Canada and Métis Nation British Columbia solidify their relationship

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

MOU seen as a positive step forward

July 25, 2018 - Vancouver, BC - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Working collaboratively to renew the relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Today, the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation British Columbia took an important step to renew and strengthen their government-to-government relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on reconciliation.

This MOU, co-developed by partners, represents a joint commitment to identify challenges, opportunities and priorities. This MOU reflects the work going on across the Métis Nation with Governing Members on a path to self-determination. We are committed to working in partnership to find constructive, shared solutions aimed at closing socio-economic gaps, advancing reconciliation and building a long-term relationship which will not only benefit members of the Métis Nation British Columbia but all Canadians.

Quotes

“Today, I’m proud that we have taken this important step in building a meaningful and lasting relationship with Métis in British Columbia. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with the Métis Nation British Columbia demonstrates Canada’s commitment to working in a true spirit of co-operation to advance our shared journey toward reconciliation.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“Today is an historic day for all Métis people in British Columbia as we sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Canada to move forward on reconciliation that commits to renewing and strengthening our nation-to-nation and government-to-government relationship. Under this Memorandum, for the first time ever, we are going to begin discussions on at least 17 different subject areas, including Métis Section 35 Rights under the Constitution Act, 1982.

We give full credit to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett for showing the political leadership to make this happen, and I am very optimistic that our discussions here in British Columbia on all the subject areas will be productive and, when concluded, will make a difference in the lives of all Métis people in our province.”   

President Clara Morin Dal Col
Métis Nation British Columbia

Quick facts

  • The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) represents nearly 90,000 self-identified Métis people in British Columbia. Of that, nearly 18,000 are provincially registered Métis Citizens with MNBC.

  • MNBC represents 38 Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia (map).

  • The Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia was first incorporated under the Society’s Act on October 23, 1996.

  • In 2003, the Métis leadership ratified the "Métis Nation British Columbia" Constitution thereby establishing a new Métis Nation governance structure.

Associated links

Contacts

Matthew Dillon
Special Assistant, Issues Management
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160   

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