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Introduction |
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The
social welfare of Métis people in Saskatoon is affected by
the same large processes of change as that of other Canadians: restructured
labour markets, widening income inequality, evolving educational needs
and changing demography. Métis people have the same interests
and aspirations as other citizens in developing a just, secure and
inclusive social architecture. Métis people approach these
questions from a different view: both their historical experience
and their current positions are distinctive. Despite some real progress,
the situation of Métis people as members of the Saskatoon community
are still on the whole, characterized by inequality and socioeconomic
barriers that bears especially harshly on children and families. |
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Our
Culture is Métis. The Métis were recognized as one of
Canada's Aboriginal Peoples in the Canadian Constitution of 1982.
"Métis" means an Aboriginal person who self-identifies
as Métis, who is distinct from Indian and Inuit, as a descendant
of those Métis who received or were entitled to receive land
grants and/or scrip under the Provision of the Manitoba Act, 1870
or the Dominion Land Act, as enacted from time to time or, a person
of Aboriginal descent who is accepted by the Métis Nation and/or
the Métis community. |
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The
Métis developed as a Culture distinct from Indians and Europeans.
They developed a distinct language, a unique economy, a different
lifestyle and enduring philosophies. The language Michif --- a mixture
of Cree and French with additional borrowing from English and First
Nation languages. |
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While
CUMFI has been very successful in offering programs and services and
developing partnerships and alliances which assist urban Aboriginal
people, further development must take place. As a leader in the Aboriginal
and larger community of Saskatoon, CUMFI will and has initiated change
where gaps in services affect all people in a negative fashion, for
example "Infinity House". To date, we have initiated our
strategies based on immediate needs and crisis situations. |
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The
main obstacle in advancing the Métis position on urban issues
is a lack of capacity that so often restricts the progress. We are
not a core funded organization and we are forced to operate on a volunteer
basis. The organization utilizes fund raising programs. Our program
staff is dedicated to meeting the terms and conditions of their specific
grant or contribution. As a result staff are unable to dedicate time
to new initiatives, regardless of need. We have now developed a Strategic
Plan to assist the direction of our organization to allow maximum
benefits for our Métis people. |
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