Canada and the Metis Settlements General Council Sign Framework Agreement

OTTAWA/CNW/ – Together, Canada and the Métis are working towards a renewed relationship, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

On Dec. 17, 2018, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Gerald Cunningham, President of the Metis Settlements General Council, signed a Framework Agreement that outlines areas for discussion and serves as the basis for negotiations of a reconciliation agreement with the eight Settlement councils that comprise the Alberta-based Metis Settlements General Council.

“We are so proud to sign this Framework Agreement today, which clearly sets out a path to guide negotiations towards greater self-determination for the eight Métis Settlements,” stated Minister Bennett. “We thank President Cunningham for his leadership on this, and we look forward to continuing our work together to move forward on priorities determined by these communities.”

Areas for discussion outlined in the Framework include renewing the government-to-government relationship and supporting healthy, secure and prosperous communities by exploring priorities related to areas such as health, employment and skills development, housing, and child and family welfare.

“It is a great honour for me to sign this historic Framework Agreement on behalf of our Metis Settlements membership,” noted Metis Settlements General Council President Gerald Cunningham.

 “The Framework is an important step on the path of reconciliation and recognition of rights, on a Government to Government, Nation to Nation basis. This historic signing will open doors for us that have never been opened before. Today is a very special day as it marks an important step for the Metis Settlements as we embark on a new path to shape our future for the benefit of our children and grandchildren. It is a time of tremendous opportunity and potential to continue building on the vision of our Elders.”

Quick Facts

• The Metis Settlements General Council represents the Métis Settlements of Buffalo Lake, East Prairie, Elizabeth, Fishing Lake, Gift Lake, Kikino, Paddle Prairie and Peavine.
• The eight Métis Settlements in Alberta comprise 1.25 million acres collectively with a total population of approximately 8,000 people.
• The Métis Settlements in their current form were established through provincial legislation known as the Metis Settlement Actby the Alberta Legislature in 1990.
• These unique Métis communities were originally recognized by the Metis Betterment Act of 1938.