Métis Harvesting Rights Territory Expanded in Manitoba

September 28, 2015

“Conservation is very important to the Métis,” stated President Chartrand, “and our Métis Laws of the Hunt testify to our commitment to strong and effective conservation efforts. This MOU with Manitoba not only acknowledges our conservation commitments, but also provides a process towards recognition of traditional Métis harvesting territories including the Manigotagan and Grass River areas.”

The theme of this year’s annual general assembly, the largest of any Aboriginal group in Canada with an estimated 3,000 delegates from across the province, is “Governance in Action”. Premier Selinger was accompanied by a number of his Cabinet Ministers including the Ministers of Justice, Finance, Health, Jobs and the Economy and Aboriginal Affairs, two of whom are Métis.

The Assembly also put the spotlight on the upcoming federal election and President Chartrand exhorted all MMF members to vote. Candidates from the Liberal and New Democratic Parties were on hand and President Chartrand informed the delegates that three of the four federal parties had responded to the MMF election questionnaire. (see MMF questions and Party responses here)

In his remarks to the AGA, MNC President Clément Chartier noted that the Supreme Court of Canada will be hearing the Daniels case in the midst of the federal election on October 8.

“Regardless of which party wins and forms government, Daniels should ensure that it will have to come to terms with primary federal jurisdictional responsibility for engagement with the Métis Nation, including the need to deal with us on a nation to nation basis”, said President Chartier.

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