Ontario Association dissolves

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Board members of the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association have voted to disband because of the organization's crippling financial situation.

A series of bad business deals, including the purchase of a city hotel, lead to the Oct. 2 vote, said Ron Swain, president of the association.

"They incurred enormous deficits over the last few years," said Swain. "It was

not feasible to continue. We are $4.5 million in debt. If we get fair market value for our holdings and real estate, we'd still be $2.6 million in the hole."

The organization shut down their office Oct. 25, leaving only Swain, executive director Reg Burns, and two accountants on staff to finalize affairs. The future of the educational, housing and health programs once offered through the association are on hold until further notice, Swain said. The association's more than 6,000 members received letters informing them of the insolvency this month.

The dissolution of the association comes in the wake of another development for Metis people in Ontario. Five days prior to the vote, Metis members of OMAA resolved to separate from the organization, creating the Metis Nation of Ontario.

The move for a distinct mandate was a natural progression as self-government becomes more of an issue in Canada, said Swain.

"These are exciting times," he said. "It's only democratic that Metis people speak on their own issues and on the Metis agenda."

The fledgling group has an interim board of directors, with Swain as interim president until a full ballot box election can be held sometime in the new year. Letters going to former OMAA members include an invitation to join the Metis Nation of Ontario and vote once a constituency is established.

Swain is confident First Nations members will soon be represented by a new organization. Discussions on the form an association representing off-reserve Natives may take are under way, he said.

"There is definitely a need and it is developing into a strong body," Swain remarked.

For more information on the Metis Nation of Ontario call (705) 245-3278 in Sault Ste. Marie, or (613) 725-1878 in Ottawa. The organization's mailing address is 193 Holland Avenue, Ottawa, Ont. K1Y 0Y3