Darlene McKay. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

Indigenous issues

Former MN-S regional director seeks re-election

May 8, 2021 | 8:00 AM

Stating she is the best person to unite the people and provide transparency, the former area director for Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) Western Region 11 wants her old job back.

Darlene McKay is one of four candidates vying for the position. She expressed to paNOW her belief that there was a lack of communication coming from elected leaders.

“I want all locals to be included and represented, both urban and rural. Prince Albert Métis locals, and there are only 3, have been ignored and not included by the regional director and the MN-S for over 3 years, and this needs to change,” she said.

With respect to her top priorities, McKay said rural Métis locals need support and capacity to be able to offer programs and services to their people.

“I will work with their locals to develop their capacity, including ensuring they have the basics such as an incorporation number, an organizational bank account, and Worker’s Compensation Board coverage,” she promised.

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McKay explained she knows the urban Métis Locals are ready, willing, and capable of running programs and services, but explained they just lack the funding to do so.

“All three locals have had to fundraise to be able to have offices, and with COVID happening, their ability to do so dried up. The MN-S had been asked to support the locals, but no supports were ever given, not even a pen, pencil, or piece of paper, nor were the locals allowed to speak at the MN-S meetings,” she said.

Moving forward, McKay expressed her belief that the biggest challenge for the MN-S lies with the need to create harmony within the organization and have the Métis people work together.

“The last few years under current leadership has been filled with no information, misinformation and for some, abuse towards themselves, their children, grandchildren, and friends both in person and posted online,” she said. “I am tired of the fighting, name-calling, backstabbing, bullying, and outright abuse that happens in our region, nation, and online.”

The other candidates for Western Region 2 are Curtis Blanchard, Sherry McLennan and Darlene Berube.

The MN-S election has been scheduled for May 29.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell