draft Newsletter March 2016

Office of the President
March 2016
2nd National Roundtable on Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The Métis National Council
attended the second National
M M I WG Ro u n d t a b l e i n
Winnipeg on February 25, 2015.
The roundtable began on
Wednesday with a closed-door
session for MMIWG families
only, followed the next day by
sharing circles, where families
of missing and murdered
Indigenous women and girls
met with participants of the
2016 National Roundtable to
discuss directly with provincial,
te r r i to r i a l a n d In d i g e n o u s
leaders their recommendations
for achieving justice and ending
violence. The roundtable
concluded on Friday.
The first national roundtable on
missing
and
murdered
Indigenous women and girls was
held in Ottawa in February
2 0 1 5. S i n c e t h e n Ju s t i n
Trudeau has been elected as
Pr i m e M i n i s t e r, a n d h a s
promised to convene a national
inquiry later this year.
Indigenous Affairs Minister
C a r o l y n B e n n e t t , Ju s t i c e
Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould
and Status of Women Minister
Haydu have toured the country
to hear from family members
about what the inquiry should
look like.
Continued on next page
Office of the President
March 2016
President Chartier stated, “The
Métis Nation welcomes this
concerted action by all
j u r i s d i c t i o n s to d e a l w i t h
violence against Indigenous
women and girls. Our
governments and communities
work tirelessly to improve the
lives of our people and require
active and ongoing support in
their endeavors to achieve
community safety and security.”
Women of the Métis Nation
President Melanie Omeniho
stated, “I am very proud of
some
of
the
major
commitments that have been
made by some of our various
governments across the country.
With their support we truly
hope we can continue to work
together to see the statistics
change and that our Métis
women and girls can feel free
and valued as part of society.”
Office of the President
March 2016
Minister Bennett Meets with Representatives
of the Métis Village of La Loche
Minister of Indigenous and
No r t h e r n A f f a i r s C a r o l y n
Bennett traveled to La Loche on
February 9, 2016 to meet with
members of that Métis village
along with representatives of
several nearby Métis villages and
former students of the Ile a la
Crosse Residential School.
Minister
Bennett
was
accompanied to the meeting by
Gerald Morin, Vice-President of
the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan,
Dutch Lerat, a Vice-Chief of the
Federation of Saskatchewan
Indian Nations and officials
from her department. Joining
her at the meeting were
Georgina Jolibois, the local
Member of Parliament, Chester
He r m a n , M N S Re g i o n a l
Representative and Clément
Chartier, President of the Métis
National Council.
In a preparatory meeting prior
to the arrival of Minister
Bennett, La Loche Métis
representatives discussed both
short and long terms issues,
priorities and solutions which
were later presented to the
Minister. Joined by the other
representatives, they also
addressed the longstanding issue
of the Métis boarding school at
Ile a la Crosse which was
excluded from the settlement of
residential school claims, as well
as s.35 constitutional rights and
the recent pledge by the Liberal
Continued on next page
Office of the President
March 2016
Party to engage in a process of
reconciliation with the Métis
Nation centred on s.35 of the
Constitution Act, 1982.
These subject matters were
discussed in great detail in the
meeting with the Minister who
made a firm commitment to
ensure that the Métis in La
Loche would be fully engaged as
solutions are sought to deal with
the social and economic issues
discussed in the meeting, both in
the short and long term. This
was well received by the Métis
representatives of La Loche who
indicated that they are prepared
to work collaboratively with the
leadership of the Clearwater
River Dene Nation as well as the
municipal council. Chief Ted
Clark of CRDN also attended
the meeting to indicate the
willingness of CRND to work
with the Métis community of La
Loche.
Minister Bennett assured the
participants that she and her
department would continue to
engage in the process
and assist the Métis
community of La
Loche in its initiatives
to deal with the after
effects of the tragic
events of January 22nd
and appointed a
co n t a c t p e r s o n f o r
t h e m to d e a l w i t h . She also committed to
work with the larger
Métis community of
Duane Favel (Mayor of Ile a la Crosse) speaks on Ile a la Crosse Boarding school
l-r: Jim Favel (Former Ile a la Crosse boarding school student) and Duane Favel
northwest Saskatchewan on the
Ile a la Crosse boarding school
and the s.35 reconciliation
matters, including a willingness
to attend a meeting in Ile a la
Cr o s s e o f f o r m e r b o a r d i n g
school students being planned
for the spring of 2016.
