NationTalk: (Edmonton, AB) — Today, at the 96th annual assembly of the Métis Nation within Alberta and the first Citizen’s Gathering held under the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution, the Métis Nation within Alberta and the Government of Canada reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing Métis self-determination and self-government.
In February 2023, the Métis Nation within Alberta Government Recognition and Self-Government Implementation Agreement (the “2023 Self-Government Agreement”) was signed. Through this historic agreement, Canada recognized the Otipemisiwak Métis Government as a government with jurisdiction over its citizenship, elections, operations and child and family services. The agreement also committed the parties to negotiating a self-government treaty.
During the Citizens’ Gathering, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, along with Canada’s Chief Federal Negotiator, updated Citizens in attendance on the progress that has been made on implementing the 2023 Self-Government Agreement as well as a timeline for reaching a self-government treaty that will need to be approved by the Métis Nation within Alberta through a province-wide ratification vote.
In addition, the parties provided an update to Citizens on the progress being made to address a recent Federal Court judgement that struck portions of the 2023 Self-Government Agreement and remitted those parts of the agreement back to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations for reconsideration.
Canada has initiated consultations on this matter and is also negotiating with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to update the agreement in order to fully comply with the Federal Court’s decision. While the 2023 Self-Government Agreement remains in place today, it is anticipated that an updated agreement will be initialed and consultations on the amended agreement will take place in the Fall of 2024.
Both parties remain fully committed to honouring and implementing the 2023 Self-Government Agreement in order to implement the Métis Nation within Alberta’s vision for self-determination and self-government in a manner that respects with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Métis inherent rights.
Quotes
“As we gather for our Métis government’s 96th annual assembly and its first Citizens’ Gathering under our new Constitution, I’m pleased that we have a clear path forward to fully implement our 2023 Self-Government Agreement as well as to finally reach a nation-to-nation, government-to-government treaty that is constitutionally-protected. Our over 68,000 Citizens and our communities throughout Alberta are committed to finally seeing the dreams of our ancestors realized.” – President Andrea Sandmaier, Otipemisiwak Métis Government
“It is an honour to send greetings to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and its citizens on the occasion of this historic Citizens’ Gathering. I look forward to continuing to work together to co-develop shared solutions that implement the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s right to self-determination, promote reconciliation and renew our government-to-government relationship for the benefit of Métis citizens and generations to come.” – The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Canada
Quick Facts
- The Métis are one of the Aboriginal peoples recognized in section 35 of Canada’s Constitution Act, 1982.
- The Otipemisiwak Metis Government (previously known as the Métis Nation of Alberta) is the oldest, continuous Métis government in the Métis Nation Homeland.
- In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada first recognized Métis rights in R. v. Powley and set out the criteria for establishing Métis rights.
- Following the Powley decision, Canada has taken steps to recognize its outstanding legal and constitutional obligation to acknowledge and respect Métis rights, including the inherent right of self-government.
- The 2023 Self-Government Agreement was a culmination of over seven years of collaboration, co-development and negotiations between Canada and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. The results of these efforts have included a Memorandum of Understanding and Framework Agreement signed in 2017, a Consultation Agreement signed in 2018, and a Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement signed in 2019.
- In November 2022, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution was adopted through a province-wide ratification vote and officially came into force and effect on September 29, 2023 following the election of the 25-member Citizens’ Council.
- The Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Canada look forward to continuing their collaborative work at the negotiating table on all of their shared priorities for achieving a lasting reconciliation for the benefit of the Métis government’s over 68,000 Citizens and all Canadians.
Resources
- Our Self Government Journey So Far
- Otipemisiwak Métis Government / Government of Canada Co-Developed Way Forward on Self-Government
Media Contact
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
ktrenton@metis.org