Over the years I have seen many groups come and go, too many. Some never had a chance, while others had great potential. They all had one thing in common, they became their own worst enemy. The in-fighting, bickering, back-stabbing and gossip all took its toll. Too many groups became "meet & eat" organizations. More importantly they would not share with each other and many times did not help each other. I have often felt that what was needed to succeed was a group of people joining together who want the same things and agree on the way to achieve it. Someone has to be in charge and the rest have to back that person... more on that later.
So here's my spiel:
Since the arrival of the Americans they forced us to change our political/cultural/religious structure to fit their way of thinking. Ours is not a Democracy, it is not a Republic, or any other form of an “organized” governmental body. We had our own way.
Why me? Well, I just happen to be the one. This time it just happens to be me. Why? Others have heard my views, and have heard me say what I wish could happen, or would happen, and they have thought and felt the same way. I’ve been asked by a few of those people to at least try, and that’s what I am doing. We will try one more time to bring back the old ways as “I”-“we” perceive them to be and try to make it work.
Example: There is a Band of Ojibwa up near the Michigan-Canadian border with a Chief that has been their Chief for 60 some years. He is currently in his 90’s and he runs the show. What he says is final. There are no elections, there are no recalls, there are no votes. He has a Council of Elders that he asks things of or that bring things to him. Anyone can bring anything up to him, but the final decision is his. Others may not agree with him but once a decision is made the band stands united behind him. They all stand united behind him. If someone from the outside doesn’t like the way they do things…too bad, and no one cares.
We are following this same path, the ways of our European and Native Ancestors. So, if you don’t like or want this type of a community, or if you don’t trust me then please don’t come into our community. If you don’t trust me/us then why would you come in to begin with? It’s just that simple. There are plenty of other places structured with rules, and by-laws, and regulations that would love to have you.
We are not an organization. We are not a Church, or a Fraternity, or a Lodge. We are not tax exempt, and we do not have, nor want a 501-C-3. We are a community. Why is it this way? Because it gives us the freedom we want. Once you apply for a tax exempt status you are asking the United States Government, or one of its States for permission to exist. We do not have to have, or ask for their permission to exist.
If you file the paperwork to obtain recognition you are giving up rights. As an example… if a political candidate is running for office, and he or she is a bigot, or racist, or simply not interested in anything “you”-“we” care about, if you have a 501-C-3 exemption you will lose it if you attempt to raise money for his/her opposition, if you publicly support some other candidate, if you want to campaign for, or against, someone else you will lose your status.
If a candidate that is pro- Métis/Native rights is on the ballot, you are not allowed to aid, help, campaign for, or assist…etc. in any way or you will lose your tax exempt status. Even if one of our own people ran for office we would not be allowed to support him/her except in the voting booth or through private donations. What is it all about? Power, Money & Greed.
I do not want a government agent or agency telling us we cannot help one of our citizens; or who we can and cannot help because of this rule, or that law, or that regulation. I would rather have the freedom to support anyone in any way we wanted rather than have to ask, or get permission, or worry about some government entity telling us that we can’t do something… or else.
I/we do not want to have to have an “organizational chart” which is government approved that says in order to legally exist we have to have a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. This was not the way of our Ancestors, Michif or Native.
So if we don’t operate under any Queensbury rules or Robert's Rules of Order, if we don’t ask for special government permission to be exempt from some tax, etc. then we don’t have to ask the government permission to exist or to help whoever we want in whatever way we can.
In closing know we are concerned with traditions, the ways of all our Ancestors, we are not political or have hidden agendas. There is no room for money, power and greed in our community. For centuries our people were united together and helped each other, believed in each other, supported each other, defended each other and more. This is what I/we intend on achieving. If you don’t like the way things are done you certainly do not have to come and be a part of our community, nor remain a part of our community. If you don't like it there is the door. You are free to leave and begin your own Band, or Group, or Clan, or whatever. I hope it works. I wish you all the luck in the world and nothing but the very best.
