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2003


December


Métis National Council President congratulates Paul Martin and New Cabinet Looks Forward To Working with new Cabinet Members Tasked with Responsibility for Métis Issues
The Métis National Council (MNC) offered congratulations to Prime Minister Paul Martin and his new Cabinet who were sworn into office today. Clément Chartier, President of the MNC said, "I wish to extend my congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Canada and his Cabinet. From the Metis Nation's perspective, Mr. Martin's new government provides an exciting opportunity to forge a renewed relationship between Canada and the Metis Nation." President Chartier added, "This is a crucial time in the history of the Metis Nation in Canada. With the Metis Nation‚s recent victory at the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Powley, along with Prime Minister Martin's public commitments that Aboriginal issues and western alienation will be priorities for his government, I am optimistic that the time is right to begin reconciling the long outstanding rights and interests of the Métis Nation within the Canadian federation. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Martin's new team in building a stronger Canada and Metis Nation." (Dec 12)


Renewal of Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS) applauded by MNC President
Métis National Council President Clément Chartier applauds today's announcement by the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State (Children and Youth) that the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS) will be renewed for another five years. "The AHRDS has proven to be an important strategy in developing a skilled workforce in the Métis Nation," said President Chartier. "Thousands of Métis citizens have had their skills upgraded and have secured meaningful employment as a direct result of the AHRDS." President Chartier said the strategy is an ideal model of devolution. "The AHRDS puts the power in the hands of the Métis Nation and is respectful of our Métis Nation governance structures and jurisdiction. This strategy is results oriented and across the board the Métis Nation has delivered." The AHRDS has led to the development of unique expertise and the institutional capacity within the Métis Nation for providing labour market strategies. (Dec 2)


Métis National Council launches HIV/AIDS publication
Today the President of the Métis National Council, Clément Chartier, participated in a joint press conference with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, Inuit Tapiirit Kanatami and The Assembly of First Nations to heighten the awareness of the increasing rates of HIV infection amongst the Aboriginal Peoples within Canada. President Chartier called upon the Government of Canada to start to deal with this crisis within the Aboriginal Communities. In the first six months of 2002, according to latest figures 14% of reported AIDS cases in Canada involved Aboriginal peoples. "The Métis Nation is under attack by this devastating disease" declared Chartier. (Dec 1)


October


Clément Chartier receives unanimous support from the elected leadership of the Métis Nation in Canada to become the new President of the Métis National Council
In a showing of unprecedented solidarity, the elected leadership of the historic Métis Nation in Canada has unanimously chosen Clément Chartier as the new President of the Métis National Council (MNC). Mr. Chartier, a lawyer from Northwest Saskatchewan, has been at the forefront on the Métis Nation's political agenda for decades. He has acted as legal counsel for the Native Council of Canada and for the Métis Nation during various constitutional rounds. He is a former President of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples and since 1998 he has been the President of the Métis Nation -Saskatchewan. Throughout his professional life, Mr. Chartier has also acted in various legal capacities in defending the rights of Métis people in the courts across Canada. Most recently, Mr. Chartier acted as co-counsel for the MNC in its interventions in R. v. Powley and R. v. Blais before the Supreme Court of Canada. (Oct 24)


Métis National Council to elect new President in Winnipeg, MB
On October 24, 2003 a new President will be chosen at the Annual General Assembly of the Métis National Council in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Interim President Audrey Poitras said, "This is an important election for the Métis Nation coming so soon after the Supreme Court of Canada has recognized our Aboriginal Rights." On September 19, 2003, in the case of R v. Powley, the Supreme Court upheld that the Aboriginal rights of the Métis Nation are protected within Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada. The theme of the assembly is "Dawn of a New Day - Métis Rights Recognized and Affirmed," added Interim President Poitras. "The message to our people and to the governments of Canada is that the days when the Métis are treated as if they have no Aboriginal Rights are over. A new day is here." (Oct 21)


