Manitoba Métis Federation approves historic Red River Métis self-government treaty – Winnipeg | 24CA News
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), alongside 1000’s of members who joined in-person and on-line, authorised the Red River Métis Self Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty.
David Chartrand, president of the MMF, says the vote was quoted “as extraordinary as the assembly itself,” which the MMF claims was the biggest in historical past.
“So many of our citizens have fought along our side, shoulder to shoulder, for decades – some for their whole life – to finally find our place in Confederation,” he mentioned.
“I was so proud to see so many of our citizens participate in the vote, with a sea of hands raised in favour of ushering in this new era for our Nation – one that was 200 years in the making.
“I was overwhelmed to see thousands of hands reaching for the ceiling and dancing in the air like prairie grass in a strong wind.”
According to the MMF, the treaty acknowledges the federation’s function because the authority of presidency over the Red River Metis, commits to areas of self-governance, acknowledges the Section 35 rights of the Red River Metis, and the muse to handle land declare in addition to the Metis Scrip System amongst different issues.
The vote comes on the heels of negotiations that started in 2016 and three intensive months of session with residents, each inside Manitoba and past borders.
“With this vote, our treaty rights a wrong that took place 153 years ago, when our first treaty –the Manitoba Act – was negotiated and then ignored by Canada. We negotiated this agreement in good faith with Canada, but before negotiations were even complete, Canada backstabbed our Nation,” mentioned Chartrand.
“Today, we are another step closer to justice, taking yet another step in restoring our rightful place in Canada’s confederation through this treaty may well be the most important thing we’ve done as a Nation to date,” he mentioned.
Now, the treaty will undergo Canada’s ratification course of and be launched to the House of Commons this Fall to probably solidify its place in laws and the Constitution of Canada.
“In every consultation leading up to this vote, it was clear that our citizens recognized the historic nature of this treaty, and fully understood the power it gives to our youth to shape the path of our Nation in the future, when they become our leaders,” Chartrand mentioned.
“It was equally clear that our elders, seniors and veterans who fought so hard to arrive at this historic moment were moved to see the progress we’ve made as a Nation.
“We are truly standing on the shoulders of giants today, and we have answered the call of our ancestors to complete what they started. We are Red River Métis and we stand united.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
