(Cranbrook, BC) The BC Métis Federation held our fourth Regional Gatherings entitled A New Beginning tonight in Cranbrook, BC for the Kootenay Region at the Prestige Hotel. There was a small crowd with about 10 people in attendance. It appears the challenges holding a meeting the weekend of Easter resulted in minimal attendance.
BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “Although a smaller crowd I felt this was our most informative meeting to date. MNBC Kootenay Regional Director Terry Anonson attended and although we had differences of opinion, we had a open and honest dialogue. Mr. Anonson indicated there was concerns from the Kootenay Region as the BC Métis Federation was moving away from the MNBC unlike our previous organization the Coalition of Concerned Métis Citizens. However, I reminded Mr. Anonson that the BC Métis Federation has always welcomed the MNBC board to meet and the MNBC themselves have rejected all such offers. Furthermore the BC Métis Federation has maintained our objectives, to rebuild the Nation with pride.”
President Henry added, “What was interesting tonight was clarification that during the last Métis Nation Governing Assembly the MNBC admitted that they anticipate another loss this year of $800,000.00 – $1,000,000.00. Imagine this massive loss another year while MNBC was supposed to ensure a balanced budget? This amount, if true, far exceeds our worst case scenario.”
President Henry further added, “Allegedly MNBC will sell the school for about $5 million which far less than the sale price and will not be able to reimburse the current mortgages, additional line of credit, and outstanding debt created by this purchase in 2009? How does MNBC leadership explain this to the people who they represent and why have these details not been made public? Does MNBC really have an interested buyer? “
President Henry concluded, “Tonight was important to demonstrate how BC Métis Federation welcomes anyone to attend our public meetings. We facilitated open and honest dialogue and presented facts based in information available to the public. We know open dialogue it the key rebuilding trust and we thank everyone that attended and contributed to the conversation tonight. It was very interesting.”
For more information about the upcoming Regional Gatherings being held throughout BC please go to the BC Métis Federation website www.bcmetis.com. The next Regional Gathering is in Prince George at the Coast Hotel on April 21st starting at 6:00 PM. All Métis people and friends of the Métis welcome.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
Download this Letter in PDF format
Communication is why many of us are going out separate ways. With the school we were not consulted, just as the sale remains to be a mystery. The MNBC is in debt over 5 million this raises the question, ‘what revenue is being generated to eleviate the debt?” My guesses are the signing with Enbridge and equity dollars. This is also a mystery as much as regional directors show up at the Regional gatherings, and keeping Metis in the dark.
How about some transparency from BCMF? Who is financing all this? How does Mr Henry put food on his table? Where can I see your financials?
I have been watching and observing for quite some time and have my reservations.
To partially answer the So called Free Metis, In every function I have attended of the BCMF , I have never received a cent in travel expenses or accommodation, in my case I have shared some food served to all at the BCMF gatherings.
Oh I almost forgot , no wages or honorariums either.
You will notice I don’t mind using my name and my e-mail is on the Board of directors list.
I am of modest means and have no intentions of contributing to or letting my name and data used to access Government funds to pay the leaders of the mnbc, exorbitant wages, while the Metis youth are in need of schooling dollars.
I am sure Keith Henry can and will speak for himself.
Richard Lucier-larson
A proud director of the BCMF who pays his own way and even donates some to the expenses of the BCMF
Good afternoon Free Metis,
I am hope you respect the amount of transparency we are achieving to date.
I work with a volunteer board and volunteer staff at the BC Metis Federation who believe we need to move away from the “welfare state” mentality we see at the MNBC and so many other organizations professing to be working for the Metis people. We all donate our time and skills to rebuild Metis goverrnance in BC as we believe the MNBC is no longer sustainable nor viable as a provincinal representative organization. I volunteer my time and I have my own business interests that enable me to take care of my family on my own financial needs. I do not take any money from Metis programs to support a living and I am very proud of this. Do not get me wrong though as I know people need to be paid. The reality is though at this time I think the BC Metis Federation is trying to demonstrate that there are Metis people who care and will do work to assist our Nation in spite of the excuses we hear about no money, etc from MNBC andd many of their supporters. This is the WRONG attitude when we face such troubled times.
In terms of transparency we answer these type questions on our website for anyone to read, we spend thousands of our own dollars (above the donations) to meet anywhere in BC to explain our call to action, we host an online coffee talk show every Thursday night at 7:30 PM where anyone can call in and ask any questions plus so much more.
