MNC :: Media

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier expressed his disappointment today over the disinterment of the late Constable Leo Johnston from his grave in the Métis community of Lac La Biche, Alberta. “I was truly saddened to hear Leo has been taken from his family, his people and from his ancestors’ homeland,” said President Chartier. “It’s a very sad day for the entire Métis Nation.” (December 15)

Manitoba Court of Appeal sides with MNC in case against former Governor

The Manitoba Court of Appeal has sided with the Métis National Council (MNC) in its case against Yvon Dumont, former Governor of the Métis Nation. “ I am pleased with today’s unanimous decision,” said MNC President Clément Chartier. “The court made it very clear that the terms of reference agreed to by the Métis National Council and Mr. Dumont were valid and enforceable.” The lawsuit was filed after Mr. Dumont ran unsuccessfully for President of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) in 2003, which was prohibited under the terms of reference he agreed to after being appointed Governor of the Métis Nation. (December 9)

Métis Nation United in Support of Alberta Harvesting Case

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier and the MNC Board of Governors joined Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) President Audrey Poitras today on the steps of the Alberta Legislature to announce the details of a historic lawsuit filed against the Alberta government's ongoing denial of Métis harvesting rights and the persecution of Métis harvesters. "The Métis National Council Board of Governors and the entire Métis Nation stands firmly united behind the Métis Nation of Alberta," said President Chartier. "This lawsuit marks a historic next step towards justice for all Métis people, not just in Alberta but across the historic Métis Nation's homeland." The lawsuit asks the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench to recognize the harvesting rights of all Métis Nation citizens throughout the province. The right was first recognized in the 2003 Supreme Court of Canada case R v.Powley. In that decision Canada's high court strongly suggested provincial governments negotiate the recognition of Métis harvesting rights instead of facing further litigation. (December 2)
Read Statement of Claim
Read Métis Nation of Alberta News Release
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Government of Canada and Métis National Council Partnership Forges Ahead

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, met this week with Métis National Council (MNC) President Clement Chartier to discuss details of the historic Métis Nation Protocol, which was signed earlier this year. "This is an important partnership for Canada and I am excited at the prospect of continuing to work with the MNC to improve the lives of Métis," stated Minister Strahl. "We are committed to taking steps to ensure that Métis fully share in economic opportunities offered throughout Canada." (November 28)

Métis Nation Economic Development Good for Canadian Economy
MNC President Clément Chartier responds to Speech from the Throne

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is calling on the Conservative government to ensure Métis have full access to economic development opportunities in Canada, and for the Métis Nation to have a meaningful role in mapping out Canada’s economic future.“When Métis people have access to economic development, it doesn’t just benefit the Métis Nation, it benefits the entire Canadian economy,” said President Chartier. “I hope the Conservative government is sincere in its commitment to ensure Aboriginal people fully share in economic opportunities, as indicated in today’s throne speech.” (November 19)

Supreme Court Won’t Hear Johnston Family Appeal

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier expressed his disappointment today with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision not to hear Grace Johnston’s appeal to block the disinterment of her late son, Constable Leo Johnston. Const. Johnston was one of four RCMP officers killed in the line of duty in Mayerthorpe, Alberta in March 2005. A citizen of the Métis Nation, Const. Johnston was buried in his hometown, the Métis community of Lac La Biche, Alberta. (November 13)

Chuck Strahl to Continue as Federal Interlocutor for Métis

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier applauded Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to have Chuck Strahl continue as Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Minister of Indian Affairs. “This is very good news for the Métis Nation,” said President Chartier. “We have developed an excellent working relationship with Minister Strahl and I look forward to building on it even further.” (October 30)
Read the Métis Nation Protocol

Métis National Council eager to work with Conservative Government

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier today offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada on winning another minority government.

“Just prior to the election call we started to forge a new relationship between the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada with the signing of the Métis Nation Protocol,” said President Chartier. “With a new mandate from the Canadian people, I look forward to building this relationship even stronger with Prime Minister Harper, his Cabinet and the Conservative Caucus.” (October 15)

On September 29th, 2008, Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council (MNC) wrote to all federal parties requesting their policy positions on Métis issues. Read the responses.

MNC President Chartier Congratulates Bruce Dumont on Re-election as President of the Métis Nation – BC

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier today offered his congratulations to Bruce Dumont on his re-election as President of the Métis Nation – BC. “Bruce Dumont has been a tireless advocate for the Métis in British Columbia,” said President Chartier. “Under his leadership I am confident the MNBC will continue to be a strong and effective voice for the Métis Nation.” (September 15)

Métis National Council and Canada sign Métis Nation Protocol

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the signing of a protocol with the Métis National Council (MNC) to begin discussions on a wide range of issues of interest to the Métis people represented by the MNC.

"This agreement marks a significant turning point in Canada's relationship with Métis in Canada," says Minister Strahl. "It ushers in a new era of open dialogue between the federal government and the Métis National Council, one that I believe will lead to constructive change and improvement in the lives of all Métis." (September 5)
Read the signed Métis Nation Protocol
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MNC President Chartier Congratulates Audrey Poitras on Re-election as President of the Métis Nation of Alberta

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier offered his congratulations today to Audrey Poitras on her re-election as President of the Métis Nation of Alberta. “President Poitras has a distinguished record of service to the Métis people of Alberta and the entire Métis Nation. I look forward to continuing my work with her on advancing the rights and well-being of Métis in Alberta and the rest of Canada,” said President Chartier. The Métis Nation of Alberta held its province-wide election on Sept. 2, 2008. Poitras was re-elected with 50.7 percent of the vote, edging out 3 other candidates. (September 3)

