Q&A with Michele Bertol ONE Member and “Bundled One”
On Saturday February 6, 2010, Michèle Bertol, a Haitian Canadian led ONE’s delegation to hand over our petition for Haiti debt forgiveness to the G7 Finance Minister’s meeting in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada.
A town of only 7,000 people near the Arctic Circle, it was harder to think of a more remote location to hold an international summit. When ONE feared we’d be unable to send the message of our 200,000 signature-strong petition to the G7, we found Michèle.
Today I had the opportunity to chat to Michèle about why Haiti is so important to her, and how on earth she ended up living next to the North Pole.
![michele_bertol-2786[1]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4341837806_dc44335f97_b.jpg)
ONE: So, in your opinion, how did the handover of the petition go?
Michèle Bertol: Really well, it was well organised. [Canadian Finance Minister] Jim Flaherty wasn’t able to attend, but Derek Vanstone, Minister Flaherty’s Chief of Staff accepted the petition in his place, and he knew we were waiting for him. In fact, just an hour before Minister Flaherty had had a press conference and made a statement saying the G7 supported Haiti debt cancellation, so we were feeling really positive ahead of the handover.
We really wanted the photo to show the Northern setting, so even though we were indoors and we had a G7 sign, we decided to leave our parkas on while we handed over the petition and use our ONE t-shirts as arm-bands so that the picture would really feel like it was taken in the North.
O: Can you tell us a bit more about how you ended up in the Canadian Arctic after being born in Haiti?
MB: I was born in Haiti, but when I was 8 years old, my parents decided we needed to leave the country – there was a terrible dictatorship, and like most middle class Haitians, they feared for the future.
In those days you could apply for a green card for the United States from within the country, so my mother and I boarded a plane for New York on a 2 week holiday visa, with small suitcases as if we were just going for vacation.
A year later my father and my little sister came, and together we move to Montreal, where I spent most of my adolescence. I became a planner, and I got married and then my ex-husband was offered an amazing opportunity to work in Northern Canada, so he came up first. A few months later a planning position opened up, and I got it – and now I’ve been here for more than 20 years!
I have the unique experience of being genetically built for hot weather. Generations of my ancestors were all built to deal with heat – and so moving up North has been an intense physical challenge. I’ve been nicknamed ‘The Bundled One’ in the local language over the years because in situations where everyone was wearing 4 layers, I’d be wearing 12 – but I needed it just to survive!
However, although it’s physically uncomfortable dealing with -40◦ weather, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the life I’ve been able to live here in the North.
O: Why was delivering this petition so important to you?
MB: Although I’ve lived most of my life in Canada, I am Haitian born, and I still have family there. When I saw what happened, my heart wept. First it wept for my family but they are alright, but I also felt a great sadness for what had happened in the country of my birth.
I feel a great connection to Haiti, and in all the photos on TV and in magazines, I saw myself in all of those people. I felt very intimately the impact of that disaster and so I did everything I could on a personal level to help. So obviously I was so happy to be able to participate in any way I could in ONE’s initiative to have Haiti’s debt cancelled.
O: So why do you think the work of ONE is important for countries like Haiti?
MB: I feel that with ONE, every member looks beyond themselves for something bigger. The 2 million people who form ONE and the 200,000 ONE members who signed the petition have one thing in common: they look beyond their own life and their own conditions; beyond colour of skin or location; they look beyond tradition or age. They look beyond all that and only focus on the fact that we are all brothers and sisters. And with a heart that has such an outlook on the world, you can accomplish anything. And this is an example of how when people with such a compassionate vision get together, they can move mountains.
O: Is there anything you’d like to say to the ONE members all over the world who signed this petition?
MB: On behalf of our small group in the North, I offer to you and to all the members of ONE my deepest thanks for your heartfelt response to the plight of the people of Haiti. Your work embodies the essence of human compassion. ONE achieved its objective it seems now the cancellation of the debt is now just a formality. As a Haitian, and on behalf of all Haitians, I offer my deepest thanks for helping give Haiti a chance.
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February 8, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I love this photo!
February 8, 2010 at 9:33 pm
This story is moving in a way that few are. Very powerful! Thank you Michèle for acting this weekend and representing so many others. Thank you Brief for posting.
February 9, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Thank you Michele for presenting the petition to the leaders of the conference. Thank you ONE for an amazing grassroot movement.
February 9, 2010 at 12:11 pm
belief in a vision with the intention to aid others in need, persistence, assertiveness and without prejudice.
Bravo for ONE existence. ONE leads with the heart.
