Representatives of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan sign an MOU with the federal government to work to resolve issues involving the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Batoche Days

Métis Nations descend on Batoche

Jul 19, 2019 | 5:24 PM

Métis Nations from across Canada are in Saskatchewan for an annual summer event.

This year’s Back to Batoche has not only brought together Métis leaders from across Canada but also saw representatives from both the federal and provincial governments on hand. The event is also celebratory in nature as Métis Nations are marking the signing of self-government agreements with the federal government.

Glen McCallum, president of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) said the signing of these agreements mean a new relationship with Canada.

“People talk about pie in sky statements like, we have an inherent right to land, we have an inherent right to be able to harvest, but a deal has been signed with the federal government that makes it real,” he said.

A number of representatives were on hand from the federal government, they included Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, Minister of Crown and Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett and Minister of Indigenous Service Seamus O’Regan. The Government of Saskatchewan was represented by Minister of Government Relations Warren Kaeding.

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McCallum said his organization has been working to build relationships with other levels of governments to help resolve many issues. He added the days are done in terms of when people were left behind and not consulted on major issues.

“We know each other in regards to who we are as Métis and First Nations and who the governments are in the cities and with the province and the federal government,” he said.

McCallum and his organization as well marked the signing of some other significant agreements as well. The MN-S signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Government of Canada. One agreement involved the RCMP, specifically F Division, which has agreed to recognize the nation as the representative of Métis peoples in the province and to work with the MN-S toward building better and safer communities.

The second MOU saw the federal government agree to work with MN-S to resolve the issues surround the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School. Students who attended were not covered by the residential schools settlement. Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger said the signing of this agreement is an important event and he was happy to be there for it. He added the previous federal government promised to resolve the issue, but didn’t.

“It’s a great day to celebrate this. We want to recognize the federal government for their work on this front and hopefully this MOU quickly translates into an opportunity to settle this long standing issue,” he said.

There was a decent sized crowd at the opening ceremonies (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn