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2004


September


Métis Nation mourns the passing of Harry W. Daniels - A life long defender of Métis Rights
On behalf of the Métis Nation, President Clément Chartier offers his regrets on the passing of Harry W. Daniels on September 6, 2004. "It is a sad day for the Métis Nation as we say goodbye to one of the great Métis leaders of our time. I offer my condolences to the Daniels family and wish them well during this time of mourning and remembrance." Mr. Daniels is survived by his partner, Cheryl, sons Michael, Conway, Alexandre and Gabriel and daughters, Chantelle and Chigal. Mr. Daniels committed his life's work to the advancement of Aboriginal people and will be remembered for playing a leading role in negotiating the express inclusion of the Métis into the Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis inclusion in s.35 of the constitution "recognized and affirmed" the Aboriginal rights of the Métis which led to the historic Powley decision by the Supreme Court of Canada which upheld our Aboriginal right to harvest. "The inclusion of the Métis is s.35 has implications that will be felt for generations," said President Chartier, "It will continue to be a significant building block in strengthening the Métis Nation and will be Mr. Daniel's legacy to the future generations." (Sep 7)


July


Métis Nation optimistic that new dual role for Honourable Andy Scott as Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs is a step in the right direction
President Clément Chartier is optimistic that the unprecedented appointment of the Honourable Andy Scott as Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis will ensure that Métis are included 'front-and-centre' in the federal Aboriginal agenda which Prime Minister Martin has previously committed will be a priority of his government. "We believe having a Minister responsible for all three constitutionally recognized Aboriginal people is another important step in our evolving relationship with the federal government," said Chartier. President Chartier added, "We now have a Minister that is dedicated full-time to the Aboriginal agenda and the Métis are a vital component of that agenda. As well, Minister Scott, as the Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Cabinet Committee will be in a position to secure a mandate to negotiate with the Métis Nation and fulfill the Prime Minister's commitment at the Canada-Aboriginal People's Roundtable to enter into a Framework Agreement with the Métis Nation". (July 20)


June


Métis Nation congratulates Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Liberal party on their electoral victory
On behalf of the Métis Nation, President Clément Chartier offers congratulations to Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Liberal party on their successful re-election campaign. "Prime Minister Martin and his government have been living up to their commitment to renew the relationship between Canada and the Aboriginal Peoples within Canada," said President Chartier. "We believe that the Prime Minister's re-election will mean that the Métis Nation can continue to build and strengthen it's relationship with Canada." In the few short months that Paul Martin sat as Prime Minister, there was a significant shift in the federal government relationship with the Métis Nation. "Following our breakthrough Supreme Court of Canada's decision with R v. Powley, we have been dealing with a federal government that is committed to working in partnership to assess Powley's implications and implementation," said President Chartier. (June 29)


"Mr. Harper. We do not need 'forgiveness' for being concerned about the future of our people under a Conservative regime" : Métis Nation leadership encourages citizens to vote Liberal in upcoming federal election
On Monday, the leadership of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada called on Conservative Leader Stephen Harper to distance his party from the offensive and regressive writings of Thomas Flanagan, National Campaign Co-Chair for the Conservative Party and a senior advisor to Mr. Harper. Mr. Flanagan, who was born and raised in the United States, has spent most of his career arguing against the rights and self-government aspirations of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. In particular, Mr. Flanagan has focused his energies on insulting the Metis people, referring to us as an "economically marginal, in-cohesive assortment of heterogeneous groups" which "lack internal unity, political power, and social influence" in Canada. Further, Mr. Flanagan has described the Metis people's recognition as an Aboriginal people with constitutional rights as "regrettable" and has written about strategies "to minimize the damage caused by the thoughtless elevation of the Metis to the status of a distinct 'aboriginal' people." (June 10)


National Aboriginal Leaders Call on Stephen Harper to Explain Position on Offensive Writings of Tom Flanagan, Conservative Party of Canada's National Campaign Chair
The leaders of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada today called on Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper to explain his position on the writings and statements of Tom Flanagan, Senior Advisor to the Conservative Leader and National Campaign Chair for the Conservative Party. Métis National Council President Clément Chartier, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Jose Kusugak are all calling on the Conservative leader to provide a clear answer as to whether or not he agrees with the antiquated, ill-informed, regressive and offensive writings of Mr. Flanagan in articles and books such as First Nations?, Second Thoughts. "The reality is that if Flanagan was making these kinds of statements about any other group in Canada - Jewish, Italian, French - he would not be given a senior role in a major national party and would more likely be exiled into the political wilderness," said AFN National Chief Fontaine. "So I stand today with my fellow leaders to ask the Conservative Party leader two straightforward questions: Does the Conservative leader support or disavow the writings and positions of Tom Flanagan on Aboriginal peoples? And what role, if any, will Flanagan play in the Conservative Party's Aboriginal policy? These are legitimate questions and the answers will illuminate how the Conservative Party plans to deal with our people and our issues." (June 7)


