Metis progress

Page 4

Stan Plante, president of Local 1885 in Edmonton, believes his intent has been misconstrued. A story carried in Windspeaker indicates he blamed the formation of new locals in the city for the low turnout at his group's annual assembly and that unity will eventually suffer. Since the story ran, he has clarified his position, saying he is all for the formation of new locals in the city, even if membership in his own local is taxed. He feels if more locals in the ciety will encourage greater participation amongst the Metis population, then so be it.

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Last week's story also touched on the creation of boundaries to distinctly establish locals. This type of action is a lont time coming. Electoral boundaries will serve to give this city's locals more credibility and clearer direction.

The decision to set boundaries should be ratified by the Metis Association of Alberta because it is a necessary step leading to more progressive improvements. One of these is the formation of a proposed Metis Council which would involve representation from each local. This would provide forum for the discussion of ideas or problems that may be common to all the locals. Though an extensive amount of work lies ahead to identify the boundaries and develop a process in which they can be established, making sure all Metis have input, the results will be positive and progressive.