September


Aboriginal Peoples Survey show Métis at high risk for chronic ailments
The release today of the initial findings of Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) shows the Métis Nation at highest risk for chronic pain and for life threatening health conditions. In the finding entitled "Well-being of the non-reserve Aboriginal Population" it showed that Métis over the age of 15 had the highest rates for heart problems and high blood pressure. The Métis also had the highest rates for stomach problems and intestinal ulcers and were nearly equal to North American Indian population for high rates of asthma and rheumatism or arthritis. The Inuit population had the lowest rates in all categories. (The APS numbers do not include the on-reserve population of First Nations.) Clem Chartier, Vice-President of the Métis National Council and Minister of Métis Rights and Self-government said, "It is important for the Canadian government to come to terms with the health needs of the Métis population. At the same time our people are struggling with these urgent health issues; we receive minimal support from the federal government for our health care needs." (Sep 24)


"We Won!" Métis Rights upheld by Supreme Court, Interim President Poitras calls the decision "A great victory for the Métis Nation"
In a landmark decision the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the lower courts judgments in the Métis harvesting rights case, R. v. Powley. The Supreme Court recognized that the Aboriginal rights of the Métis exist. Interim President and Spokesperson for the Métis National Council, Audrey Poitras said, "The highest court of this land has finally done what Parliament and the provincial governments have refused to do and have delivered justice to the Métis people." In a press conference carried live across Canada Interim President Poitras said, "To all the Métis people watching I want to say two words: We won. We won!" "This decision is a great victory for the Métis Nation," said Poitras. The governments of Canada can no longer refuse to negotiate with the Métis Nation and treat us as though we don't have any Aboriginal rights. Those days are over." (Sep 19)


Métis National Council will host a Press Conference in response to the decisions on Métis harvesting Rights by the Supreme Court of Canada
The Métis National Council (MNC) will be holding a press conference on September 19, 2003 at the Charles Lynch Room, Centre Block, Parliament of Canada at 10:30 a.m. EST. The press conference will provide the Metis Nation's response to the Supreme Court of Canada's historic decisions on the Aboriginal rights of the Métis people (R. v. Powley and R. v. Blais). In attendance will be the Powleys, along with the leaders of the historic Metis Nation in Canada; namely, Audrey Poitras, Interim President of the Métis National Council and President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation, Harley Desjarlais, President of the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, Clem Chartier, President of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Legal Counsel, and Tony Belcourt, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Legal counsel for the Powleys, Jean Teillet, and legal counsel for the Métis National Council, Jason Madden, will also be in attendance. (Sep 17)


On Friday, September 19th, 2003 the Supreme Court of Canada will release its first decisions on the Aboriginal harvesting rights of the Métis
On Friday, September 19th, 2003 the Supreme Court of Canada will release its first decisions on the Aboriginal harvesting rights of the Metis at 9:45 a.m. EST. R. v. Powley will address whether the Metis community at Sault Ste. Marie has an Aboriginal right to harvest protected by s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. R. v. Blais will determine whether Metis are included in the term "Indians" in Manitoba's Natural Resource Transfer Agreement, 1930. In 1982, the Aboriginal rights of the Métis Nation were "recognized and affirmed" in the Canadian Constitution. The Métis, along with the Inuit and Indians were recognized as the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. For the Métis part of the challenge before them is to ensure that these constitutional recognitions are not hollow. (Sep 17)


Métis National Council will be hosting a press conference to announce their support for the upcoming Games of the World to be hosted by Montreal next summer
Métis National Council will be hosting a press conference to announce their support for the upcoming Games of the World to be hosted by Montreal next summer. >Following a tour of the grounds and facilities in Montreal where next summer's Games of the World will be held July 30 - August 8, 2004, the Métis National Council will be holding a press conference to announce their support for the event and a commitment to field a strong Métis contingent. The Métis Nation has participated in past games but have an affinity for these upcoming games because they will be the first held in Canada and will be hosted by Montreal. The Métis Nation as one of the three constitutionally recognized Aboriginal peoples of Canada are the representatives of Canada at the games. In addition to this honour, the Métis Nation's strong historical ties to Quebec make these games very significant to the Métis National Council and the Métis people. (Sep 2)


