A distinctive people, a growing Nation.

By Stephanie Albiston

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is a self governing nation that represents the Métis people of British Columbia. Prior to 1982, many different legal terms were used to describe the Métis, First Nations and Inuit people. Though the Aboriginal peoples of Canada are now constitutionally entrenched, the distinction between Métis and First Nation, and generally who Métis people are, continues to be a point of confusion and misunderstanding for many non-aboriginal and aboriginal people alike. In fact, until the Powley decision in 2003, the 1982 inclusion of Métis in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 was not defined. The Powley decision defined not only who the Métis were in s. 35 but affirmed that the specific collective identified has aboriginal rights.

MNBC strives to build a proud, sustainable nation that recognizes the inherent rights of Métis citizens, and generally increases awareness and recognition of Métis people throughout British Columbia and Canada. Métis people are a unique aboriginal people, often considered one of the first Canadian people, with history, language and culture all developed in Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada affirmed in its decision R v. Powley “that the term Métis in s. 35 does not encompass all individuals with mixed Indian and European heritage; rather it refers to distinctive peoples who, in addition to their mixed ancestry, developed their own customs, way of life and recognizable group identity separate from their Indian or Inuit and European forbearers.” In 2005, Métis Nation British Columbia created an objectively verifiable central registry, based on the requirements identified by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Over the past decade, in addition to the Central Registry, MNBC has developed a rich body of governance, including a Constitution, a Métis Nation Governing Assembly Act, a Citizenship Act, Electoral Act, Senate Act and Natural Resources Act. Through this governance process, MNBC mandates to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Among other recent successes, MNBC held a provincial wide ballot-box election in 2008 electing a complete Board of Directors, seven Regional Directors, a provincial Youth Chair, a provincial Women’s Chair, Vice President and President.

In recent years, Métis Nation British Columbia has had a number of great successes. The Ministry of Health, for example recently received a five-year continuation for the Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. The Ministry of Employment and Training is entering into another five-year agreement and expanding on all current programming by including programs for curriculum development, youth at risk and additional skills programming. The Ministry of Youth continues to administer community oriented youth specific funding, programs and opportunities, including recent additions to their entirely youth-created and run LearnMichif.com website. This year they placed an emphasis on the elder and youth transfer of knowledge. The Ministry of Economic Development recently led MNBC in the purchase of a property containing a school that will facilitate further economic development and sustainability. These MNBC successes and continued perseverance emphasize the direction of the court in Powley, and the reality that Métis people are a distinct people with rights, a rich history and strong future.

Photo: President Bruce Dumont, Métis Nation British Columbia
Minister Responsible for Registry and Health
MNC Minister Responsible for Language, Culture, Heritage and Sport.

This article was published in the June 2010 issue of BarTalk. © 2010 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.