(October 2, 2021) In an insulting move to all true Métis, the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Board of Directors made the motion at this week’s Special Sitting of the Métis National Council General Assembly to end the suspension of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) from the Métis National Council. MNO was initially placed on probation, and then suspended from MNC in November 2019 for failing to follow the national definition of Métis when granting Métis citizenship to individuals. A report prepared for MNO on its Citizenship Registry and released in July revealed that nearly 70% of the MNO Citizens have no connection with the Historic Métis Homeland in Western Canada or in northwestern Ontario. Despite these shocking findings of the MNO Citizenship, the MNBC Board members, led by Lissa Smith moved the motion at the Special Sitting in Saskatchewan to end the suspension of MNO. The motion passed.
BC Métis Nation Leader Clara Morin Dal Col calls the move insulting and offensive to every true Métis. She said, “Moving to end the suspension as they did, endorses and supports individuals being granted Métis citizenship who do not meet the essential criteria of our national definition.”
Ms. Morin Dal Col said, “The move by Lissa Smith and the Board at the Special Sitting of the General Assembly clearly demonstrates where they’re coming from regarding allowing non-Métis to become Métis Citizens. It is a serious error in judgement that will do long-standing damage to the Métis Nation.”
Ms. Morin Dal Col pointed out that, “The meeting in Saskatoon was really a Pan-Indigenous organization gathering, not a Métis gathering. It saddens me that the MNBC Board has now embraced Pan-Indigenous because that is not at all in the interests of Métis people. This MNBC Board has made that decision and they will be held accountable for it. For me, I will continue to fight to protect the Métis in this Province.”
Ms. Morin Dal Col also questioned why a former MNBC Board member and losing candidate for MNBC President was at the Special Sitting in Saskatoon. Walter Mineault was in attendance at the Special Meeting. Ms. Morin Dal Col asked, “Who covered his costs to attend the meeting in Saskatoon? Did MNBC use funds intended for MNBC Citizens?” Mr. Mineault’s First Nations brother recently sought a seat on the Pouce Coupe municipal council and lost.
On a different note, the BC Métis Nation Leader expressed her special thanks and appreciation to Clément Chartier who stepped down from the position of MNC President after 18 years. Ms. Morin Dal Col said, “Clément Chartier is a true leader who knows and deeply understands the history of Métis people, going back to our first leader Louis Riel and the Battle of Batoche. Clem started MNC and worked hard for years bringing the organization respect at the national level. It has not always been easy but he, along with others like President Chartrand of the MMF persevered and on April 13, 2017 Canada and the Métis Nation signed the historic Canada-Métis Nation Accord.”
Ms. Morin Dal Cal said, “In all of his years as President, he never lost sight of the critical need to protect the Métis Nation and our people – the true Métis. On behalf of Métis people, thank you Clem for your service and commitment to our Métis Nation.”
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For further information:
Contact President Clara Morin Dal Col
Email: cmdalcol@gmail.com
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