Long time activist leaves political arena

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Helen Gladue, who's been called a radical, rabble-rouser and politician, is stepping aside to let a younger woman take her place.

The long-time fighter for rights, and present coordinator of the Advisory Council of Treaty Women, believes "it is time for the younger women to get involved and to continue from the older women. The older women have been involved for a long time and they can teach our young women how to fight for their rights."

Gladue has been involved in the political arena for almost 20 years and cheerfully admits that she doesn't "sit back for anybody." She founded the women's advisory council ten years ago after serving within the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) as secretary and as chairman of several task forces.

"I saw the need for treaty women to become more involved. Our women have always stood behind the men, and men still feel women must stay home, back bannock and care for the children."

Although women weren't involved with the political organizations, Gladue felt that it was the women who continued the traditions and passed down the culture and heritage to the next generation.

"And that is why issues like C-31 and the minors' trust accounts are so important to women. No one is getting the information down to the grassroots level."

Gladue, along with IAA assistance, helped to form the council and coordinate meetings and conferences in private homes and IAA offices.

Recently, the council held an election for board members. Members were elected from each of the three treaty areas within Alberta and include Vicky Crowchild from Treaty 7 and Leah Willier and Rachel Lawrence from Treaty 8.

Gladue and other members will be undertaking a series of workshops on various subjects including lobbying techniques. After many years in the political field. Gladue feels she can pass on her knowledge to the younger generation.

"I used to go to all the IAA assemblies and to the All-Chiefs conferences without pay. We hitchhiked," she says. Looking back on her life and her involvement in the political arena, Gladue says she doesn't regret a thing. However, recently she undertook a series of lifestyle workshops which made her not only re-evaluate her life, but also look back on her traditions and culture with new eyes.

"I take things slower now. But I still believe in fighting for our rights," she says, adding the workshops taught her a new humility and appreciation for her Native ancestry.

Gladue was born on the Beaver Lake reserve, the seventh girl of nine sisters and three brothers. She later married William Gladue of the Samson band and together they raised six children ? four boys and two girls. Today they have 12 grandchildren.

"I grew up with my children," she smiles. "And we all participated in the traditions. We went to the powwows and I made the outfits; I did the beading."

As she watched her children grow, Gladue realized that many of their treaty rights had eroded over the years. This compelled her to get involved and to "start fighting."

Today, Gladue says she is still concerned over what she describes as the continuing "fight for the treaties." She also fears Indian leaders and organizations are "getting too much like the whiteman."

"We never used to go by the agendas. Everyone had his turn to speak and we used to stand united," she says. "We should also utilize our Elders. We must listen to their advice."

However, Gladue says despite the many challenges and threats to the treaties, she is optimistic. She sees new battles in the Meech Lake accord, and the Lubicon Lake land claim, but adds that as long as Aboriginal people stand together, they can defeat any obstacle.

"In the old days we always stood together. Today we have been split and divided. We must stand together now, and we'll win," she adds confidently.

During the next few months, Gladue says she will take a slower path, but quickly adds that she is ready to pass on her knowledge and expertise tothe next generation.

"I know how to lobby, and I know how to get information. I want to teach the young women, the mothers of the next generation."