Métis National Council Statement on Manitoba Métis Policy

Winnipeg, ON (November 15, 2010) - Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier delivered the following statement in acknowledge of today’s historic event at the Manitoba Legislature.

“On behalf of the Métis Nation, I’d like to congratulate Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand and the Government of Manitoba for developing the Manitoba Métis Policy Framework. This is truly a historic step forward for the Métis Nation in that it recognizes the significant political and social role that the Métis, under the leadership of Louis Riel, played in Canada. Thanks to the work of Riel’s provisional government, Manitoba joined confederation in 1870, becoming Canada’s fifth province.

The Métis Policy Framework is a bold step forward in that it will enhance Métis participation in key decision making in Manitoba and help to promote a better understanding among everyone about the contributions our Métis ancestors made for the betterment of all Canadians.

My wish now is that all provincial leaders stand up and take notice of this significant development and that they too, will adopt a similar framework.

Today is a great day for the Métis Nation.”