Chair declared proposed Resolution #13 tabled It was MOVED (Marlene Greenwood) and SECONDED (Kay Lynch) WHEREAS the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Community Councilor Senators have dedicated their time and wisdom to our people towards the betterment of our nation; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that MNO Community Senators in good standing, and of 10 or more years of service, be gifted with the title of “Honourary Senator” for life – in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the Métis Nation of Ontario TABLED 16.14 AGA Recycling Facilities It was MOVED (Carey Calder) and SECONDED (Jennifer St Germain) BE IT RESOLVED that appropriate recycling facilities for cans and bottles be set up for the duration of every future Métis Nation of Ontario Annual General Assembly RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-16) 16.15 Formation of a MNO Two-Spirited Committee It was MOVED (Carey Calder) and SECONDED (Jennifer St Germain) BE IT RESOLVED that a Two-spirited Committee be formed within the Métis Nation of Ontario with the purpose of both raising awareness of issues and challenges faced by two-spirited people within our community, and also celebrating and promoting the valuable contributions that two-spirited people make to the strengthening of our nation “Two-spirited” is generally used to reflect gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and transgender individuals RESOLVED (AGA06-17) (54 delegates voting in the positive, 19 voting in the negative, and 20 abstentions.) Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 24 of 26 ADOPTED 16.16 Rejection of the Ontario Power Authority Plan A delegate spoke in favour of proposed Resolution #16, and provided background information Change in Chair Chair Lipinski turned over the Chair’s role to the Vice Chair in order to be able to speak to proposed Resolution #16 A delegate discussed the consultation process that the MNO had thus far been involved in with regard to nuclear energy, offering that proposed Resolution #16 could undermine the MNO’s access to further consultation dollars on the issue While instinctively some individuals were against nuclear power and nuclear waste, interest in further consultations was noted As such, suggestion was that proposed Resolution #16 be referred to the PCMNO pending receipt of further information to make a full assessment It was MOVED (Carey Calder) and SECONDED (Jennifer St Germain) BE IT RESOLVED that the Métis Nation of Ontario reject the Ontario Power Authority plan that would see the rebuilding of old and the building of new nuclear reactors; and call on the Ontario Government to: complete a provincial environmental assessment as required by the Environmental Assessment Act; and to withdraw its proposal to exempt the nuclear electricity plan from a provincial environmental assessment TABLED Chair Resumed Chair Lipinski resumed the Chair 16.17 Request for MNO Support of Energy Report It was MOVED (Carey Calder) and SECONDED (Jennifer St Germain) BE IT RESOLVED that the Métis Nation of Ontario review and consider supporting the report released by World Wildlife Fund-Canada, Greenpeace Canada, Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development, Sierra Club of Canada, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, and the David Suzuki Foundation, which outlines how Ontario can meet the province’s energy needs through a mix of clean energy and efficiency projects and demonstrates that energy efficiency and low-impact renewable energy sources are capable of providing twice the projected electricity needs of Canada’s most populist province by 2020 RESOLVED BY CONSENSUS (AGA06-18) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Senator Kay Lynch acknowledged the efforts of MNO President Tony Belcourt, and MNO Chair Gary Lipinski for their pursuit of the recognition of Métis rights, and presented them each with a Louis Riel Citation Shelly Goneville announced the recipients of the Senator Reta Gordon – MNO on the Go Award, noting that they had been selected not for their ability to sport, but based on their respect for themselves, the other children and the adults providing the services: Tot Award – Marissa Hendrix; Junior Achievement Award – Cody Noel; Teen Aware – Dalton Mathias The Chair acknowledged Dean Dribett the sound technician for his work in supporting the MNO during its Annual General Assembly (AGA) business and cultural events, and presented Mr Dribett with a MNO 13th Anniversary AGA gift paddle Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 25 of 26 ADOPTED Linda Bensler announced that the Temiskaming Métis Council Youth had raised $300 at the AGA through shirt sales, which they would contribute to the MNO legal fund Various draws and raffles were conducted, with note that the MNO Youth Council had raised $2,000 for the Youth Trip to Ecuador The Assembly recognized the volunteers who organized the AGA: Art Bennett, Carla Labbe, Senator Jacques Leroux, Brent McHale, Anne and Neil Trudel, the Historical, Senator Reta Gordon, Hank and Loma Rowlinson, and members of the Sault Ste Marie Métis Council, each of whom was presented each with a MNO 13th Anniversary AGA gift paddle On behalf of the Assembly, MNO President Belcourt acknowledged Pierre Lefebvre, Executive Director, and all MNO staff for their hard work during the AGA and every day for the Métis Nation He also recognized Senator Reta Gordon for having convened the Senators Forum the prior weekend, and the Chair and Vice Chair for their continued successful facilitation of the MNO’s AGAs The MNO President thanked the delegates for attending and bringing their families to the AGA, and acknowledged the youth as the future of the Métis Nation He also thanked the Fire Keeper for tending the Sacred Fire and the spiritual leaders for their guidance The President concluded with comments regarding the opportunity that the AGA presented to reaffirm convictions, aspirations and goals, and to work together in respect of one another for the common good of the entire Métis Nation CONCLUSION AND CLOSING PRAYER The 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 concluded on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 1:50 p.m Senator Jacques Leroux offered a Closing Prayer * * * * * This is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario, held July 10-14, 2006 and incorporates any and all corrections made at the time of adoption at the 14th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 9-13, 2007 Tim Pile, Secretary-Treasurer _ Gary Lipinski, Chair Minutes of the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Ontario held July 10-14, 2006 Page 26 of 26