A number of booths were set up to provide people information Saturday (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Métis Nation

Métis Nation reaching out in P.A.

Mar 24, 2019 | 12:00 PM

The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan is working to connect with members in the Prince Albert area.

In this spirit the organization held an all-day information session Saturday at École Valois School where people were invited to get a variety of information and to register with the Métis Nation.

The event was organized by Sherry McLennan, who serves as the director for western region two for the Métis Nation. McLennan told paNOW the event did have a specific focus.

“I thought that the people should be informed about all the services and programs they are entitled to as Métis citizens,” she said.

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People who came into the gym at the school were greeted by a number of booths, offering those in attendance information on a range subjects, from registering with the Métis Nation to the Gabriel Dumont Institute, which offers educational opportunities.

Along with provide people information, leadership from the Métis Nation were on hand to talk about a number of issues.

“The minister of housing, minister of environment and minister of economic development here to give brief presentations on their portfolios and what’s coming down to the Métis people in their portfolios,” said McLennan.

McLennan added along with providing people information, having a full day event like the one on Saturday give people the chance to do other things.

“This Métis day, is an opportunity for the Métis to come in and actually talk to people and get to know people,” she said.

People had to opportunity to hear from leadership Saturday (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

The president of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, Glen McCallum, who had just returned to the province after meetings in Vancouver said he welcomes the chance to be supportive of a local organization when they have meetings.

McCallum said providing people the chance to connect with leadership is something he thinks is important, along with having people come together to share stories while eating and enjoying music.

“I love it and this should continue in every region of our province,” he said.

The current time is marking a change for Métis people in Canada as recent court decisions in terms of the relationship with government.

“It’s now where the government through the Daniels case the government have recognized we are a federal responsibility,” said McCallum.

McCallum said people at the meeting Saturday wanted to speak with him about a variety of issues. He added going forward his organization is looking to grow and get more people in place.

“We are a government now and governance is number one factor for me,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn