Billyjo DeLaRonde Interview (02)

Billyjo DeLaRonde was interviewed at the Gabriel Dumont Institute. He recalls the work of Jim Sinclair, founder of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and the Métis National Council. In particular, his role at the Meech Lake Accord. Billyjo reflects on the Louis Riel Day and the role of Riel in the Canadian historical consciousness. His grandfather fought in the Battle of Tourond’s Coulee/Fish Creek. Subsequently, DeLaRonde ponders on the participation of Métis and other Indigenous soldiers in the two world wars. They participated in the war effort more than other ethnic groups. However, the armed forces told them that they had to give up their Métis identity. In particular, Billyjo remembers the story of Donald Ferland. DeLaRonde reflects on the role of the Métis and the Indigenous leaders he admired, for example, Cuthbert Grant and his role in the Battle of Seven Oaks; Yvonne Dumont, Manitoba’s Lieutenant Governor; Gerald Morin, the vice president of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan; and Murray Hamilton. Furthermore, Billyjo recognizes the role of women in Métis history, culture, and society, as well as Marguerite Riel, Maria Campbell, and Sheila Pocha. DeLaRonde reflects on the political role of liberals and conservatives, such as John Diefenbaker and Jean Chrétien. Billyjo talks about the meaning of culture and the relationship with tradition and identity, within historical change. Moreover, DeLaRonde addresses the issue of decolonization in the school curriculum. ---------------- Keywords: Elections, Federal Governance, Indian Act, Provincial Governance, Warfare, Reserve System, Women and Gender