April


Métis National Council Special Assembly Upholds Suspension of MNC President
Today a Special Assembly of the Métis National Council voted to uphold the suspension of Gerald Morin as President of the MNC. Mr. Morin's suspension will stay in place until an election is held pursuant to MNC bylaws. (Apr 26)


Métis National Council to hold Special Assembly to review suspension of National President
Elected Métis leadership from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario will be present to determine whether to uphold or overturn Mr. Morin's suspension that has been in place since January 11, 2003. (Apr 24)


March


Historic Métis rights cases conclude at the Supreme Court of Canada
After two historic days, when the first substantive Métis rights cases were heard by the Supreme Court of Canada, the Métis National Council is confident that the court will support Métis rights. "Following these historic proceedings, it is my belief that the case put forward by our Métis lawyers is a strong one and that the Supreme Court will make a decision that respects our Aboriginal rights," said Interim President of the Métis National Council, Audrey Poitras. Métis people from across the Métis homeland crowded into the courtroom and also filled an overflow room for the chance to see history unfold. Many of them offered words of thanks to the Métis hunters who were the focus of the cases and to the Métis lawyers who made eloquent arguments in defense of our Aboriginal rights. (Mar 18)


On the eve of history making Supreme Court Cases, Interim President Audrey Poitras offers support and commendations
History will be made next week when the first significant Metis rights cases will be heard before the Supreme Court of Canada. "Our history is rich in stories of how our people have stood up in the defense of their rights," said Interim President Audrey Poitras. "Before there was a Canada we were defending our rights against colonial powers, this is part of who we are." Interim President Poitras offered her support to the Metis harvesters who will be in court next week. "Our hunters are such an important part of the Metis Nation they have fed our communities and our families for hundreds of years, despite the governments attempts to deny our rights they continue to go out on the land to exercise our Aboriginal rights." (Mar 14)


Métis Nation prepares for "the most important Métis court cases since the Trial of Louis Riel"
On March 17th and 18th, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear substantive Métis rights cases for the first time. R. v. Powley and R. v. Blais are destined to make history. "These are the most important Métis court cases since the Trial of Louis Riel," said Tony Belcourt, Minister of Litigation for the Métis National Council and President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. "Our nation is older than this country, we are recognized in the constitution along with our Treaty and Aboriginal rights, yet at the same time our most basic right of hunting and fishing for food is denied. The governments refuse to do the right thing and recognize these constitutional rights. Our only recourse is to ask the courts to erase the doubt of their obligations to the Métis people." (Mar 13)


February


"Canada's international reputation is being tarnished by its non- recognition of our rights." - Métis Nation Tables Submission to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Today, Tony Belcourt, Minister Responsible International Affairs for the Métis National Council and President of the Métis Nation of Ontario tabled a submission, on behalf of the Métis Nation, at a general hearing of the Organization of American States' Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The submission criticized Canada's on-going policy of denying the existence and rights of the Métis Nation within Canada. President Belcourt stated, "Although Canada is often regarded internationally as a leader in the area of the rights of Indigenous peoples, we want the IACHR to know that this is not true when it comes to the Métis people. Instead of protecting the rights of the Métis people - Canada has ignored its own Constitution and denied the very existence of our Aboriginal rights." (Feb 25)


Métis Rights Panel meets in Toronto. - "Our goal is to prepare for a world with Métis Rights."
The Metis Rights Panel (MRP) is meeting in Toronto for the next two days to discuss issues of the highest importance to the Metis People of Canada. The MRP consists of representatives of the governing members of the Metis National Council (MNC), legal counsel, and other advisors who provide analysis and direction to the MNC. Among a number of significant agenda items will be the issue of compensation for Metis Veterans and the upcoming Metis Rights cases that will be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada next month. (R. v. Powley, R v. Blais). The MRP is also continuing its international strategy on Metis rights including participation in the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UN Commission on Human Rights and the American Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (Feb 18)


