BCMF Feedback on Proposed Changes to Designated Representative for Métis Peoples

Vancouver, British Columbia, May 21, 2025 — The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) has submitted a formal letter to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), expressing serious concerns about the proposed changes to the designated representative for Métis Peoples in British Columbia. The Ministry’s proposal would see Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) assume the role currently held by the Métis Commission for Children and Families of BC (MCCFBC).

The letter, addressed to Executive Director Aleksandra Stevanovic, outlines the widespread opposition from BCMF and its Partner Communities to MNBC serving as the sole designated representative. “BCMF families deserve to be represented by the Indigenous Governing Body they have chosen. To exclude them is to deny their identity and their rights,” said Keith Henry, President of BCMF.

The submission also highlights years of systemic discrimination experienced by BCMF members, citing MNBC’s refusal to provide equitable services and funding, such as with the ISETS education program, and MCFD’s past failure to ensure fair treatment of all Métis families, including in high-profile child welfare cases.

BCMF is calling on MCFD to adopt a more inclusive approach that respects the diversity of the Métis community in BC. This includes a dual-representation model—similar to that used for First Nations communities—allowing both MNBC and BCMF to support their respective members. This model would respect the Métis community’s diversity and honour the families’ right to choose their representative Indigenous Governing Body.

BCMF looks forward to continued dialogue with MCFD and urges the provincial government to ensure that all Métis children and families—regardless of political affiliation—receive the support, recognition, and cultural connection they are entitled to.

The Official Letter content is copied below.

Attention: Aleksandra Stevanovic, Executive Director, Policy, Legislation & Litigation

Regarding: Feedback on Proposed Changes to the Designated Representative for Métis Peoples

Greetings Executive Director Stevanovic,

I am writing on behalf of the BC Métis Federation (BCMF) and its Partner Communities to submit our response to the Ministry of Child and Family Development’s (MCFD) request for feedback and dialogue on the proposed change to the designated representative for the Métis community in BC. Firstly, I wish to thank you for your participation at our event on April 26, 2025. Your presentation and the subsequent conversation was a positive step towards the inclusion of all Métis voices in the discussion surrounding the wellbeing of Métis children and families in British Columbia.

The attached report summarizes the feedback of our Partner Community leaders and the leadership here at BCMF. It captures what you heard in the room in Vancouver as well as subsequent input sent by those present had time to fully consider the proposed changes and to discuss them with community members. You will see that the response is overwhelmingly against Métis nation British Columbia (MNBC) becoming the designated representative for Métis. That sentiment is the product of years of hostility and discrimination against BCMF members by MNBC. MNBC has proven time and time again that they will only serve their own interests, leaving other legitimate Métis in BC without support or representation.

As MNBC stated to you directly when referencing their handling of the ISETS program funding, they “prioritized their Citizens”. There is no evidence that MNBC will handle the role of designated representative any differently. They will not equitably and fairly represent the interests of all Métis families and children, they will only support MNBC Citizens.

BCMF must be recognized as the designated representative for BCMF member families and children. Doing otherwise would leave BCMF member families and children unrepresented and would further reinforce the systemic discrimination BCMF members have received from MNBC and MCFD.

I look forward to working collaboratively with you and MCFD to develop an approach to the designated representative that serves the interests of all Métis in BC, both BCMF members and MNBC Citizens.

Sincerely,

Keith Henry
President, BC Métis Federation

CC: BCMF Board of Directors
BCMF Partner Communities
Premier David Eby
Honourable Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development

Enclosure: BCMF Feedback on Proposed Changes to the Designated
Representative for Métis Peoples (https://bit.ly/bcmf-mcfd)

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