An estimated 4,800 Metis Nation of Alberta Region 1 members were eligible to split a $200,000 pandemic emergency fund from the MNA's main headquarters at the beginning of April. And according to Region 1 MNA president Jim Cardinal, the funds were put to good use almost immediately and "quickly depleted" in just a week.
Cardinal has asked Lac La Biche County councillors for some collaboration for the "greater good of our community" as his membership and all of the region cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to Lac La Biche County council sent on April 15, Cardinal — who represents the members in one of six MNA regions across the province — suggested a partnership between his Metis government and the municipal council.
The letter was part of the public agenda at council's April 28 meeting held today.
"What can we do as a collective to meet the needs of all citizens of the Lac La Biche County, inclusive of our Metis population?" Cardinal asked in the letter he penned as MNA leaders struggle to help their members. "...without financial resources, and a formal long-term emergency plan, we do not know how long we can continue to respond to the needs of our members."
Across Canada there are more than 452,000 people who identify as Metis. Across Alberta, more than 97,000 identify as Metis. Only a percentage of Alberta's Metis are members of the Metis Nation of Alberta. The approximate numbers in Region 1 come from 2015 information identifying 4,534 members in the zone. Membership numbers aren't including in the annual general reports issued by the MNA.
For the members that he represents, Cardinal says the recent $200,000 funding assistance was important — but not long-serving for individual families and members who may have lost their jobs or who are struggling with childcare and mental stresses.
"We recognize that $200 worth of groceries will quickly run out," he notes, explaining that the request to collaborate is about sharing resources and information, not just any financial supports. "Our members might qualify for some of the government programs recently announced,however, many do not have access to technology or the "know how" to complete these forms."
Cardinal hopes municipal supports can lend a helping hand where his own organization cannot.
"The MNA doesn't have the level of capacity or resources to provide this level of assistance," he says.
In closing the request for shared supports, Cardinal suggests a virtual sit-down between council and MNA officials.
Lac La Biche County Mayor Omer Moghrabi says that despite the letter coming to council last Tuesday, he had already spoken to Cardinal.
"I talked to him immediately. He really wanted to make sure that his members were included in our plans in case of a COVID breakout," the mayor told the POST on Thursday, adding that he was encouraged by the discussion. "They really want to make sure they are in the loop. And they are."
The letter from the local MNA was accepted as information at Lac La Biche County's April 28 meeting. No further discussion took place at the meeting.
