Joint Cabinet Summit Successful Step in Defending Métis Nation Future

Regina, SK – Duly elected cabinet members from the two Métis Nation Governments -Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) – held a Joint Cabinet Summit over two days in Regina October 27-28, 2018. The first time the two cabinets met was in Cranberry Portage in 1978: this was the beginning of the formation of the Métis National Council.

The recent Joint Cabinet Summit demonstrated the importance of their unity, cooperation, and common cause for their governments and more importantly for their constituents.To continue this relationship, MN-S President McCallum and MMF President Chartrand signed the Regina Declaration in the city where Métis leader, Louis Riel, was murdered.

The declaration is a commitment by both governments to continue working side by side in promoting progress and prosperity for Métis Nation citizens, and seeking
opportunities for cooperative and productive initiatives between the MMF and MN-S, and others.

“This meeting has been a long time in coming and its timing is perfect. We have identified strategic areas of opportunity for our citizens and government that will have benefits for generations to come,” President McCallum stated.

“We are more than just neighbours, we are a family,” explained President McCallum. “At this weekend’s meeting, we showed we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder for our future generations. We will work side-by-side with rolled-up sleeves and continue to strengthen our Métis Citizens, our Métis Communities, and our Métis Nation. We are proud to be Métis.”

At the very heart of the meeting was full recognition and respect for the Métis Nation, its Homeland, and its Governments. To achieve this, a starting point was the unanimous adoption of the Métis Nation Homeland map that defines the eastern boundary of the Métis Nation. Those in eastern Canada can no longer pretend to be a part of our Nation.

“To ensure the future integrity of our Métis Nation Homeland, I will stand firm. The MMF will defend our name, our flag, and our hard-won benefits,” said President Chartrand. “The Métis Nation is an Indigenous People with our birthplace in western Canada. The MMF will ensure our proud name, Métis Nation, and our Métis National flag are not used by those trying to steal our identity for their own personal ends.”

“Stopping Métis identity theft is of extreme importance for both the Métis Nation and Canada,” President Chartrand went on to explain. “The work we do today will promise progress and prosperity for our Métis Nation Citizens, and indeed Canadians, for generations to come.”

To this end, the two Métis governments also discussed housing, education, health, and child welfare issues facing our people. The two governments also focused on economic development opportunities for our Métis Nation.

“It’s been almost 133 years since our leader Louis Riel was wrongly put to death,” President Chartrand added, “and we continue on with his vision even in the face of challenges from those who may be unsupportive and who still oppose our Section 35 Rights, despite our numerous court victories. We will continue to build relationships and stand united to protect our Homeland territory, our Nation, and our Citizens.”