I have inserted a link below to the BC Metis Federation financial statements between June annd December 2011. We are finanlizing the year to date to March 31st and we will be pleased to post these soon. You and anyone can see that the BC Metis Federation has raised about $20,000 in donations and economic development efforts from when we first started as the BC Metis Federation between June – December. We have since used these resources to support our communications infrastructure, assist communities who work with us, cultural celebrations, etc.
I hope you can also see by this response that we welcome any questions and we have no hidden agenda. We want to support rebuilding of our Nation as the MNBC has made a complete mess. There will always be those who try to spin our efforts negatively but ask yourself when the last time MNBC explained how they let their debt get so out of hand? Better yet when have you had a chance to attend a public forum held by the MNBC? I am sure you see that BC Metis Federation continues our volunteer work and holds public forums throughout BC so in my view there should be little doubt as to who is really being transparent here.
We recently learned that MNBC debt for this year (2011-2012) that just ended March 31st will be about another million in losses. This is the fourth year in a row of massive financial losses at the MNBC without any real explanation by the MNBC? Does any one really understand the gravity of this situation and how bad this has become to the future of programs MNBC delivers? We already hear MNBC telling people that the sale of the school will address this debt but this is not true. We will have a revised financial analysis to show how even with the sale of the school, MNBC will be left millions in debt. It is incredible to say the least but people need to takee time tto rad and ask MNBC questions via email, phone, or otherwise. We know MNBC representatives will not likely ever tell the truth but you can test this for yourself!
Anyways I hope Free Metis you and others can see we are happy to answer any questions. Simply put the BC Metis Federation does this because we care. We need to find a way to reunite our Nation but the fact is MNBC representatives must be held accountable for the mess they havee left. In the meantime I welcome you to attend our communnity meetings coming up in Prince George, Fort St. John, or Terrace. If you cannot attend any of these call into our Metis Coffee Talk show to ask your questions. I will do my best to answer any questions or build your trust in our message and work.
If people question the motives of the BC Metis Federaton any further based on our complete openness, there is nothing more I can understand to say other than our actions and commitment should speak volumes about our honest intentiions to rebuild the Nation.
Happy Easter and I make this response with the utmost respect.
BCMF Balance Sheet 2011
BCMF P&L to December 2011
This is a part of the problem of our Nation is the attitude why are they doing this they must be getting something. Did Harry Daniels recieve the same treatment when he wrote our Naiton into Section 35, I am sure there was the same attitude out there. I must say there is a vast difference between the MNBC and the BCMF. For one the communication is excellent with weekly shows online, blog entries, and newsletters par none. I ponder a few Items in a TEST of ACCOUNTABILITY.
1. Does MNBC have a open discussion forum on their website? Answer: NO
There is no active input via the technological resources we have today such as Facebook, or blogging. Information released is provided by groomed press releases. The term groomed means, a positive spin on reality separate from the real truth.
2. Does MNBC actively publish their minutes of their meetings? Answer: YES, but only after pressure from a community charter.
Although it was a good start, the minutes have not been published since July 2011. Accountability and transparency entails keeping up with active minute publication to the public. The AGM minutes almost took a year to be public, and to date I have not seen any public MNGA minutes.
3. What Media does MNBC utilize?
Currently only press releases, the MNBC facebook and twitter are not active. There is no usage of video resources such as youtube, besides a few items I have seen published.
Transparency in our governance is the root of ‘A New beginning”.
As a footnote, what does it matter how Keith or anyone one of the BCMF members or staff puts food on their table. It is appalling that “Free Metis” could be so concerned that someone could be getting more than them, that they can’t see the forest through the trees, but in reality the BCMF is fighting for our future collectively.
Way Len Jen’ings
It’s very important where the current board members get their funds Waylon! Is mr Henry getting donations from MNA? Or from David Chartrand? Is he independantly wealthy and doesn’t work for a living or what?
I am asking legitimate questions I have, I am not attacking BCMF…and I have zero faith in the current MNBC leadership. so your spinning your wheels when you go on the defensive and it makes it look like there is something to hide.
If your looking for insight into what is happening with this school in Abbotsford, just look back in history and see what happened with the training center they opened on the island. You should remember how that one went Richard.
BCMF has used social media to uphold transparency and accountability. The
MNBC regime has been marked by how they have attempted to control every aspect of “being Metis” in British Columbia. All of their correspondence is dedicated to constructing ” truths” without attention to the realities in their own communities. The financial insolvency is only the tip of the iceberg. For them to maintain their illusion of power, they could never employ meaningful real or virtual dialogue and debate, hallmarks of Democracy. They hoard knowledge and history and exploit it and this is evident over and over.
