MNC :: Media

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is meeting with Indigenous leaders and government officials from 29 countries this week for the latest negotiation session on a proposed declaration of Indigenous rights. If adopted, the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would provide a legal framework for protecting the economic, cultural and political rights of Indigenous peoples in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. (December 1)

MNC President Chartier's Newsletter - December 2009

Métis Veterans to be Honoured at Juno Beach

Métis Nation veterans, youth and dignitaries will travel to the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France next week to dedicate a memorial to Métis who served in the World Wars. “We all owe a debt to the Métis Nation citizens who fought, who were wounded and who died defending their people, their country and world freedom,” said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. “This memorial will help ensure their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.” The memorial will include an exhibit highlighting Métis culture, the contributions of Métis soldiers, aircrew and sailors during the World Wars and will feature a Red River Cart, one of the most widely recognized symbols of the Métis Nation. (November 4)

MNC 2009 General Assembly to be held in Vancouver

The Métis National Council (MNC) will be hosting its 2009 General Assembly on November 21 – 22, 2009, in Vancouver, BC. “The General Assembly is very important for Métis Nation citizens,” said MNC President Clément Chartier. “Democratically elected representatives from across the homeland will be coming together to debate and decide the future agenda of the Métis Nation in Canada.” (November 3)

MNC President Chartier's Newsletter - November 2009

Métis Nation calls Aboriginal Affairs Working Group ‘solid step forward’

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is calling the inaugural meeting of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group a solid step forward in advancing economic development in the Métis Nation. The AAWG meeting, held today in Toronto, ON, was the first in 4 years bringing together ministers and leaders from Provincial / Territorial, Federal and Aboriginal governments. “The future well-being and prosperity of Métis Nation citizens is greatly tied to creating lasting economic development opportunities in Métis communities,” said President Chartier. “Cooperative efforts between Métis governments and the 5 western-most Provinces, like this working group, will help foster that economic development, benefiting not only the Métis people, but all of Canada.”(October 29)
Read AAWG Communiqué
Read President Chartier’s Opening Remarks to AAWG
View Photo Gallery

President Chartier Appears Before Senate Human Rights Committee

On Oct. 26, 2009, MNC President Clément Chartier and Bernice Cyr of Manitoba Métis Child and Family Services Authority testified at the Senate Human Rights Committee hearings studying the sexual exploitation of children. (October 26)

Métis Law Summary 2009 now available

Métis lawyer Jean Teillet annual review of current legal issues and new cases related to the Métis Nation in Canada is now available on-line. (September 23)

Métis Abandoned in H1N1 Flu Pandemic Planning

Métis National Council (MNC) Minister for Health David Chartrand is warning of potential disaster in Métis communities from H1N1 virus outbreaks this fall. While Métis Nation citizens share an equal risk as First Nations and Inuit, there is no specific pandemic plan to protect over 300,000 Métis Nation citizens from this possibly deadly virus. “The Federal Government has acknowledged First Nations and Inuit are more vulnerable to the H1N1 virus, and has responded by working collaboratively with First Nation and Inuit governments to develop specific pandemic plans factoring in their unique needs,” said Chartrand. “Even though Métis communities face the same conditions and health threats as other Aboriginal peoples in this country, Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq refuses to even discuss a Métis specific pandemic plan.” (September 16)

MNC gets Provincial Commitment to address Métis Nation Issues
Premiers agree to work with Federal, Métis Gov’ts on Economic Development

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is welcoming a commitment from Premiers of the western Provinces and Ontario to work with the federal and Métis governments on pressing economic and public health issues facing Métis Nation citizens in Canada. The Premiers made the commitment to President Chartier during a meeting with the Council of the Federation in Regina, Saskatchewan. Economic development and the need to address the harm being caused by the H1N1 flu virus in Aboriginal communities were some of the issues discussed at the annual meeting between national Aboriginal leaders and Premiers. (August 6)
Read President Chartier’s Speech to the Council of the Federation

Métis Nation Congratulates AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is congratulating Shawn Atleo on his successful bid to become National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “The Métis Nation shares a lasting bond with many First Nations that has stood strong for many generations,” said President Chartier. “In that spirit, the Métis National Council looks forward to continuing a respectful and cooperative relationship with the AFN under National Chief Atleo’s leadership.” (July 23)

TRC Must Seek Justice for Métis Residential School Survivors

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier today congratulated the new Commissioners recently appointed to the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the appointments, held today at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, QC, President Chartier wished Commissioners Justice Murray Sinclair, Marie Wilson, and Chief Wilton Littlechild the best as they begin working on the Commission’s 5-year mandate documenting the experiences of Residential School survivors. “I wish you all the courage and strength needed to take on a challenging mandate,” said Chartier. “An important part of which must be the search for justice for the vast majority of Métis survivors who have been excluded from past settlements.” (July 16)
Read President Chartier’s Address to new TRC Commissioners
View Photo Gallery from Gatineau , QC

