The Métis National Council was very pleased to be present alongside other National Indigenous Organizations, our colleagues at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Assembly of First Nations at the Indigenous Federal Provincial Territorial meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+. Joining President Victoria Pruden were Provincial Secretary Lisa Wolfe Otipemisiwak Métis Government within the Métis Nation of Alberta, and Alberta Premier’s Council of the MMIWG, and PCMNO Region 8 Councilor Kate Stewart-McNeil, Liaison to MNO2S+ Council and Métis Nation Ontario Women’s Council.
We were proud to be around the table with elected representatives representing Métis Governments, including the Northwest Territories Métis Nation, Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Settlements General Council, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and representatives of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak and Infinity Women’s Secretariat. We appreciate the thoughtful and respectful distinctions-based inclusion of our Métis Governments and Métis Women’s Organizations.
We joined with our Indigenous representatives around the table in calling for the prioritization of the Calls for Justice for Extractive and Development Industries 13.1 to 13.5 in the evaluation and regulation of major projects,and encouraged an expanded mandate for the Indigenous Advisory Board of the Major Projects Office to expand their inclusion of UNDRIP compliance to also include the Calls for Justice noted above.
We also join our colleagues in calling for continued funding to expand the Red Dress Alert Program beyond its initial pilot in Manitoba to be implemented across all Provinces and Territories. Its success and potential to enhance safety for Métis, First Nations, and Inuit in Canada have already been demonstrated. As an implemented pilot, it is a proven model that can be replicated nationally and save lives.
We acknowledged the importance of Bill C-16 in strengthening protections for victims of coercive control and relationship violence. We also discussed the need to ensure that violent crimes against Indigenous people, including those motivated by hatred or bias as contemplated in Bill C-9, are clearly identified and pursued vigorously within Canada’s criminal justice framework.
We will continue to advocate for long-term, sustainable funding for Métis governments to be provided for the programs and services needed to address basic programs and services that can provide both prevention and stability to improve safety and well-being for Métis Women, Girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and vulnerable citizens. We know that safe and stable housing, health services, mental health services, including land-based wellness programs, transportation supports, employment and education funding, and cultural supports are vital and need to be delivered holistically by our Métis Governments through their infrastructures. We know that wraparound supports delivered in a culturally safe way to Métis citizens can provide the foundations of wellness and stability that help to mitigate vulnerability and, in turn, help reduce dangerous marginalization, victimization, vulnerability to human trafficking and prevent more Métis people from becoming one of our Métis MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+.
We wish to thank the National Family and Survivors Circle, President Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, and her Board and Staff for their thoughtful organization in partnership with Federal and Provincial governments. The past days of our IFPT have been clouded by the unthinkable tragedies and losses in both Kitiganzibi and Tumbler Ridge, and we appreciate the presence of our knowledge holders, elders, and healing supports as we address these critical issues as leaders and advocates for our MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ across Canada.
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Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through national research and policy development, the MNC advocates to advance the rights and interests of Métis Governments, including the implementation of the Métis Nation’s inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with its Governing Members and other partners.
Media Contact:
comms@metisnation.ca