MNC President Chartier Meets with Premiers

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier, along with leaders from the other national Aboriginal organizations, met with the Council of the Federation today in Québec City. The meetings agenda was focused on closing the quality of life gap between Aboriginal Peoples and the rest of Canada, and improving education and life-long learning opportunities for Métis, First Nations and Inuit. (July 16)
Read MNC President Clément Chartiers Opening Remarks to the Council of the Federation
View the Council of the Federation Photo Gallery

Great Granddaugther of Legendary Métis Billy Loutitt Recreates Historic 100 Mile Run

Shannon Loutitt will follow in her great grandfather's footsteps as she starts out on Billy Loutitt's legendary 100 Mile Run on July 18th, 2008. (July 16)

Alberta Government Once Again Recognizes Métis Harvesting Rights

Yesterday Métis from northeastern Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan held a traditional Métis fish harvest and fish fry in celebration of the hunting rights victory of Métis Elder Alfred Janvier of La Loche, Saskatchewan who had been charged with killing a moose in Alberta and on March 11, 2008 having that charged dropped as the Alberta government admitted that they would have lost at trial anyway. (July 14)

Setback for family of Constable Leo Johnston

The Alberta Court of Appeal has ruled it has no jurisdiction to intervene in the dispute over Constable Leo Johnston’s final resting place. (July 03)

MNC appeals to keep Constable Leo Johnston with his family and people

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier is appealing for the late Constable Leo Johnston to remain at rest in his hometown of Lac La Biche, Alberta. Cst. Johnston, a citizen of the Métis Nation, was one of 4 RCMP constables killed in the line of duty more then 3 years ago in Mayerthorpe, Alberta. He was buried in Lac La Biche, Alberta, where he was born and raised. (June 26)

Kelowna Accord Implementation Act Granted Royal Assent

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier today thanked parliamentarians for their support of the Kelowna Accord, and welcomed the Royal Assent of an act calling for its implementation. The Kelowna Accord Implementation Act, formerly known as Bill C-292, requires the Federal Government to implement the terms of the Accord, and make annual reports to Parliament on progress made fulfilling it’s obligations under the agreement. Governor General Michaëlle Jean granted the act Royal Assent today in Ottawa. (June 18)

Apology first step towards healing for Métis Survivors

Ottawa, ON (June 11, 2008) - Métis National Council President Clément Chartier today thanked Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Canada’s apology to survivors of Indian Residential Schools. Thousands of Métis attended residential schools; enduring forced separation from family, attacks on their language and culture, and in some instances, physical and sexual abuse. Several of these survivors accompanied President Chartier to the House of Commons for today’s formal apology. (June 16)

Read the transcript of President Chartier's address in the House of Commons

Read the transcript of President Chartier's address to the Senate in Response to the Apology for Residetial Schools

Watch a video of the apology and leaders responses (Note that President Chartier Speech starts at 1:25 in the video.)

Watch video of President Clément Chartier appearing on CPAC Primetime Politics (Note the interview starts at 4:51.)

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View Photo Gallery #2

Apology first step towards healing for Métis Survivors

Ottawa ON - Métis National Council President Clément Chartier today thanked Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Canada’s apology to survivors of Indian Residential Schools. Thousands of Métis attended residential schools; enduring forced separation from family, attacks on their language and culture, and in some instances, physical and sexual abuse. Several of these survivors accompanied President Chartier to the House of Commons for today’s formal apology. “It has taken courage and conviction on the parts of many, many people to confront this dark period in Canada’s history. I hope this apology will begin a new era of healing for survivors, Aboriginal people and Canadians,” said Chartier. (June 11)

National Leaders Call upon Canada for Continued Investment in the Aboriginal Labour Force

At a summit of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA) holders, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Mary Simon and the President of the Métis National Council Clément Chartier together announced their overwhelming support for investments in the Canadian Aboriginal labour force through a new federal Strategy. (May 28)

MNC Urges Passing of Kelowna Accord Bill

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier urged the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples to send Bill C-292, An Act to Implement the Kelowna Accord, to the full Senate for third and final reading. Appearing yesterday before the Committee along with Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Chartier welcomed the progress in the Senate on the private member’s bill, authored by former Prime Minister Paul Martin. Bill C-292 would require the government to implement the terms of the Kelowna Accord and report to Parliament at the end of each fiscal year on progress it has made in fulfilling its obligations. (April 17)

The Métis Nation welcomes the passing of Bill C-292: An Act to implement the Kelowna Accord

The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine, the President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Mary Simon and the President of the Métis National Council Clement Chartier together announced their overwhelming support for yesterday's decision by the Canadian Parliament to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on April 8, 2008. (April 9)

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier says he is encouraged by an emerging working partnership with the federal government. (April 8)

March

Métis National Council General Assembly Elects Clément Chartier
as National President
- Speech to Delegates
- Letter to Delegates
- Fact Sheet 1: leadership
- Fact Sheet 2: finance
- Letter to Prime Minister (pdf)
(March 12)

Province drops charges against Métis Hunter
Alberta government withdraws charges against Métis harvester Alfred Janvier. (March 11)

January

Métis Nation Congratulates Federal Cabinet Ministers on their Appointments
The Métis Nation congratulates all Federal Ministers who received new appointments today as part of the Cabinet Shuffle. The Métis National Council welcomes the opportunity to move ahead with all Minsters in addressing the myriad of issues that face the Métis Nation and, in particular, resuming on going discussions with the Hon. Jim Prentice who remains as Minister in charge of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. MNC President Clément Chartier says, “I personally, would like to meet with all Ministers at the earliest opportunity in our goal to establish a constructive government to government relationship with the Government of Canada and to address the many issues of mutual concern to the Government and the Métis Nation.” (January 04)

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