l-r: MNC President Clément Chartier, Minister Carolyn Bennett,
Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Ted Clark
Office of the President
March 2016
Message from the President
The road to achieving our r i g h t f u l p l a c e w i t h i n t h e Canadian federation based on i t s c o n s t i t u t i o n a n d governmental system as we know will not be an easy one. In the last issue, I wrote about the newly emerging relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, one based on a nation-­‐
to-­‐nation relationship, and guided by the inherent right of self-­‐government contained in s e c t i o n 3 5 o f C a n a d a ’ s Constitution. T h i s n e w a p p r o a c h w a s wholeheartedly embraced by t h e g o v e r n m e n t s a n d representatives of Indigenous nations/peoples attending the December 16, 2015 meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau. It was made clear by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis National Council (which is the mandated governmental representative of the Métis Nation) that we endorsed and embraced this new approach, which we proposed should also include a distinctions-­‐based bilateral approach between the federal government and our respective nations and peoples. The Prime Minister listened intently, and as we moved into 2016, put action to words by extending an invitation to the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council to participate in a First Ministers M e e t i n g w i t h I n d i g e n o u s Leaders on Climate Change to be held in Vancouver, BC on March 2 nd , preceding their meeting on March 3rd.
This created a furor in some q u a r t e r s , i n c l u d i n g s o m e Premiers who supported having t h e N a t i o n a l A b o r i g i n a l a d v o c a c y / l o b b y i s t organizations, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and the Native Women’s Association of Canada at the table, a sentiment also expressed by the federal New Democratic Party. This announcement preceded the Second National Round Table on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls hosted by the province of Manitoba. While addressing the central focus of the Round Table, behind the scenes politics was being played out which came to the fore front in the private lunch of Federal and P rov i n c i a l m i n i s te r s , t wo P r e m i e r s a n d t h e representatives of the AFN, ITK, NWAC, CAP and MNC. Based on that discussion and follow-­‐up debate in the closing session it was agreed that the parties would move forward on addressing the critical issues of m u r d e r e d a n d m i s s i n g Indigenous women and girls through the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG) under the Council of the Federation Continued on next page
Office of the President
March 2016
Message from the President (Continued…)
(COF), with the Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) joining as a Co-­‐Chair. The language settled on was e n g a g e m e n t w i t h “representatives of Indigenous g o v e r n m e n t s a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s ” t h e r e b y including the AFN, ITK and MNC r e p r e s e n t i n g I n d i g e n o u s governments and CAP and NWAC as National Aboriginal Organizations (NAOs). This was the right thing to do, and NWAC continues to take a pivotal role, while also leaving space for Women of the Métis Nation, Pauktuutit, and the AFN Women’s Council to also engage in the process as the legitimate representatives of their peoples respectively. This proposed AAWG process sets the stage for inclusiveness in addressing the issues surrounding the pressing need to eradicate the scourge of m u r d e r e d a n d m i s s i n g Indigenous women and girls and participation in the pending national inquiry. This new approach by Prime Minister Trudeau should be embraced by all as it affords the opportunity for Indigenous governments or representatives of Indigenous governments -­‐ the AFN, ITK and MNC -­‐ to press forward on the implementation of the inherent right of self-­‐
government on a nation-­‐to-­‐
nation basis and engage in inter-­‐governmental forums, s u c h a s F i r s t M i n i s t e r s Meetings, as one of the three o r d e r s o f g o v e r n m e n t con_irmed by the Canadian Constitution. It also provides for a continuing role for n a t i o n a l I n d i g e n o u s organizations such as CAP and NWAC to continue their lobbyist and advocacy activities. UPCOMING EVENTS
• Métis Nation Policy Conference
March 30 - 31
Vancouver, BC
• ASETS Conference
May 24 - 25
Vancouver, BC
Office of the President
March 2016
Hiding in Plain Sight:
Discovering the Métis
Nation in the
Collection of Library
and Archives Canada
Library and Archives Canada
(LAC), in collaboration with
the Métis National Council
(MNC), held the official public
opening of an exhibition about
the Métis based on content
from its collection in Ottawa
on February 11, 2016.
Hiding in Plain Sight:
Discovering the Métis Nation
in the Collection of Library and
Archives Canada presents
reproductions of selected
artwork and photographs
pertaining to the Métis. It is
hoped that the images featured
in the exhibition will help
foster a better understanding
of the history and culture of the
Métis Nation, and that many
Canadians will be encouraged
to research this topic further in
LAC's collection.
LAC holds a great
variety of archival
materials relating to
the Métis Nation,
including textual
records, photographs,
artwork, maps,
stamps and sound
recordings.
Quotes
"The collaboration between
LAC, the Métis National
Council and the Manitoba
Metis Federation on this
project is a great example of
what can be achieved when we
work together. This exhibition,
showcasing images of the Métis
Nation, will help visitors better
understand an essential part of
Canadian history and society,”
stated Dr. Guy Berthiaume,
Librarian and Archivist of
Canada
"I have long been fascinated
and inspired by the historic
photos of the Métis in the
collection of Library and
Archives Canada. They truly
capture the important role we
played in the development of
Continued on next page
Office of the President
March 2016
Discovering the
Métis Nation in the
Collection of
Library and
Archives Canada
pleased that the new exhibition
will showcase that fact,” stated
President Chartier.
