MMF Message from the President April 30, 2007

This past week, on behalf of MNC President Clement Chartier and the Board of Governors, I had the honour to welcome and address the delegates of the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan’s Legislative Assembly & General Assembly on Electoral Reform in Saskatoon.The Metis of Saskatchewan are long-time citizens of the Metis Nation. They are both our neighbours and cousins. Long before Canada became a country, and before Saskatchewan and Manitoba became provinces, our Ancestors developed our own culture, laws, and democratic governments. Our Ancestors were among the founders of the Metis Nation.

During the past year, and more, the Metis leadership and Metis people of Saskatchewan faced and overcame many obstacles with few resources. MNS received little recognition from the federal and Saskatchewan governments which provided no capacity support, program or service funding to the MNS.

Taking an important step, on Saturday, April 21, 2007, the MNS Legislative and General Assemblies in Saskatoon unanimously approved, enacted and ratified the Saskatchewan Metis Electoral Package making an election for the Provincial Metis Council possible for sometime this summer.

The Saskatchewan delegates passed the resolution for an early election. But it is more than a resolution. It is part of the continuing battle to protect our right to have a voice, our right to self-government, and our right to access programs and services. It is also about the future of our Metis Nation Government.

The federal and provincial governments did not recognize the legitimacy of the current MNS Provincial Metis Council. This has had an impact on the MNC. Without the full and continuing participation of the MNS at the national table, the future of our national governance may well have come into jeopardy. Based on the success of the recent vote by the assemblies I am confident this danger has passed.

MNS Acting President Guy Bouvier must be given special recognition for his outstanding work and astute leadership during these difficult times. He along with the Provincial Metis Council must be acknowledged for their sacrifices, leadership, and commitment to protecting the principles of their Constitution and the ideals of democracy.

As the MNC Minister responsible for the election file, I thank the Independent Oversight Committee for the part they have played in developing the MNS Election Package. I also want to thank Minister Jim Prentice, Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, and Minister Maynard Sontag, Saskatchewan Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations, for their assistance in the upcoming MNS election.

The MMF looks forward to working with the MNS leadership and our other Metis Nation Governments. Together we will continue to protect our Nation and to protect our rights and interests across the Homeland.

I offer my prayers and condolences to those who have recently lost family, friends, and neighbours. My thoughts go to our citizens who are shut-in or ill. Best wishes to all. Believe in Yourself – Believe in Metis.

Meeqwetch!