The Métis Governments of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan – held a historic Tri-council meeting this week in Edmonton, Alberta from January 14 to 16, 2020. This meeting marks the first time their elected representatives have assembled together since signing Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSA) with Canada in June 2019. the primary focus was on identifying common priorities, mutual beneficial opportunities and enhancing collaboration and cooperation between the three Métis Governments.

The Tri-council delegates passed a resolution:

• calling for more transparency and accountability from the Métis National Council (MNC);
• affirming that self-government and rights related discussions and negotiations must occur between Canada and the Métis Governments, not through the MNC; and
• directing the creation of a working group to explore potential reform of the MNC.

The Tri-council delegates also passed a joint declaration to continue to work together at the national level in their ongoing collaborations and negotiations with Canada. As well, they will work to develop a memorandum of understanding that formalizes the relationship of the Métis Governments at the national level for consideration at a future Métis Government Tri-council meeting.

Increasingly the MNO, MNA, and MNS have been working together to advance common interests trilaterally and to develop shared and balanced solutions to advance reconciliation, self-governance, and community well-being