Métis Nation remembers the sacrifice of all War Veterans on the eve of the 60th Anniversary of D-Day
June 6, 2004 will mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the massive allied invasion on the beaches of Normandy that turned around the war and led to victory. President Clément Chartier offers these words on the eve of that important anniversary. "We must never forget. We must continue to honour and hold sacred in our memories those who paid the ultimate sacrifice; those who were wounded and those who risked their lives and much more so that we can live in freedom today. Once again, I want to pay my respects and offer my thanks to our Métis Veterans who stood up for their country and for the Métis Nation." D-Day was the largest invasion of World War II with over 130,000 allied soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy. The majority of the Canada's soldier's landed on Juno Beach and it is there that 60th anniversary commemorative activities are taking place. President Chartier traveled to last year's celebration with Métis Veterans Charlie Fosseneuve and Francis Godon Sr. (June 4)


May


Métis Nation Applauds Appointment of Todd Ducharme - First Métis Appointed to the Bench
The Metis Nation applauds the appointment of Todd Ducharme as a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The appointment was announced on Friday, May 7, 2004, by the Hon. Irwin Cotler, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "We are very proud and honored to see that a Metis person has finally been appointed a judge", said Clement Chartier, President of the Metis National Council. "The appointment of a Metis person is long overdue. We commend the Minister of Justice for his decision to now take the first step towards making the courts more reflective of the Metis populace by appointing a candidate as qualified as Todd Ducharme". (May 10)


April


Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable
A new section has been opened on the MNC website dedicated to the events surrounding the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable in Ottawa. (Apr 19)


"Let the New Beginning Start Today" Métis Nation Lays Out Strategy To Renew Relationship with Canada
The leadership of the Metis Nation laid out a Metis-specific strategy to renew its relationship with Canada today during the historic Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable held in Ottawa. Audrey Poitras, Vice-President of the Metis National Council delivered the Metis Nation's opening address at the Roundtable. "We must be given real recognition, authority and responsibility to do what is needed. We must build upon the models that work like the extremely successful Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy and expand it to other social and economic sectors." Vice-President Poitras outlined the unfair and on-going legacy of Sir John A. MacDonald that is faced by the Métis people including the fact that "No one in the federal government, not even the Federal Interlocutor, has a mandate to negotiate with the Métis Nation". As well, Vice-President Poitras stated that, "the Métis Nation is the only Aboriginal People in Canada that is still largely a landless people in our own homeland." (Apr 19)


Métis Nation Looks Forward to Prime Minister Martin's Historic National Roundtable with Aboriginal Peoples
This week, the leadership of the Métis Nation continued to prepare for their participation in the Prime Minister's National Roundtable with Aboriginal peoples. The Roundtable, which will be held Monday, April 19th at the Ottawa Conference Centre, will be an unprecedented event in the history of Canada's relationship with Aboriginal Peoples. It is expected that in total, over 100 Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, First Nation, Métis and Inuit leaders, as well as, representatives from Aboriginal advocacy and service delivery organizations will be in attendance at the groundbreaking Roundtable. The Prime Minister has invited the leadership of the Métis National Council, along with the entire Métis Nation Cabinet to represent the Métis Nation. Audrey Poitras, Vice President of the Métis National Council will represent MNC President, Clément Chartier, who is recovery from recent surgery. (Apr 14)


March


Métis National Council President Responds To Federal Budget "A Positive Start, But A Long Way To Go"
Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council applauded the inclusion of a Métis-specific package within today's Federal Budget that will be used to begin addressing the implications of the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark Métis right ruling in R. v. Powley; however, he stressed that when it comes to dealing fairly with the Métis Nation "there is a long way to go". "We take today's Métis-specific budget inclusion as another positive sign that a Paul Martin Government wants to truly bring in a new era of respect and partnership between the Métis Nation and Canada," stated President Chartier. Since his swearing in, the Prime Minister has made numerous commitments that under his leadership, Canada will usher in a new era of relations with Aboriginal peoples. With respect to the Métis, this has included specific commitments in the Speech from the Throne and the Prime Minister's reply. As well, earlier this month, the Prime Minister held an unprecedented summit with the three national leaders of Canada's Aboriginal peoples - Jose Kusugak, President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and President Chartier. (Mar 23)


February


Métis National Council President Clément Chartier welcomes Prime Minister's commitment that he will not "pass the buck" when it comes to the Métis
Métis National Council President Clément Chartier welcomes the commitment by Prime Minister Paul Martin to make fundamental changes in the federal government's relationship with the Métis Nation. Today, the Prime Minister of Canada responded to the Speech from the Throne with his first speech in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister's speech further outlines the federal government's agenda including their commitment to changing its policy towards the Métis Nation. President Clément Chartier welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to end "jurisdictional wrangling and passing the buck" when it comes to the Métis. "What we are seeing from the federal government is a fundamental policy shift towards the Métis. We were pleased to hear this message in yesterday's Speech from the Throne and are encouraged that today the Prime Minister has reiterated this commitment to the Métis Nation." (Feb 3)