Action needed for Métis Residential School Survivors - One year after apology, vast majority of Métis Survivors still without compensation

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is calling for government action in compensating Métis residential school survivors excluded from the Indian Residential School Settlements Agreement. While addressing a special sitting of the Senate marking the first anniversary of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology for Canada’s past assimilation policies and the Indian Residential School system, President Chartier said little progress has been made in addressing the concerns of Métis survivors who’ve been denied compensation. (June 11)
Read President Chartier’s Address to the Senate

Monument to Métis Who Served in WWI and WWII Announced for Juno Beach

A monument to Métis Nation citizens who fought during the two World Wars will be erected at Canada’s Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. The Métis National Council’s Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Chartrand, made the announcement today while attending commemoration ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944 liberation of Europe by Allied Forces during World War II. “Thousands of Métis Nation citizens bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve during the World Wars,” said Chartrand. “This monument will stand in eternal remembrance to those Métis who fought, who were wounded, and who died defending their people, their country, and world freedom.” (June 6)

Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal Launched

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier today launched the Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal, a new website that will help share the stories of Métis Nation veterans, celebrate their contributions to Canada, and help ensure every Métis Nation veteran has access to all the benefits and services they are entitled. “This portal is a place of all Canadians to learn more about the brave and selfless sacrifices Métis Nation veterans have made in serve to this country over the last 125 years,” said Chartier. “It’s also a valuable resource for Métis Nation veterans and their families to find information on services available.” (May 22)

First Part of Métis Rights Trial Concludes :: Next Phase of Trial Set To Start
in Fall 2009

After seven days of testimony from Métis community witnesses from throughout the province, Alberta’s first Métis harvesting rights trial – R. v. Jones, Bates and Hirsekorn – adjourned today until the Fall of 2009. The trial involves three Métis harvesters who were charged for hunting without a license, as a part of traditional Métis hunts near the Cypress Hills and Pincher Creek in the fall of 2007. These Métis harvesters are defending themselves based on the constitutionally protected harvesting right of the Métis in Alberta. The harvesting rights of the Métis were recognized in 2003 in a landmark decision from the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Powley.(May 12)
Read the complete press release
Click here for more information on Métis Harvesting Rights in Alberta

Pioneering Métis Work Program Successful, Yielding $103 Million Lifetime Fiscal Benefits

Ottawa, ON - Federal Aboriginal work programs, due to expire in less than a year, have produced positive results in Métis communities, a new research study shows. The report, released by the Ottawa-based Centre for the Study of Living Standards, concludes that the Métis Human Resources Development Agreements result in annual fiscal savings of $8.5 million to the federal and 5 provincial governments covered by the program, with total lifetime benefits of one year of Métis programming reaching $103 million. (May 11)
Read the CSLS Report
CSLS website

Historic Métis Rights Trial Set to Begin in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat, AB – Alberta’s first Métis harvesting rights trial is set to begin next week in Medicine Hat with Métis travelling from across the province to support the three Métis harvesters charged for exercising their rights as Aboriginal people. This trial heralds a defining moment in the history of the Métis in Alberta and the Government of Alberta – it marks a reversal of longstanding policies of previous Alberta Governments who have successfully worked with Alberta Métis to find made-in-Alberta solutions to Métis rights issues rather than resorting to the courts. Instead, hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money will be spent on a trial that will likely take years to complete.(April 30)
Click here for more information on Métis Harvesting Rights in Alberta
Click here for more information on MNA Métis Rights Feast

MNC Disappointed with Métis Survivors Exclusion from Vatican Apology

Ottawa, ON – Métis National Council Vice-president David Chartrand is welcoming the expression of regret from Pope Benedict XVI for abuses suffered by First Nation survivors of Catholic-run residential schools, but says he’s disappointed Métis and Inuit survivors were not included. “I hope First Nations survivors can find some healing from this genuine statement of sorrow from Pope Benedict XVI,” says Chartrand. “A similar gesture of reconciliation would be of great comfort for the many Métis survivors who suffered in Catholic-run residential schools.”(April 29)
Read the Holy See Communiqué regarding statement by Pope Bendict XVI

Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal Announced

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is welcoming the Federal Government’s commitment to helping share the stories and celebrate the contributions of Métis Nation veterans. Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis, and Greg Thompson, Minister for Veterans Affairs, today announced funding for the MNC to develop a new web portal dedicated to Métis Nation veterans. “The Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal will be a one-stop resource for information important to Métis Nation veterans and their families,” said President Chartier. “It will also be a place for all Canadians to learn more about the sacrifices Métis Nation veterans have made for their people and this country over the last 125 years.” (April 6)

