Moving toward Metis 'Recognition' -- Article 3

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the third article in a periodic series looking at the movement toward international recognition of the Metis (mixed blood) People.

Nadreau nominated as USMA Chairperson

Ken Nadreau has been nominated by the Metis Nation of the South to serve as the first chairperson of the U.S. Metis Alliance. Nadreau is the National Director of the Metis Nation in New England.

The U.S. Metis Alliance was formed in June of 2000 by several Metis nations and organizations for the advancement of Metis culture, education and social services.

Nadreau, who is the only nominee so far for the newly created position, accepted the nomination August 10 with a stirring speech that was posted to the largest Metis discussion group on Yahoo.

"I have to say upfront, that I truly appreciate the kind words that have been expressed in this nomination. Your confidence in me is overwhelming and frankly, scares the daylights out of me," Nadreau said.

"The idea that we are at the point in this new history of the Metis to be nominating a Chairperson of a nationwide Alliance is more than I could have hoped for. There are great mountains still in front of us, and yes, some of these mountains we have built for ourselves, but we have made an amazing leap forward in a relatively short period of time!"

Nadreau praised contributions from several sources for the growth of the Alliance and the organization's evolution into working body.

"So many efforts need to be recognized for all of this. The help we have received from our cousins in Canada first off. People like Martin Dunn, Claude Aubin, all the people at the CMC, the support and friendship we've come to treasure with the Metis people in BC, especially the South Island Metis who have been sitting here on this list since it's beginning listening to us argue. We learned so much from the problems they faced and how they handled it" Nadreau said.

"Also we have to thank all those who have kept us honest. People like StandingBearChief of the Blackfoot Confederacy who nearly drove us all crazy with his demands to know what we were all about and how it would affect the Indian people," Nadreau said.

Both MNNE and MNS have have firmly stated that they do not seek recognition under U.S. Title 25 (The Indian Act), stating that if such recognition was achieved in that manner, it would only serve to draw funds away from federally-recognized Native American nations. Both nations are striving for recognition on the international stage.

"All of these people have had input for the groundwork that makes up the U.S. Metis Alliance, it's guidelines and charters. No one person or group can take all the credit for what it is today. Everyone who has ever been on this list and all the other metis lists have done their share and they too should be congratulated for a job well done!

"And so, in accepting this nomination, I have to say that everything I will do if elected Chairperson will reflect your brilliance and your hard fought efforts in getting us here. I will never forget that it is you all that matter most. The Alliance is the people, not a position or a figurehead and so I will remain one of the people and work with you to achieve our dreams, not for me, but for all of us.

"But now this isn't the end of the matter. The Alliance is just the beginning! We need to develop new ties with metis associations and nations that are not yet with us. We need to patch up the gaps that have occurred while we were hammering out the game plan and bring some of these people back in with us. We need to stop worrying about us and start working for our children's futures.

"These are the days that lovers of freedom and unity only dream of," Nadreau said. "We have a wonderful opportunity before us and we need to grab a hold of it with both hands!

"Thanks for letting me ramble and allowing me the opportunity to consider the great task that we all face. If this is going to work, we need each and every metis person to stand with us. We need to educate and console, develop new friendships and renew old ones. And I hate to say it. . .but. . .we probably need to argue more so that a clear understanding can come forth and an Alliance that will work for all the people will result.

"Thank you for this honor," Nadreau concluded.