Hello Free Metis I am not sure whether you have read any of the material on the BCMF website or not but I suggest that you visit our website and educate yourself in order that you can make an informed decision on the issues. Research the information for yourself so you can verify its authenticity. I am thrilled that you took the time to make a comment on our website however before you question our accountability you need to get your facts straight.
I stand behind the BCMF and its values and am proud of what we have achieved. All the the BCMF board members donate their own time and resources and we do not rely on the governments for our survival and we have no debt. We are made of grass roots Metis people who care deeply about their Nation. The BCMF will continue to rebuild our governance and I encourage you to get involved and become part of the solution.
Hello Mr Piper:
I want to know what each and every one of you does for a living, I want to know where the money for BCMF is coming from and I would like to know what your background is. Do any of you have law degrees?
We were around when it was PMF and Louis Reil organizations in BC, and we were around for the formation of MPCBC….what I am seeing now almost looks like history repeating itself? I saw how those ‘leaders’ were paying bills…right David Chartrand…and who they were loyal to when the chips came down. I want to ask those questions now, right up front nothing hidden. Do you have a problem with that? I don’t have a problem standing up for the people and opening my books, do you?
I would prefer to see the mnbc fixed from inside, but have lost faith that it could ever be done since those devious turds have run it into the ground. So if BCMF is going to be the Metis people’s then I will ask the hard questions!
Free Metis,
I understand your points of view and appreciate your tough questions so people lets not get defensive as this person asks questions. Free Metis I kindly seek you patience to understand many of us get a little defensive as we have been attacked legally, personally, etc. It has been tough for many of us to say the least.
What I will do is encourage you to read our board bios that describes our various crudentials and experience. This is on our website in the “About” tab you can access on the homepage. I am not a lawyer but have been heavily involved in policy and legal frameworks of Metis and First Nation right for several years. I also seek legal opinions when needed. Hope you read the rest of my bio to better understand other skills.
I hope you saw by my last response that we have nothing to hide about our resources. I posted our financials as requested and am sure you appreciated this effort. I can assure you 100% BC Metis Federation has absolutely nothing to do with MMF, MNA, MNC, or any other political factions. We stand as personally invested.
Today the BC Metis Federation is building from two key revenue streams; personal donations and a revenue share we negotiatied with a camp service and in effect became an equity partner. This is a modest amount each month as we just started for the BC Metis Federation and is subject to monthly usage. However, by this we have laid the foundation for a great future without any government money.
I am not rich but as I said I do well enough to support what I want to do personally and how I can donate, which I have donated several thousand since I became involved.
Fundamentally this is why BC Metis Federation is different than the MNBC. We are not a rich organziation but we have a strong sense of business acumen and understanding that a new organization must start on the right foot, that is true self sufficiency and volunteer commitment.
Hope this assist Free Metis and any others who read this..
PS Will you provide us your name in the interests of your transparency?
Mr Henry,
WHO is making donations to BCMF? Thank you for sharing your profit and loss statements [unaudited] but they don’t provide the details that I am requesting. I would also like more details of your ‘business interests’ that provide you with income. Or more specifically, ARE YOU in any way shape or form recieving compensation from MNA<MNS<MNO<MNC, any of their presidents or proponents…in any shape or form?? That is what I want to know Mr. Henry. I want to know that you have severed any connections that you may have had with any of them in the past…I want to know your hands are clean.
FM
I’ve always enjoyed a good dialog……like most so called Metis organizations the BCMF is no different. Every jack one of you could respond to my first question…and now the silence is deafening?? Am I asking you questions you’d rather not answer?
All I want to know is where the money comes from……
Richard, David financed one of the MNBCs past presidents campaigns…once he was in office it was pay back time. Buying statues, giving $5000 checks to davids brother, hiring david and his Ed as consultants….mysterious checks to unknown accountants…and the list went on. It’s OK if he bought you a beer, nothing wrong with treating an elder. BUT…I am asking for assurances that the BCMF is not accepting money from the DEVIL??
Good morning Free Metis,
Sorry for my late reply as I thought I have already addressed your questions or concerns. Nevertheless as stated in my previous posts the money to date comes from our board and members who donate only. There is NO outside influences and no one owns BC Metis Federation.