February 9, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I am pleased to hear such wonderfull news Michèle . I am writing from Barcelona a little ways from you. I signed the petition right away and prayed that in fact Haiti´s debt would be cancelled . Haitians now have a chance to come out of this horrible tragedy. My heart rejoices to have people like you in the world thank you … for being . A much needed warm hug from this side of the world from my family to yours.
February 9, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Thank you Michele. Thank you ONE organizers for your determination and hard work. This is beautiful.
February 9, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Thank you Michele for your dedication to ONE. This is another victory for Haiti and I’m glad ONE had a hand in it.
February 9, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Peace, Michelle,
Thank you for your witness and presentation. I lived in Saskatchewan though raised in California, Hawaii, Africa so I know your twelve layers. While you may be the exception, from my own experience I feel we should work on our planet to have people bloom where they have been planted. Otherwise health issues are too great. I send you a breath of Southern air to warm your heart and spirit… Blessings
February 9, 2010 at 12:24 pm
thanks to one and michele for proving that no matter how far away they go to avoid us, there’s always an us there–BRAVO!
February 9, 2010 at 12:29 pm
now
February 9, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Thank you Michele! I am so proud that i was one of the 200,000 members that signed the petition!
February 9, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I have such happiness in my heart and am so proud to be a member of ONE!!! It is so comforting knowing that we try always to help our brothers and sisters all over the World!!
Congratualation to all who signed this petition. I now hope the people in Haiti can begin anew and extend
their beautiful culture to the world!!
They are compassinate and truly deserve a new start!! CHEERS TO ONE………………..
Best,
Barbara Hirsh
February 9, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Thank you Michele for delivering the petition and sharing about yourself – and especially your comments about ONE members -and what makes us tick – oh so lovely seeing it in writing.
February 9, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Thank you, Michele, for sharing your story. I, too, felt touched that you understood my motivation for signing the petition and honored by your acknowledgement of that simple act. Thanks to ONE for making it so easy and powerful and thanks to all who signed. We are ONE.
February 9, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I am so proud to be a part of One….Thanks to every one…Peace and Love To All
February 9, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Its the most exhilirating thing when the RIGHT thing is done for the DESERVING people, in this case our Haitian brothers and sisters! This is how the G8 has to approach all global problems that plague us. One by one in a matter of a FEW YEARS it will all be significantly minimized and we’ll all breathe better, and feel better for it…Amen!
J
February 9, 2010 at 1:02 pm
congrats to everyone. Forward on!
February 9, 2010 at 1:05 pm
This is a wonderful announcement for the people of Haiti. This also shows how small voices banded together can unite to form something incredibly great like the ONE organization. Congratulations to all who signed. It is my hope that just as we have assisted in providing this great service for Haiti, it’s leaders will do the same. Haiti has had a history of corrupt leadership. That is a great disservice to it’s people. Just as they deserved our help after the earthquake, they also deserve true representation in their government.
February 9, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Once again, I am so proud to be a One Member! Lookie what we did!!!
Big Thanks to Michele for making sure the petition was delivered!
And a bizillion kudos to all the members who made it happen
WE ROCK!!!
February 9, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Tears of joy….I am sitting here looking at the pictures…reading and rereading the article and my face is soaked with tears.
Blessings to all of the signers…
Blessings to all of those who wrote letters, lobbied, callled…
Blessings to the webmasters that design, organize and send out all of these informative emails…
Blessings to ONE and those who are now joining ONE because we are making a huge impact on the world.
February 9, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Now if only France would pay back the $21 billion it made Haiti pay for ceasing to be a slave territory, then justice would really be served.
February 9, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Thankyou Michele, and I just wanna say that I am so proud to be a part of ONE.
February 9, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I am glad my voice was heard, and I was able to contribute to a great cause. I am proud to be part of an organization that cares about the welfare of humanity, specially people who suffer. May we continue to support One, and Haiti. Thank you everybody for taking the time to support and be part of a great movement!!
February 9, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Haitians were forced into debt and poverty at the moment they bought their freedom from France. Finally a great natural trajedy brings them to the moment when total freedom is possible. They, with our assistance, must not fall victim to corporations and the word’s financiers who will seek to exploit Haiti in her weakened state.
February 9, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Thank you Michele for hand delivering the petition.
Haiti surely deserves the help,with all they go through
everyday.
February 9, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Everyone feels the pain and sadness of what happened to Haiti differently, but when it comes to pull our effort together to save what cant be saved, we act as One.
Thanks to all those who petitioned for the Haiti’s debt cancellation. When we are UNITED, we are STRONG.
PLEASE stay UNITED in order to be STRONGER, because it is the time for a BETTER HAITI, where people can live with DIGNITY.
