MMF closer to treaty with feds
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WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Métis Federation is one step closer to having a self-government treaty with the federal government.
Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty introduced Bill C-21 Thursday, the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, which if passed would be the first self-government treaty with any Métis government in the country.
“This treaty has been 156 years in the making and represents the cherished vision of our ancestors and elders, who fought so hard to preserve our existence and keep the flame of our nationhood alive through the dark times,” MMF President David Chartrand said in a statement.
“This legislation realizes their vision and shows that the fighting spirit of the Red River Métis — Canada’s negotiation partner in Confederation and the founders of Manitoba — can never be dismissed when we stand for what we believe in.”
Alty said the treaty “is a strong foundation for moving forward in true partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation.”
“We will continue to work together to find shared solutions that promote reconciliation and greater prosperity for the benefit of Red River Métis today and for future generations.”
The self-government treaty builds on the federal government’s recognition agreement of the MMF as an Indigenous government in 2021.
Once passed, the treaty will replace that agreement and be protected by Canada’s constitution.
The treaty recognizes the MMF as the government of the Red River Métis and that they have the inherent right to govern themselves on “governance matters that are internal to the Manitoba Métis Federation and related laws that will apply to the Red River Métis.”
The treaty does not cover land claim settlements and doesn’t directly affect harvesting rights within the Manitoba Métis homeland or outside. The MMF continues to negotiate both areas.
“Through this treaty, our ability to support the country we love, in these challenging times, has only been strengthened,” Chartrand said.
“We look forward to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government as we work together to keep Canada strong, united and free.”
» Winnipeg Free Press