Métis National Council criticizes federal budget for ignoring their people's Health and Child care needs
The Métis National Council (MNC) has criticized the federal government's budget for ignoring the needs of the Métis people. "The budget has little to offer the Metis," said Vice- President Clem Chartier, "This is the biggest budget increase in years and the government is still boasting a huge surplus but when it came to giving dollars for Métis health care and child care needs, the cheque book was slammed shut." Like all Aboriginal people one of the most pressing needs faced by Métis people are health related, but only First Nations and Inuit health care needs were addressed. "We don't wish to take anything away from the budget set aside for Inuit and First Nations Health, it is clear their needs are great" said Health Minister Harley Dejarlais. "But our needs are just as critical but we are offered no solutions. Equitable access to health care resources for Métis as one of Canada's three constitutionally recognized peoples must be provided." (Feb 18)


"Time for action is now." Interim President Audrey Poitras makes Presentation to Children and Youth at Risk Subcommittee
Interim President Audrey Poitras made a presentation today to the Subcommittee on Children and Youth At Risk of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. She was joined by Jennifer Brown, the Chair of the Métis National Youth Advisory Council (MNYAC), which is the MNC's youth secretariat, MNC Director of Youth Initiatives, Pauline Huppie-Parsons and Jason Madden, General Counsel to the MNC. Outlining the rationale for an investment in Métis Children and Youth, Interim President Poitras referred to the 2001 census, which recorded that those identifying as Métis now represent 1/3 of the Aboriginal population in Canada at around 300,000. The 2001 Census data also brought children's issues into the spotlight. It reported that 1/3 of the Métis population is under the age of 14. Further, 1/3 of Métis children live with a lone parent with this number rising to 42% in urban centers. (Feb 12)


Métis Veterans developed a strategy to take their grievances to the international stage
Metis Veterans developed a strategy to take their grievances to the international stage. This weekend the National Metis Veterans Association (NMVA) released their strategy to achieve an equitable compensation package. "The Federal Government has offered compensation packages to other Veterans, but continue to ignore Metis Veterans," said NMVA President Bruce Flamont. "Our Veterans feel that the government is ignoring Metis Veterans on purpose. Their unstated policy is if we wait long enough, soon there will be no more veterans." Most if not all WWI Veterans have passed on. The Metis Veterans from the 2nd World War are fewer every year. The NMVA believes that they have to turn up heat with Federal Government in any way possible. Resolutions were passed this weekend to develop a letter writing campaign within Canada, to take a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and to travel overseas to gain international support. (Feb 9)


National Métis Veterans Association to hold press conference
The National Metis Veterans Association will be holding a press conference following the conclusion of their Annual General Assembly on Sunday February 9th, 2003 at 12:00pm Saskatchewan time. (Feb 8)


Health Care - Press Conference
As Interim President of the Metis National Council, I am pleased to stand side by side with the leaders of the other Constitutionally recognized Aboriginal peoples of Canada. Our message today is one of the greatest urgency. The First Ministers meet this week to talk about the Health care crisis in Canada. But if health care is in crisis in Canada then it is a disaster in the Aboriginal community. Is that why we are being forgotten, Are the realities of Aboriginal health care so overwhelming that the federal and provincial governments prefer to turn a blind eye. But how can they turn a blind eye to the fastest growing population in the country. The recent statistics show that the Aboriginal population continues to boom. The Metis population itself has jumped 43% since 1996 and those identifying as Metis now represent 1/3 of the Aboriginal population in Canada. At the same time resources and services for Metis Specific health care are practically non-existent. (Feb 3)


Canada's Aboriginal Leaders say Prime Minister Fails to Respond to Calls for Aboriginal Participation at First Minister's Meeting
Canada's three National Aboriginal Leaders told an Ottawa news conference today the Prime Minister and Canada's Premiers have let Aboriginal people in Canada down by shutting them out of this week's First Minister's meeting on Health Reform in Canada. The Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council said they have been trying for two months to participate with the Prime Minister and Premiers on Health Reform. AFN National Chief Matthew Coon Come said, "We need to be there because Aboriginal people in Canada rank at the very bottom of health care status. We have the highest rates of disease and the shortest life expectancy of anyone in Canada." (Feb 3)