Our board each donated $300.00 to get started with an office. We raised about $3000.00 last September 2011. From here we held a small fundraiser last November on Louis Riel Day, I have personally donated thousands to keep the office rent paid when needed, other BC Metis Federation board members have donated more than the original $300.00, and we are slowly by surle getting individual member donations each month in the amounts of $20.00 to $100.00 per month from families.
Our most important financial stability started as of last December where BC Metis Federation is now a partner in a camp and catering service in North East BC where we negotiated together with another community interest. We are a minority partner and share a percentage of revenues of net each month. So far this has provided about $2000.00 on average per month, enough to cover our office rent going forward. We have also accessed some other Aboriginal agency support to provide office training support, but this was nominal.
Overall we build a sold base and I can you assure there is NO devil involved here, just individuals putting their own volunteer time and money for what we believe in.
Take care and hope this assists.
Thank you for clarifying where your finances are coming from, we wouldn’t want to find out monies are coming from other Metis organizations with political motivations! Like The MMF.
Free Metis
Well Mr Free Metis:
It seems from your comments you know something about the past actions of the B.C Metis politics, then I would assume you know that I have consistently worked as a volunteer and usually been self-employed , including my income as today,
A short read of my bio on the website should acquaint anyone else as to what I have done for livelihood and Metis cultural affairs.
I also learned a long time ago not to hide behind a non de plume, and yes I know who was stuck with the bills for the unsuccessful training school on Vancouver Island, the funds for that did not come from the training dollars or even funds of the Metis local/community.
Now a few questions to you .
How do you make your living ?
Have you any history of volunteering in Metis cultural events ?
Why are you questioning those of us who are working to rebuild the Metis Nation ?
Do you have a history of being supportive of honest dealings in the past efforts to establish a a responsible to the grassroots Metis Nation or are you just trying to discredit those who are doing that today ?
Richard Lucier-larson
Yes David Chartrand bought me a beer at Back to Batoche one year.
I really don’t believe that make me a David Chartrand supporter.
Have a nice day.
Richard: So you remember the training school….do you remember where the money that was infused in there went? If so, you have a good idea what is happening with the MNBC school. Perhaps you were not fully conversant in how it was swept under the rug eh?
When and if there is ever a proper audit done on the mnbc school dealings everyone will be shocked.
I am asking questions of you fellows because I am curious! You do not just travel all over our fair province, rent rooms, rent meeting facilities, provide food and drinks….for chump change. And I would like to know what/who is behind financing all of this.
You see I have a very clear memory of who was funding the election campaigns of Jody Pierce, and Fred House….and ultimately the ‘paybacks’ that happened due to that connection.
I just want to know if Mr. Henry has a regular job, is independantly wealthy or if he is on the payroll of one of the MNBC affiliates??? He did come to BC from the MNS did he not?
Free Metis.
Good afternoon Free Metis,
Yes I have a regular job and you can see my business projects and work at http://www.kcdconsulting.ca.
As I said before I donate as do many others and NO ONE owns us.
We continue to push because we believe!
Thank you
OMG
Why is it so important to know what everyone makes for a living, why can`t we just get along in the sand box. Our nation is going down the tubes, MNBC is the one you should be asking where they get their living and how much. The BOD for MNBC are retired people that drive fancy vehicles and building new homes, taking trips,and getting paid for that travel.
We at BCMF are hard working loyal Metis supporters trying to bring our Nation back from ruins
If you are going to throw sand, throw at the ones living off funding from our government
Sherry:
One of the problems we face is disbelief that as a small cost conscious group (we can travel Usually by Bus or a shared car) and not by first class air.
What we have proved is you don’t have to be a big shot or the illusion of one to get the job done.
I too was in the same frame of mind as (Free Metis), I left Metis politics and any hope of moving ahead until I watched the CCMC website, met some of the people behind it and was convinced to get back into restoring the Metis Nation after attending what I call the founding meeting of the BCMF.last May.
I do have the advantage of being at the formation of the mnbc or MPCBC, and have interacted with some of the principals who make up the mnbc, some are just lacking in knowledge or the ability to see a scam, others have that sense of entitlement, that results in filling their pockets with cash.
As we progress along the path of rebuilding the Metis Nation, the latter group only see that they feel we are attacking them personally, why ? well the old follow the $$$ comes into play.
Remove the $$$ from Nation Building and only people who believe in what they are doing will persist, I really do not care what happens to the present regime of the mnbc.
Lets get on with Nation Building and let the $$$$$ Metis go about their business or whatever.
Richard Lucier-larson
Who still pays his own way.