Friends of Michel Society has joined the Michel Callihoo Nation Society
December 22, 2022
Greetings / Tansi,
The Friends of Michel Society (FMS) was established in 1991 to support Michel Band #472 descendants and advocate for the reinstatement of the Michel Band. At the request of the Government of Canada, FMS recently joined together with other groups committed to these same objectives to form the Michel Callihoo Nation Society. The Michel Callihoo Nation Society is engaging in preliminary discussion with the Government of Canada.
FMS’ primary goal has always been to see the Michel Band and its peoples recognized. In efforts to support discussions with the Government of Canada and our involvement in the Michel Callihoo Nation Society, FMS will not be referring to itself as Michel First Nation or your elected Chief and Council going forward.
In the interim, FMS will remain in-place as a Society with a Leadership Board. FMS has some outstanding commitments that we will be completing, in addition to our participation in the Michel Callihoo Nation Society.
Thank you for your ongoing support and trust during this exciting time. We, the FMS Board, remain committed to advocating for Michel peoples, and helping them reconnect with each other and Michel’s way-of-life. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of the advancement of our community for the good of all.
For more information on the Michel Callihoo Nation Society please visit: https://www.michelcallihoonationsociety.com/ or contact: info.michelnation@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Gilbert Goerz
Former Michel Chief, and Director/President
Friends of Michel Society
Greetings / Tansi,
The Friends of Michel Society (FMS) was established in 1991 to support Michel Band #472 descendants and advocate for the reinstatement of the Michel Band. At the request of the Government of Canada, FMS recently joined together with other groups committed to these same objectives to form the Michel Callihoo Nation Society. The Michel Callihoo Nation Society is engaging in preliminary discussion with the Government of Canada.
FMS’ primary goal has always been to see the Michel Band and its peoples recognized. In efforts to support discussions with the Government of Canada and our involvement in the Michel Callihoo Nation Society, FMS will not be referring to itself as Michel First Nation or your elected Chief and Council going forward.
In the interim, FMS will remain in-place as a Society with a Leadership Board. FMS has some outstanding commitments that we will be completing, in addition to our participation in the Michel Callihoo Nation Society.
Thank you for your ongoing support and trust during this exciting time. We, the FMS Board, remain committed to advocating for Michel peoples, and helping them reconnect with each other and Michel’s way-of-life. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of the advancement of our community for the good of all.
For more information on the Michel Callihoo Nation Society please visit: https://www.michelcallihoonationsociety.com/ or contact: info.michelnation@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Gilbert Goerz
Former Michel Chief, and Director/President
Friends of Michel Society
| Friends of Michel Society statement on Michel Callihoo Nation Society |
Collaborative Statement on Michel Callihoo Nation Society (MCNS)
The Friends of Michel Society, The Descendants of Michel First Nation Association, The Unity Group, Michel Band United for Justice, and The Michel Corporation are pleased to introduce the Michel Callihoo Nation Society (MCNS).
These parties have entered into a protocol agreement that represents the unification of all five groups, who commit to working collaboratively and engaging in meaningful conversations and exploratory discussions with Canada in the best interest of the Michel people. The protocol agreement’s principles are reflected in the incorporating documents of the Michel Callihoo Nation Society.
It is our honour to represent the Michel people in these discussions, united under the new Michel Callihoo Nation Society. MCNS is comprised of members from each of the five previous membership groups who have equal influence within all MCNS discussions and decisions.
The current representatives serving on MCNS are Beverley Asmann, Carey Beaudin, Kim Beaudin, Linda Buffalo, Brandy Callihoo, Rosalind Callihoo, Dayle Callihoo-Campbell, Tyler Garrison, Dan Godbersen, and Ron Moses.
As exploratory discussions move forward, MCNS is committed to providing relevant and transparent updates to the Michel people affected by the outcomes of the discussions. Updates will be provided through approved channels to ensure information is credible, accurate, understandable, and widely available to all affected. We are looking forward to upcoming future community engagements!
Please join us in congratulating the Michel people on this monumental step towards justice and reconciliation.
Hiy Hiy
The Michel Callihoo Nation Society
These parties have entered into a protocol agreement that represents the unification of all five groups, who commit to working collaboratively and engaging in meaningful conversations and exploratory discussions with Canada in the best interest of the Michel people. The protocol agreement’s principles are reflected in the incorporating documents of the Michel Callihoo Nation Society.
It is our honour to represent the Michel people in these discussions, united under the new Michel Callihoo Nation Society. MCNS is comprised of members from each of the five previous membership groups who have equal influence within all MCNS discussions and decisions.
The current representatives serving on MCNS are Beverley Asmann, Carey Beaudin, Kim Beaudin, Linda Buffalo, Brandy Callihoo, Rosalind Callihoo, Dayle Callihoo-Campbell, Tyler Garrison, Dan Godbersen, and Ron Moses.
As exploratory discussions move forward, MCNS is committed to providing relevant and transparent updates to the Michel people affected by the outcomes of the discussions. Updates will be provided through approved channels to ensure information is credible, accurate, understandable, and widely available to all affected. We are looking forward to upcoming future community engagements!
Please join us in congratulating the Michel people on this monumental step towards justice and reconciliation.
Hiy Hiy
The Michel Callihoo Nation Society
 Michel First Nation logo |
The Michel First Nation logo with the sun & feather at the top of the tipi is linked to 'The Sun Traveller' or Louis Caliheue (L'Iroquois), a Mohawk from Kahnawake, who was hired by the Northwest Company in 1800. Louis was a canoeman and later a steersman: the canoes and paddles pay homage to this history. Mountains allude to the Rocky Mountains and our connections to Jasper House where many 'freemen' went after leaving the company.
Louis' son Michel was born in 1823. He later became the first Chief of the Michel band and signed an adhesion to Treaty 6. |