January


Latest Census data shows Huge Increase in Reporting of Métis population : MNC calls on government to answer this latest wake-up call
The release today of Statistics Canada's Census data on Aboriginal peoples shows a dramatic increase in the reporting of the Métis population in Canada. Across the country the Aboriginal population grew by 22%, but statistics of the Métis population grew by a staggering 43%. According to the 1996 census, the number of respondents who identified as Métis was 204,120. Today's release puts that number up to 292,310. This is the largest increase in any Aboriginal population and represents 30% of the total Aboriginal population. Audrey Poitras, Interim President of the Métis National Council, says these latest statistics point to the growing need to no longer ignore the Métis Nation in the provision of programs and services set aside for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. "We've always known that our population was not being fully recorded. These latest numbers are beginning to present a more realistic portrait of the Métis Nation in Canada. These statistics indicate how critical it is that the federal and provincial governments realize that Métis-specific services and resources are needed across the for the Métis people. The funds set aside for Aboriginal programs from existing resources simply need to be increased to reflect the reality of the Métis Nation." (Jan 23)


Audrey Poitras appointed as Métis National Council Interim President
Yesterday, by unanimous decision, the Métis National Council (MNC) Board of Governors suspended Gerald Morin as President of the MNC and appointed Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, as the MNC's Interim President and National Spokesperson. These decisions were made after Mr. Morin refused to offer his resignation following the MNC Board of Governor's request of January 7th, 2003. Pursuant to the MNC's bylaws the Board of Governors will now call a special MNC General Assembly within 90 days to review the suspension. The suspension is based on the information made available to the Board of Governors surrounding Mr. Morin's actions of December 11th, 2002. "Our leadership must be held to the highest standards and values that reflect our people. We are role models to our youth and communities. We must lead by example. The Board of Governors reiterates that it will not condone any violence by its leadership and has zero tolerance for any violence against women within our communities and within society as a whole," stated Audrey Poitras, MNC Interim President. (Jan 12)


Métis National Council holding press conference
The Métis National Council Board of Governors will be holding a press conference at 1:00pm PST, on Sunday January 12, 2003. (Jan 11)


Canada's three national Aboriginal leaders told Health Minister Anne McLellan today they must participate in the upcoming First Ministers Conference on Health
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Matthew Coon Come, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Jose Kusugak, and Tony Belcourt of the Metis National Council - told Health Minister Anne McLellan today they must participate in the upcoming First Ministers Conference on Health. The three leaders, who represent the three Constitutionally recognized Aboriginal Peoples, met with the Health Minister this afternoon, along with Nova Scotia Health Minister Jane Purves, co-chair of the First Ministers Conference on Health. On November 25th, they wrote a letter to Prime Minister Chretien requesting participation at the conference. They stressed the need for full involvement and cooperation with all levels of government in order to end the current deplorable health care crisis.* (Jan 9)


Métis National Council President Asked to Resign
The Board of Governors of the Metis National Council (MNC) deeply regrets to announce that it has, by unanimous decision, asked Gerald Morin to resign as President of the MNC. On January 7th, 2003, the Board of Governors received details of Mr. Morin's actions on December 11th, 2002, which were not initially known to the Board of Governors at their meeting of January 6, 2003 after which their initial press statement was issued. These actions involved a woman and have resulted in the pending charges of assault and mischief against Mr. Morin. The Board of Governors will not condone, in any way, any violence by its leadership and has zero tolerance for any violence against women within our communities and within society as a whole. (Jan 8)


Métis National Council Board of Governors announce President Morin entering treatment program
The Métis National Council's (MNC) Board of Governors announced today that MNC President Gerald Morin will be entering a professional treatment program for health related reasons for a six week period in the near future.During President Morin's treatment period, Clem Chartier, Vice-President of the MNC and President of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan will be assuming the role of interim national spokesperson and chair of the Metis Nation Cabinet. (Jan 6)