By Tyler Marr

Feds, Métis Nation sign historic agreement to negotiate reconciliation nation-to-nation

Jul 21, 2018 | 8:00 AM

Batoche is a site already ripe with history for the Métis people, and another historic chapter has been added that will see the nation no longer “left on the sidelines” of discussions.

The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) signed a framework with the federal government Friday to begin the process to develop nation-to-nation discussions in recognizing the rights guaranteed to Métis people in the Constitution and outline future priorities in talks on the road to self-governance and determination. It was penned on the opening day of Back to Batoche, an annual pilgrimage for Métis people to the site of the 1885 resistance. Frameworks similar to this have already been signed in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and will next be penned in British Columbia.

“For the first time in many years … the federal government and ourselves … have come to a point where real progress is being made,” MN-S president Glen McCallum told media after the signing. “It is very important because of the land claim issues, programming issues,” education and cultural preservation issues set to be addressed in the agreement through talks.

The Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation will serve as a starting point between the MN-S and Ottawa to resolve many long-standing issues pertaining to Métis inherent Indigenous rights which are recognized in Section 35 of the 1982 Constitution. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said in the past, the Métis and their needs were treated as a provincial issue, which differs from that of Indigenous and Inuit people.

“They [Métis] have Section 35 rights and therefore we, as the federal government, must be working hard to recognize and implement those rights,” Bennett said, noting Ottawa is working on legislation to do this, which will include dispute resolution frameworks and an oversight body to ensure the federal government abides by and implements any agreements signed. Métis people have had no option but litigation in the past to address these issues.

bus cancellations

Why school buses don't run in extreme cold

5h ago

Boxing

P.A. area boxers shine at Alberta silver gloves tournament

5h ago

Guilty pleas

Man, 20, pleads guilty to attempted robberies

6h ago

McCallum said it had been “a tough road” to get to today, but added how “the future is now” in regard to the relationship between Ottawa, the provinces and Métis nations across Canada.

“We haven’t been sitting on the sidelines … we have been participating in housing and participating in economic development … but it becomes a lot easier when the governments are working with us,” he said. 

Bennett said the commitment to maintaining and promoting Métis language and culture will aid in closing the “great gaps” on housing, health and other outcomes.

“When people are denied their language and culture they do not do well,” she said. “When people feel proud of who they are, that is their resilience and self-esteem.”

The work for the signing has been ongoing for a little over two-and-a-half-years. The framework between the feds and the MN-S was not the only paper inked, as the nation signed memoranda of understandings (MOU) with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the Saskatchewan School Board Association (SSBA).

The SHA MOU will work towards better health outcomes for Métis people through health promotion, tracking the determinants of health and supporting efforts to access funds for new programs, services and research. The MOU with the SSB affirms an aim to strengthen a commitment for the success of Saskatchewan Métis Students, through recognizing culture and traditions as a way to overcome obstacles for Métis students and to educate non-Métis students about the nations history.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr