Elect Carol Ridsdale for Region VI President on September 18, 2018

Investing in our People

ELECT Carol ridsdale

For Region VI

President Election Day oN September 18, 2018

June 15, 2018

ridsdale2018@gmail.com | 780-617-4966 | 587-479-7373

Tansi Elders, Youth, Friends, Family and Fellow Metis Citizens:

M

any people have been asking me why I’m running for President of Métis Nation Region 6. After seven years serving as your Vice President, I have firsthand knowledge of all aspects of Region 6 operations.

I have a deep desire to fight for our Métis Elders, children and citizens. I am a mother of four children- I want to make their lives and the lives of all Métis people better.

I believe in the potential of Region 6, but I also know what’s holding us back.

Under new leadership, Métis Nation Region 6 can move forward in a transparent, inclusive and respectful way.

Today, Region 6 maintains $4.5M in liquid financial assets, the government is investing in Métis people and opportunities exist to access resources for Region 6.

While it’s important to save for the future, we must invest in our people today.

I was born in Fort Vermilion and raised in Paddle Prairie and Peace River. I grew up on a farm and developed a connection to the land very early. My relatives include the Ridsdale, Parenteau, Lambert and Carruthers families.

I have strong roots in this region and love our Métis people. I would be honoured to lead Region 6 toward growth and prosperity while celebrating of our culture.

I humbly ask for your vote on September 18th.

Carol Ridsdale On september 18, vote carol ridsdale for president of metis nation region VI

a plan forward: Investing in our people Honour the elders ¾¾ Honour our Elders and capture their stories at every opportunity. ¾¾ Connect Elders with the youth and make Elders’ knowledge at the centre of cultural teaching. ¾¾ Region 6 Elders’ Council with representatives from each community. ¾¾ Hire a Cultural Coordinator to work with the Elders’ Council.

Empower our youth ¾¾ Create a Region 6 Youth Council with representatives from each community. ¾¾ Hire a Youth Program Coordinator to manage youth projects, liaise with Rupertsland Institute and work with the Youth Council. ¾¾ Develop partnerships with post-secondary institutions to ensure Métis Youth are prepared for good jobs. ¾¾ Provide life skills training, job-shadowing opportunities and driver training.

Metis culture and Values ¾¾ Work with schools to bring Métis culture teachings and Michif language. ¾¾ Enhance awareness of Métis history in partnership with museums and libraries. ¾¾ Provide ongoing cultural instruction focused on Elders knowledge and direct communication with our Elders. ¾¾ Teach Traditional Métis beading in schools, communities and colleges.

Metis Self-Government ¾¾ Work collaboratively with Métis Nation of Alberta to ensure Region 6 has a voice in the development of our constitution. ¾¾ Ensure a strong Métis Judiciary Council that is reflective of our constitution. ¾¾ Ensure Climate Change Coordinator is hired to engage the communities on how to take action on climate change initiatives. ¾¾ Ensure protection of our lands and wildlife with full implementation of Métis harvesting rights now and for future generations.

Metis Family Health & Wellbeing ¾¾ Conduct a health needs assessment of Métis people across Region 6 to ensure appropriate health services are offered. ¾¾ Develop programs to address mental health and addictions issues. ¾¾ Ensure Métis people traveling for medical appointments have adequate transportation and accommodation. ¾¾ Explore partnerships to develop an Indigenous Daycare that provides culturally appropriate childcare.

EConomic Development ¾¾ Develop Region 6 businesses and create jobs through the formation of an Industry Advisory Body. ¾¾ Work with Métis Capital Housing and Métis Urban Housing to ensure housing is available to students, families and Elders. ¾¾ Host business mixers throughout Region 6. ¾¾ Foster Métis entrepreneurship through partnerships with Apeetogosan, Community Futures and Chambers of Commerce.

Enhance Professionalism & Effectiveness of Region 6 Office ¾¾ Develop a strong vision and Strategic Plan that will focus our work and ensure effective use of resources. ¾¾ Access dollars through the Government of Alberta and other sources. ¾¾ Eliminate nepotism through fair hiring and bid processes for jobs. ¾¾ Provide collaborative leadership that empowers staff, the Vice-President and Regional Council.

Proven Track Record 99 Seven years as Vice-President of Métis Nation Region 6 and held positions as Minister of Children & Youth and Minister of Registry, Governance & Justice 99 Generated over $535,000 in grants for Youth Programs in Region 6 99 Rebuilt membership after it was depleted in 2013, by doing membership drives and ensuring Registry had a presence at Region 6 and Métis Local AGMs 99 Coordinated several Métis awareness events throughout Region 6 99 Participated in the Traditional Land Use Studies for TransCanada to reflect the Elders and youth voice in Region 6 99 Maintained a healthy partnership with Rupertsland Institute promoting membership drives and educational opportunities 99 Sat on the following boards & committees on behalf of Region 6 including: • Aboriginal Interagency, • Sagitawa Friendship Centre, • Peace River Museum & Archives Board, Nesokmahtan Board, • Northern Lakes College Community Education Committee, • Apeetogosan Board Shareholder, • Rupertsland Institute Board Shareholder, • Regional Protocol Consultation Committee