Métis Nation to play special role in Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

Vancouver, BC – The bright light of the Olympic Flame will shine on Aboriginal communities across Canada during its 106-day journey starting this fall. Carrying the flame’s special message of hope and peace, and keeping its fire burning brightly, will be over 300 Aboriginal people including youth, elders and athletes specially chosen by their communities for these extraordinary tasks. In the coming weeks, First Nations, Inuit and Métis will be invited to submit nominations to their respective organizations assisting the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in the Aboriginal torch relay program. (March 11)
Click here to Nominate Métis Youth Flame Attendants and Torchbearers

Métis Nation Meets with Canada’s Education Ministers

Saskatoon, SK – Jurisdictional issues continue to be the largest obstacle to developing and implementing successful education programs and policies for Métis Nation citizens, according to a report presented to the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) today by the Métis National Council (MNC). The Métis Education Report examines the current state of Métis education in Canada, and is the basis for MNC discussions and participation at the CMEC Summit with the National Aboriginal Organizations, being held February 24 – 25, 2009 in Saskatoon, SK. (February 24)
Read the Métis Education Report
Read CMEC Communique on Summit with National Aboriginal Organizations

ALBERTA GOVERNMENT ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZES MÉTIS HARVESTING RIGHTS

Gregoire Lake, AB - 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 charge dropped as the Alberta government admitted that they would have lost at trial anyway. This was the second fish harvest since that hunting rights victory. (February 21)

The Last Words of Louis Riel

Winnipeg, MB - In celebration of Manitoba’s Louis Riel Day, Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier joined Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand for the unveiling of the last english writings of Louis Riel.

The poems where written by Riel just prior to his execution in 1885. In November 2008 the MMF and supporters purchased the poems. They have now been returned to Manitoba, the province founded by Riel. (February 16)
Read Riel’s poems
Read Winnipeg Free Press Article
Read statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff recognizing Louis Riel Day

Métis Nation to be showcased at 2010 Winter Games

Vancouver, BC – Métis National Council President Clément Chartier along with other Aboriginal leaders from Across Canada joined the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in downtown Vancouver last week to unveil plans for the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion. (February 11)
View Photo Gallery

Métis Nation has “Deep Misgivings” on Canada’s Economic Action Plan

Ottawa, ON – The leadership of the Métis Nation at a meeting held on Friday, January 30th expressed deep misgivings with the 2009 Federal Budget and will be seeking assurances from Prime Minister Stephen Harper that Métis Nation citizens will benefit from Canada’s Economic Action Plan. After undertaking a detailed analysis of the budget plan, President Clément Chartier and the Presidents of the provincial Métis governments from Ontario-westward found a distressing absence of any Métis-specific economic stimulus opportunities.

“While the Federal Government has committed over $20 Billion in economic stimulus, nothing was set aside for Métis communities or Métis Nation citizens”, said Chartier. (February 2)

Métis Nation Congratulates President Obama

Ottawa, ON – Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier offered his congratulations today to Barack Obama on his inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America.

“On behalf of the Métis Nation, I wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to President Obama,” said President Chartier. “This is truly a historic day for the United States and the world.”

During his campaign, President Obama advocated stronger and more progressive relations between the US Federal government and Indigenous peoples. With the Métis Nation homeland extending into the northern United States, Chartier is hopeful the Obama administration will foster progress in strengthening Métis communities in the US. (January 20)

MNC Hosts Economic Development Forum

Winnipeg, MB - Métis leaders, officials, business people and entrepreneurs from across the Métis homeland are gathered in Winnipeg today for the Métis Nation Economic Development Forum. Métis National Council President Clément Chartier was joined by Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand to open the forum.

“The Métis Nation has made significant strides in building our communities economic strength over the last 2 decades,” said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. “It’s vital we continue this work to ensure our gains don’t unravel during the current global economic downturn.” (January 13)

Victory for Métis in Manitoba Harvesting Case Court Dismisses Charges, Recognizes Constitutional Right to Harvest

Brandon, MB - A Manitoba Court has ruled that province’s Wildlife Act violates the constitutional rights of Métis to hunt for food. Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier joined Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand in Brandon, MB for the release of this landmark decision.

“The Province of Manitoba can no longer deny the rights of Métis to practice our culture, preserve our heritage and to feed our families in the way we have for generations,” said President Chartier. “This is a great victory of all Métis in Manitoba and across the entire Métis homeland.” (January 8)
Read the Court decision
Read Manitoba Case Sheds Light on Métis Rights

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