Strengthening our Nation – Spring 2023 Métis Nation Legislative Assembly wraps up in Saskatoon

May 29, 2023 – Saskatoon, SK – Over the course of three days, Métis Nation Legislative Assembly Members discussed and strategized governance processes at the Spring 2023 Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA). The dialgoue was collaborative in nature and focused on key priority areas including self-government, harvesting, child and family services as well as passing a balanced budget. The Assembly concluded in solidarity to continue working together to build relationships with community partners and with government-to-government conversations that bolster Métis rights.

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) President Glen McCallum delivered the State of the Nation Address to update delegates and citizens watching from across the province online. Speaking after the event, he said, “As we close the books and thank our legislators on another successful MNLA, our team gathers to continue the work as we have been over the course of six years. Our Métis Government, with support of our citizens, has focused on internal and external relationships and we continue to develop those ways of working and engaging for our citizens across the province. We have been developing formal processes to work with other governments. We have done that. Federally, six years ago we started with a Memorandum of Understanding, which led to the Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement and are meeting with our counterparts this week to further the legislative process. Provincially, we recently hosted the Premier in our head office. We had a good discussion and I’m happy to say our work is on track. We will continue the push for our treaty and the recognition of our inherent right to self-government.”

Following her update to the Assembly on ongoing efforts to preserve protect and defend Metis rights across the province, MN–S Vice President and Minister of Justice said: “We have continued to assert our Métis rights in all areas, health, education, land, and resources. As the Métis Nation government of Saskatchewan, we will ensure our section 35 rights are not infringed upon, are respected and recognized. When we prosper, Saskatchewan prospers and all of Canada prospers.”

Other highlights of the weekend MNLA include:

• Increased capacity for all Métis locals to develop distinctions-based language and culture programs for citizens in all regions of the province, a significant step welcomed by all delegates.
• The MN–S position paper on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) was accepted to be put forward.
• Approved consultations on Bill C-92, the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis chidren, youth, and families. A team from MN–S Child and Family Services will travel to the north, central, and south regions of the province, engaging and educating citizens.
• An update on the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School Survivors’ new court action against the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. Find out more about the Métis experience at residential school and about the Île-à-la-Crosse Survivors demand for justice at united4survivors.ca.
• A historic 2023-24 budget endorsement that provides for a land-based, 90-day, Métis-distinct addictions healing centre, safe and healthy housing for Métis citizens, and scholarships for young Métis students.

The Spring MNLA has given the MN–S executive a clear mandate to continue to build a self-governance structure that protects the inherent rights of Métis people in this province and moves Métis families and communities forward.

–30–

About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values, and language. Empowered by the Métis within Saskatchewan, MN–S works to advance Métis rights and strengthen capacity. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural, and educational interests of the Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional, and provincial levels. Social Media Links: @MNSask, @metisnationsask

For media inquiries:

Rena Montgomerie – MN–S Senior Communications Officer r.montgomerie@mns.work or 306-250-1092

NT4