February 9, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Nothing is more essential to saving this most vulnerable of lands and economies than the complete cancellation of the debt which it would otherwise legally owe to any and all countries. Earthly law itself has here a great opportunity to further evolve into a force of compassion, and must seize it, for its own good, as well as for the good of humanity-at-large.
February 9, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Hurray!
Yes: that all may be one.
February 9, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Thanks so much for being ambassador for others of us who support the efforts of ONE
February 9, 2010 at 5:18 pm
I’m so proud to be a ONE and to have my voice heard. To see this petition come to fruitation, to be able to read and see the action being taken, that is just a wonderful feeling! Yes, WE ROCK………indeed we do!!
1
February 9, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Michelle I have two words to discribe you. BEAUTIFUL PERSON! Thank you so very much for hand delivering that petition. It is such a great opportunity to be a member of ONE and watch the wonderful thing our combination of voices do to help heal this hurting world of ours. I thank God that despite color, creed, or race people all over the world can come together and help others and I promise you that the people of Haiti thank you from the core of their hearts. THREE CHEERS FOR MICHELLE AND THREE CHEERS FOR ONE. ..
ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE! !!!
February 9, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Thanks for representing us there in the bitter cold!
February 9, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Thanks ONE Organization for your continual updates & progress after we sign petitions! It’s a pleasure to be a part and see that you actually get the job done! I appreciate ALL your efforts towards Haiti and I know that the best is yet to come! Shout out to Michele B. for walking in her purpose!
February 9, 2010 at 10:12 pm
ONE ROCKS!!
February 10, 2010 at 12:11 am
I first heard about the unfair debt to Haiti from a column in the Sonoma News called Just Joan. She is a wonderful woman who painted the picture of the unjust debt by other countries and I was appalled. When I heard it was cancelled, I was so happy. One is doing a great job of bringing awareness to many through the net. I deeply appreciate being informed and having the opportunity to support good causes through e-mail. Money is scarce at present but prayers and support through letters are something I am happy to do.
February 10, 2010 at 12:16 am
Not podia to be of another form. Thanks to God Jehova who made real this request. God blesses America
February 10, 2010 at 1:39 am
Thank you so much ONE organizationfor your persistence and determination to help Haiti relieve its debt, a country plagued by poverty and disaster. This is a phenomenal project for a country who needs help in building its infrastructure. Thank you to all individuals, organizations and the international world for commitment of helping rebuild Haiti. Long live One org. and brighter future of Haiti and its people.
February 10, 2010 at 9:21 am
thx michelle! and thank you everyone for the support of a right and noble deed.
February 10, 2010 at 11:13 am
Thank you Michelle for the representation. I’m proud of One members for their support. Let’s keep up the good work.
February 11, 2010 at 9:11 am
Thank you Michele for being the Ambassador of many. Thank you One for making it happen, and thank you for everyone who signed the petition. It ‘s a blessing to have this debt forgiven for a country that has endured so much. Haiti has been punished for so long, because the country fought for its independence. I am in awe with the outpouring of help and compassion the world around has demonstrated for Haiti. As one of the commentators said earlier, if France would make restitution of the $21 Billions that Haiti unjustly paid for its Independence, the Country would at last begin to feel true freedom and forging ahead.
February 11, 2010 at 2:44 pm
YES, YES and YES!
We are ONE – truly raising thelevel of consciousness which will allow us to be even stronger for Haiti.
I look forward to seeing us influence the IMF, WorldBank and whoever else has Haiti in debt.
I am in awe at the resilience of the Haitian people. We can all learn from their incredible spirituality!
February 12, 2010 at 4:22 am
Thank you to Michele, to ONE petition signers and especially to ONE researchers, educators, organizers and visionaries that made this miracle possible.
It was only a few weeks ago that we signed the petition to have the U.S. and the G7 countries cancel Haiti’s “debt.” Amazing!
Yet in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. in 1999 when protesters filled the streets, demanding that the World Trade Organization/ WTO stop the policies that lead to the indebtedness of poor countries to the IMF, World Bank and former colonial powers, they were met with tear gas. They regrouped and organized a massive protest to take place in Washington D.C. at the end of December 2001. The organizers cancelled this demonstration after the tragedy of September 11.
Congratulations on the miracle of ONE. How did you do it?
What if there was another miracle……………………….Aristide, the poor parish priest who was elected president of Haiti by over 90% of the population in 2004, who was kidnapped by the Bush Administration and placed in South Africa, says he wants to go home to Haiti to be with his people in their time of greatest need……………As president he planned to disband the military that had been killing Haitians under the U.S. backed dictatorship, a dictatorship related to one that Michele’s family had escaped from…………..Can you imagine the spirit of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in Haiti now?
February 18, 2010 at 8:58 am
This is great. Those peple down there need all the assistance they can get!