Forgotten People No More Métis Nation Applauds Martin Government's New Direction on Aboriginal Policy Historic Inclusion of Metis in Throne Speech Signals New Era
Métis National Council President Clément Chartier is calling today's Speech from the Throne a historic breakthrough for the Métis people. "Today, with the inclusion of specific commitments to the Métis in the Speech from the Throne, our people are witness to a fundamental shift in federal Aboriginal policy," said President Chartier. President Chartier added, "For almost two decades, the Métis people have never been explicitly mentioned in a Speech from the Throne. In the past, when Canada referred to Aboriginal, it essentially meant First Nations and Inuit. With this Speech, Prime Minister Martin has signaled that Métis exclusion must come to an end. I look forward to working with the Prime Minister, the Federal Interlocutor for Métis, the Hon. Denis Coderre, Parliamentary Secretary for Métis, the Hon. Brenda Chamberlain, and the rest of Mr. Martin's team to fulfill this Throne Speech commitment to the Metis." (Feb 2)


January


President Chartier welcomes Minister Denis Coderre - Federal Interlocutor of Métis to the Métis Homeland
Yesterday, the new Federal Interlocutor of Métis, Minister Denis Coderre began his travels to the Métis Homeland when he visited the historic Métis community of Ile-a-le-Crosse, SK. Métis National Council President Clément Chartier is accompanying Minister Coderre on these official visits and welcomes the Minister to the Métis Homeland. "On behalf of the Métis National Council we welcome Minister Coderre to the Métis Homeland. We are encouraged that the Minister is being active on the Métis agenda and this trip is further example of that commitment. Only by visiting Métis people in their historic communities will the Minister develop a better understanding of the Métis people, their issues and concerns." "It is by visiting our communities that the connection between the people, the Nation and the rights based agenda of the Métis National Council is gained by the Minister and as a result the Federal government. We expect the Minister will have a greater appreciation of the visions and goals of the Métis Nation when his travels are done." (Jan 30)


Approval at Métis Nation - Saskatchewan's Assembly means all Governing Members of the Métis National Council have adopted the National Definition of Métis
This past weekend the Métis Nation -Saskatchewan adopted the national definition of Métis. "With this approval by the Métis citizens of Saskatchewan we have unanimous solidarity regarding the National Definition of Métis across the Métis Homeland," said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. The Métis National Council first adopted the definition at their Annual Assembly on September 27, 2002. The definition then required ratification by each of the MNC's Governing Members. The MN-S accepted the national definition at their General Assembly in Saskatoon, SK on January 17, 2004. All other Governing Members of the Métis National Council had adopted the definition at their assemblies during the past year. The Governing Members of the MNC are Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Manitoba Métis Federation and the Métis Nation of Ontario. (Jan 20)


Métis National Council President Congratulates Lorna Docken on her election as Interim President of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan
Métis National Council President Clément Chartier congratulates Lorna Docken on her election as Interim President of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan. Ms. Docken was elected this past weekend on January 17 at the Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan held in Saskatoon, SK. President Chartier also offers his congratulations to Alex Maurice who was elected as Interim Vice-President. President Chartier served as President of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan since February 1998. In October 2003 he was elected President of the Métis National Council and this past weekend's assembly was held to elect his interim replacement in Saskatchewan. "As the former President of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan I have had the privilege to work closely with Ms. Docken and Mr. Maurice," said President Chartier. "I offer my sincere congratulations to each of them in their new responsibilities. I am confident that both these Métis citizens will continue to serve the Métis Nation to the best of their abilities." (Jan 19)


Speech from the Throne Expectations
A new era in Canadian politics begins on February 2, when Parliament resumes and the speech from the throne is delivered. The throne speech is the first official announcement of the new government's agenda. The Métis National Council is optimistic that the Métis will receive mention during the speech and would like to hear even more detailed commitments as well. "We expect that Prime Minister Paul Martin will reaffirm his commitment to Aboriginal issues in the throne speech," said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. "We are optimistic that there will be specific references to the Métis as well. It has always been our position that Métis specific measures are required by the Métis nation and this will be the first opportunity to see if the Paul Martin government has heard that message." (Jan 13)


MNC Board of Governors congratulates President Clément Chartier on his appointment to the Queen's Counsel
The Métis National Council's Board of Governors congratulates President Clément Chartier on his appointment as the Queen's Counsel in Saskatchewan. "On behalf of the MNC's Board of Governors, I want to offer congratulations to President Chartier for this distinguished appointment," said Audrey Poitras, Vice- President of the MNC and President of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Queen's Counsel is an honourary designation presented to lawyers across Canada who have demonstrated superior legal ability and service to their community and the legal profession. Individuals receiving the Queen's Counsel designation in Saskatchewan have been recommended by a selection committee compromised of the Saskatchewan Minister of Justice, the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench for Saskatchewan or the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal (on an alternating basis), and the past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Saskatchewan. (Jan 5)