Daily Herald Contributor
The Metis Nation Saskatchewan has announced they are leaving the Metis National Council(MN-C) citing the need to act independently as one of the major reasons.
The ‘Resolution to Withdraw from the MNC’ was presented at the regular monthly meeting of the Provincial Métis Council and states that effective immediately, MN–S is the National Government representing the Métis Nation within Saskatchewan provincially, nationally, and internationally “to advocate for the recognition of our rights and to advance the wellbeing of our citizens, families, and communities.”
“Part of the reason why we are leaving the Metis National Council is because we are the democratically elected government in Saskatchewan, and we represent the interest of our citizens here in Saskatchewan and we just believe that it is our place to advocate on behalf of our nation here. We are not giving anyone else the ability to do that because we are the national government for our people in Saskatchewan, our citizens that live outside Saskatchewan, (and) our citizens that live outside Canada as a result of being scooped during the Sixties Scoop,” MN-S Vice President and Minister of Justice Michelle LeClair said. “Those are our citizens and we speak for them, so that was a big part of it.”
“We are assuming our rightful jurisdictions in the areas of governance, elections, citizenship, laws, and families. This is our moment, and we will create a lasting legacy that will resonate for generations to come,” she added.
After talking to Métis citizens over the last several months about Kishchi Mashinaayikun Ooshchi Michif–the Sacred Document from the Michif treaty process, MN–S has refocused its priorities and determined it is in the strongest position to independently advocate for Métis citizens with all other governments.
“This was not a decision our government made lightly but one we felt necessary,” MN-S President Glen McCallum said in a press release. “Our MN–S government and our Métis communities need to have control over our identity and culture while making decisions that align with the values of our Saskatchewan Métis Nation.”
McCallum said the MN-S has determined that its participation in the MNC is no longer necessary or beneficial to the work of the Metis nation.
“This decision reflects MN-S’ commitment to an evidence-based process to address critical issues of the Nation and will allow us to focus on advancing Métis rights and moving forward the priorities that matter most to our citizens,” the MN-S press release reads.
“This is a great day for our Métis Nation within Saskatchewan and a great day for Métis across the Homeland,” MN–S Provincial Secretary Lisa McCallum added. “We know who we are as Métis people. Our government has made significant strides in our own treaty process with Canada and will carry on with the work that benefits Saskatchewan Métis citizens and their families.”
The MN-S is the second group to withdrawn for the MN-C. The Manitoba Metis Federation also withdrew in 2021, leaving only Alberta and Ontario represented. The council was originally formed in 1983.
In a statement, MN-C said every Metis Nation has the right to self-determination and they respect the decision. The statement also said MN-C President Cassidy Caron would meet with government members to discuss the next steps.
