(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
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