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2000
December
Métis
Nation Plays Pivotal Role at UN Conference of Americas on Racism : Progress Made On Rights Of Indigenous Peoples
Tony Belcourt, President of the Metis Nation
of Ontario brought his message about racism against the Metis
in Canada, and in particular Ontario, to the international stage
last week while attending the Regional Conference of the Americas
on Racism in Santiago, Chile. Mr. Belcourt was representing the
Metis National Council (MNC) at the Conference which was a preparatory
meeting for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism,
Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to
be held in South Africa on August 31 - September 7, 2001. In his
presentation to the Conference, Mr. Belcourt stated: "We are a people,
one of the Aboriginal peoples recognized in Canada's constitution.
Unfortunately, this recognition is as far as it goes. Our right of
self-determination is ignored. Indeed, our very existence as a people
is denied by the country of Canada and, in particular, the Province of
Ontario despite constitutional recognition. This is a denial
of a basic human right and therefore a violation of the international
covenants signed by Canada." (Dec 11)
November
Métis
National Council Calls for Alliance Candidates Resignation for 'Racist'
Remarks
Gerald Morin, President of the Metis National
Council is calling on Stockwell Day, Leader of the Alliance Party,
to insist that two of his candidates step down from the election
race over what the Métis National Council considers to
be racist remarks towards Aboriginal Peoples. The two Alliance
candidates in question are Dave Chatters, the incumbent for the
Athabaska riding in Alberta, and Brian Fitzpatrick, the candidate
for Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. (Nov 23)
Métis
National Council Rejects Voting For Alliance Party Candidates
Gerald Morin, President of the Metis National
Council today urged all Metis people to reject any consideration
of voting for candidates of the Alliance Party in the coming
federal elections. He urged Metis people to vote for the best
individual candidate of either of the three other national parties
and announced the he personally will be supporting Prime Minister
Jean Chr étien and the Liberal Party of Canada. "The Liberal,
Conservative and NDP each have strengths and weaknesses in their
party platforms on Aboriginal issues and warrant consideration",
Mr. Morin said. "The Alliance
Party policy, however clearly demonstrates that their agenda
would be harmful to the valid aspirations of our people and would
set back the positive direction that has been established the
past seven years", he added. (Nov 14)
Federal Party Critiques on Aboriginal Issues for the
2000 Election Campaign
Aboriginal Issues - Platform Critique Prepared by the
Métis National Council (Nov 1)
October
Métis
Hunt for Justice Continues
The Métis National Council will
intervene in R. vs. Blais in Winnipeg on Wednesday, October 18,
2000. The issue currently before the Manitoba Court of Appeal
is whether Métis have the same protection of harvesting
rights as First Nations in Manitoba. "The Métis continue
to advocate for good faith negotiations; however without a process
in place for those negotiations we have no alternative but to
pursue our rights in the courts", said Gerald Morin, President
of the Métis
National Council, "This is one of several key cases currently
before the courts, which the Métis National Council has
strategically chosen to support because of its potential importance
for all Métis." (Oct 16)
July
Von
Dumont Appointed to Board of Aboriginal Healing Foundation
The Métis National Council is pleased
to announce that its appointment of Yvon W. Dumont to the Aboriginal
Healing Foundation has been ratified. Mr. Dumont, former 21st
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, is a prominent Métis
who is known for his ability in bringing Métis issues
to the forefront. "Mr. Dumont is highly respected within
the Métis Nation. His credentials are outstanding", said
Gerald Morin, President of the Métis National Council. "By
nominating Mr. Dumont we are strengthening the ability of the
Métis Nation to be effectively represented on the Aboriginal
Healing Foundation." (July 7)
June
Métis
join Canadian Delegation at 3rd World Festival
of Traditional
Games and Sports
Delegates from the Métis Nation left
for Hanover, Germany yesterday to participate in the 3rd World
Festival of Traditional Games and Sports. The Canadian delegation
consists of 27 representatives from Aboriginal Peoples including
Métis,
Inuit and First Nations. This is the first time Métis
have been invited to join in the World Festival. The Métis
will be showcasing various components of the traditional Voyageur
games, such as: flour packing; hatchet throwing; and dancing
and fiddling competition. Mr. Gerald Morin, President of the
Métis
National Council joins Mr. Jean Perron, General Manager of the
4th World Festival in Hanover, along with other Aboriginal leaders
to begin promotion for the 2004 games. Canada outbid Malaysia
to host the 4th World Festival of Traditional Games and Sports
that will held be in Montreal in 2004. (June
19)
May
Métis
to Celebrate Culture at Rideau Hall
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne
Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, will be hosting a Reception
for the Métis Community that celebrates Métis
culture at Rideau Hall on May 24, 2000. Métis National
Council president Gerald Morin will make a formal presentation
of a Métis
sash to Her Excellency in appreciation of Mme Clarkson's on-going
recognition of Métis people. The Métis sash, traditionally
worn by Voyageurs, is an important piece of Métis regalia
and has become an accolade for recognition within the Métis
Nation. (May 23)
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