NationTalk: In the face of growing online controversy and misinformation related to the BC Métis Federation’s (BCMF) lawsuit against the Government of Canada, BCMF is issuing the following statement in clarification.

Several First Nation groups have stated that BCMF is trying to assert title for Métis in British Columbia. This is unequivocally untrue. BCMF has always and continues to recognize First Nations rights and title in BC. BCMF is in no way making any title claims in BC and any statements to the contrary are false.

The right that is addressed in BCMF’s lawsuit against Canada is the right to freedom of association as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. BCMF believes its Full Members have the right to choose which provincial organization they feel best represents their interests. Those members have deliberately chosen not to have the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) represent them—they have chosen BCMF as their representative. Currently, however, the federal government is inconsistent in its recognition of BCMF as representing Métis in BC. The suit against Canada seeks to change that so that BCMF Full Members have equal access to federal programs for Métis.

Again, BCMF is not seeking to claim title in BC. BCMF is only seeking to ensure that its Full Members have the same access to federal programs that other Métis in BC have. BCMF hopes that First Nations leadership in BC recognize a parallel with First Nations governance in BC. First Nations did not accept being forced to all join the same governing body. The First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations give First Nations in BC a choice of who represents them. BCMF is simply trying to provide Métis in BC the same option by providing an alternative to MNBC.

BCMF has always supported First Nations rights and title in BC and continues to do so. BCMF’s legal action is against the Government of Canada and not targeting First Nations in BC in any way. BCMF has attempted in the past to engage First Nations leadership in dialogue to avoid misunderstandings like what we are seeing now. BCMF is again extending an invitation to meet with First Nations leadership to build understanding and to promote open and respectful communications.

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About BCMF

The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is a non-profit association that works with Métis communities to ensure the well-being of BCMF members. Through grassroots efforts, BCMF advocates on behalf of its many members living all across the province.

Media Contact

Keith Henry, President, BC Métis Federation
P: (778) 388-5013
E: K.Henry@BCMetis.com