Women of Metis Nation given $40,000 by Ottawa

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Metis women in Alberta will have a voice courtesy of the federal government.

The Women of the Metis nation received $41,000 to get the organization off the ground. St. Alberta MP Walter Van De Walle presented a cheque for $16,000 to the group's treasurer Rachelle Langton April 5 at his Spruce Grove office.

The rest of the money will be given to the organization at the end of the month, he said.

President Marge Friedel said the money will be used to "organize Metis women province-wide because Metis women are not represented."

The Women of the Metis Nation has 200 women in its ranks.

Friedel said the group, which has been together for three years, wants to raise the awareness of Metis women since they are either portrayed "as the beautiful princess of the drunken squaw."

The majority of the $41,000 will be used to set up an office in west Edmonton. Friedel said the group plans to open a catering business to rise additional money. "We all love to cook so I think it'll work."

Last year the government slashed funds to 45 Native organizations and communications societies. This year's federal budget also was not heart-warming even though there were no substantial blows to Native groups.

Van De Walle said in times of economic restraint "we have to pick and choose what our priorities are." The Women of the Metis Nation was considered a priority by Secretary of State which provided the funding, he said.

The group received $15,000 in March 1988 for management programs.