The Michif Institute's funding prospects are starting to look scarce with a two-year funding agreement set to lapse, no indications from councillors they intend to re-instate it and a lack of commitment from other parties locally.
Thelma Chalifoux addressed committee of the whole during budget negotiations Tuesday, asking for funding of approximately $58,000 to hire a full-time executive director. That person, Chalifoux told councillors, would allow the institute to negotiate more funding, deal with more educational projects and better organize its current projects.
"[The need] is getting more and more urgent all the time because of the many projects we've initiated and started," Chalifoux said in response to a question from Coun. Malcolm Parker. "The board is really good. I'm the full-time volunteer. If we had an executive director, we'd be better organized for the projects we have."
The Michif Institute is a non-profit organization that preserves and promotes the history and culture of the Métis people.
Chalifoux said the institute has tried to find other funds but has discovered the "funding pots are dry" because of yearlong initiatives such as the city's 150th celebration, as well as economic uncertainty. She explained the institute has avoided approaching the federal government because, "if they give you some money, they own you."
The Michif board is also planning a fundraiser, but Chalifoux did not go into detail.
No councillor as yet has brought forward a motion based on Chalifoux's presentation.
"At this point it's hanging out there as being unfunded," said Mayor Nolan Crouse.
Agreement ends
In the 2010 budget, the city provided Michif with funds of $40,600 a year for two years to hire a part-time staff member, whom Chalifoux said has been very helpful. That agreement ends this year.
"No motion has been put forward to continue to fund Michif," Crouse confirmed.
Chalifoux said its partnership with novaNAIT in developing a virtual museum brings in some money, but the amount is small. She has approached the private sector, but has yet to secure anything concrete.
"Nothing has come yet. Everybody's really interested in what we're doing and can't understand how we're doing so much with so little."
In response to a question from council, Chalifoux said the institute is looking at entering the Arts and Heritage Foundation fold, which might help in securing grants for additional funds, but characterized discussions to date as "preliminary."