"The steps today go hand in
hand with our objective to
restore the Metis Nation's
rightful place in history - from
being Canada's Forgotten
People to recognition as the
Founders of Manitoba and
Canada's Negotiating Partners
in Confederation. This is
consistent with our goals for
the Metis National Heritage
Centre to be built in the
heartland of the Metis Nation.
We are pleased to work with
Library and Archives Canada
to bring back into our
collective memory the
history and stories of
our people before that
knowledge vanishes by
the passing of our
Metis Elders,” stated
David Chartrand,
President of the
Manitoba Metis
Federation.
According
to
Honourable Melanie Joly,
Minister of Canadian Heritage,
”This exhibit underlines the
importance of Métis languages
and cultures for Indigenous
communities and for all
Canadians. I encourage all
Canadians to discover the
richness of Métis culture which
forms an integral part of
Canada's identity. We have a
clear role to play as a partner
in
supporting
the
revitalization, preservation and
promotion of Indigenous
languages in Canada."
Continued on next page
Office of the President
March 2016
"I would like to thank Library
and Archives Canada for
spearheading this wonderful
exhibition, and doing so in
collaboration with the
Manitoba Métis Federation
and the Métis National
Council. Experiencing Metis
art and culture while
showcasing talented Métis
artists not only enriches our
lives but also provides us with
the opportunity to experience
the world from a new
perspective. Métis art and
culture is an important part
of Canadian history, and I
encourage everyone to visit
this exhibition for an
opportunity to view the
newly available content and
to learn more about Métis.”
stated the Honourable
Carolyn Bennett, Minister of
Indigenous and Northern
Affairs.
Office of the President
March 2016
MNC President Briefs House of Commons
Finance Committee on Upcoming Budget Needs
President Clément Chartier engaged with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance on
pre-budget consultations in Ottawa on February 16, 2016.
After presenting a brief to the Committee on the expectations of the Métis Nation regarding the
upcoming federal budget, President Chartier responded to questions from Committee members. The
Committee was interested in learning what the core capacity needs of the Métis Nation were, with
particular focus on Métis youth. President Chartier was also asked to provide an assessment of the
situation in La Loche .
Office of the President
March 2016
Prime Minister Trudeau Hosts Dinner
at the Museum of History
On February 11, 2016 the Prime Minister hosted a formal dinner for Ban Ki-moon, United Nations
Secretary-General which was attended by several hundred people including President Chartier and
AFN National Chief, Perry Bellegarde.
In their respective addresses, while upbeat, both extolled the potential for Canada’s re-engagement in
international affairs through robust and sustained action and contributions. Both also expressed the
importance of engaging youth and Indigenous peoples.
Office of the President
March 2016
Minister Dion Hosts a Luncheon for UNHCHR
On Monday, February 15, 2016 the Hon Stephane Dion hosted a luncheon for Prince Zeid bin
Ra’ad of Jordan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The lunch at the
Lester B Pearson Building was attended by about 20 representatives from the federal
government, NGOs and AFN and MNC leaders.
A round table dialogue took place and President Chartier was able to give the High
Commissioner a broad overview of the Métis Nation’s history, challenges and aspirations.
Office of the President
March 2016
Community Visits
On Saturday, February 6th President
Chartier attended the meeting of the
MNS Provincial Métis Council in
Prince Albert, also attended by senior
officials from INAC. The purpose of
the invitation was to brief the PMC on
national developments and the
relationship with the new government.
On Monday, February 8th President
Chartier on his way to the meeting in
La Loche with Minister Carolyn
Bennett paid a visit to the village of
Pinehouse which was hosting the
Northern Lights Winter Games with
students from throughout northern
Saskatchewan in attendance.
A
meeting was held with Mayor and
Local President Mike Natomagan and
MNS Regional Director Glen
McCallum.
l-r: Glen McCallum, Mike Natomagan, Clem Chartier
President Chartier attended the meeting with Minister
Bennett in La Loche which is featured separately and in the company of Richard Quintal of INAC
returned to La Loche and Ile a la Crosse for follow-up meetings.
On Monday, February 22nd the newly established La Loche Métis Local interim committee had a fruitful
meeting with Mr. Quintal with President Chartier offering support and advice. It was decided that a
general meeting would be convened followed later by a ballot box election. The hope was expressed that
with this federal engagement that the local Métis community could get re-established and begin dealing
with the many social and economic issues facing the community.
The following morning, Mr. Quintal had a follow-up meeting in Ile a la Crosse with representatives of
the Ile a la Crosse Boarding School Committee, the Mayor of Ile a la Crosse and the leaders of the North
West Saskatchewan Métis Council. The discussions were positive with an agreement that follow-up
actions would take place including an invitation to Minister Bennett to attend a meeting of former
students sometime in the spring or early summer.
Office of the President
Office of the President
Métis National Council
#4 - 340 MacLaren Street
Ottawa, ON K2P 0M6
(800) 928-6330
www.metisnation.ca
[email protected]