Metis super woman leaves legacy and memories

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June 4 in Valleyview was a special day for a very special person who had an impacted Metis and Indian people and communities in Alberta for better than 20 years. That was the day that Valleyview and Zone 6 of the Metis Nation of Alberta held a banquet to honor one of their own, Marina Brothers. On the wall of the hall hung a banner proclaiming her lifetime commitment to the Metis people.

People from many parts of the province bustled into Valleyview that day to pay tribute to Brothers, who is considered one of Alberta's hardest working and dedicated Metis women.

Marina Brothers (nee Jobin) passed away following a bout with cancer on March 25, one week after turning 64. Her death has left a huge void, one that so many of her friends and admirers feel will be difficult to fill.

Born March 19, 1935, Brothers, the third in a family of 16 born to Nora and Ambrose Jobin at Echo Prairie-was one of those precious few who constantly gave of themselves for the betterment of others.

A dedicated mother and grandmother, she quit school at a young age to seek employment so she could help her parents with the heavy financial burden that large families bring.

She married Arthur Brothers in 1959 and the two moved to High Prairie. After bringing three boys into the world, David, Patrick and Robert, tragedy struck in 1971 when Arthur passed away.

Alone with her children, Marina knew she needed work to support her family. She went back to school, got her Education Technician certificate in 1972 and worked for the Alberta Vocational Centre at Fort Vermilion. Three years later, she moved to Calgary and got a degree in education from the university there.

She met her second sweetheart, Louis Bellerose, around this time and they set up home at Valleyview in 1978. Marina took a local teaching position at AVC and held that job for 22 years. During that time, she helped many, many youngsters who were trying to further their education. Some she would hire to work for her so they could have a few dollars while they attended school. She was always there for people.

The Assistant Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Cliff Supernault, stated that her dedication and commitment was amazing, particularly in the field of education.

"She was very unselfish," he said. Supernault's co-worker, John Kristensen said, "Marina is the Red Willow Metis Local."

Giving to the people and the community was Marina's life. For her, it was a labor of love as she'd fundraise by organizing special dances, bingos, talent shows, raffles, car washes, cultural days, Elders trips to Lac Ste. Anne and Metis assemblies, an Elders Homemaker Program, student field trips, Christmas gifts and food hampers for those less fortunate, and much more.

She founded the Bill Gouchey Memorial Scholarship, as well as Valleyview school Hot Lunch Program and projects such as SEED, STEP and START. She also originated Goals Unlimited, an employment firm and did one stint on the town council said her friend Sylvia Johnson with the Metis Nation in Peace River. Here was a true, loyal friend, she said.

"She was the Metis Zone treasurer since 1984 and knew the bylaws better than God. I can't imagine the assemblies without her," said Johnson.

Metis president Audrey Poitras proclaimed Brothers to be a super woman.

Outside of her many accomplishments and awards, Brothers will always be remembered for being a people person, one who cared, shared and gave so that her fellow-human beings might have just a little bit more of the good life.