A Métis Nation information meeting was held at the Weyburn Public Library on Thursday evening, with featured speakers Robert Doucette, president of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, and Beverly Worsley, area director of Métis Nation of Saskatchewan eastern region in attendance.

Even though the attendance could have been larger, of those present only two had been members previously with the Weyburn Local #87.

Doucette, after introducing himself, went on to assure those present that he will work to correct past errors, and that he will work to restructure the organization, so it can function effectively and be a source of benefit and pride for its members.

Worsley then spoke on a general outline of the need for locals to reorganize and participate in all available advantages. She itemized the assistance available for the Métis Nation, including health, education, economic development, employment opportunities with training, and arts, recreation and cultural activities.

She went on to emphasize, while she is available to help locals organize, that it would be the will of the people that will make locals successful.

During feedback, the biggest topic brought forward was the haphazard way vital information was handled, by both past Métis Nation leaders and by provincial and federal governments. These had created roadblocks, resulting in more frustration than assistance.

The group also placed emphasis on the practice of fostering out Métis children into uncaring and harmful situations. A comment was made that the harm always filters down from the children and grandchildren to the families and thus to the whole Métis communities. This harm was made clear and obvious by the empty seats in the room, when even the children and grandchildren of two of the participants at the meeting would have filled all the chairs and more.

Before the meeting adjourned, the date of Jan. 1, 2008, was set for another meeting to reorganize the Weyburn Local #87. This meeting is open to all those interested in helping the Weyburn Local of the Métis Nation be reorganized and have their voice heard.