The British Columbia government and Métis Nation BC (MNBC) have renewed a commitment to work together for the betterment of Métis people throughout British Columbia.

British Columbia acknowledges the importance of Louis Riel as one of the foremost historical Métis leaders by proclaiming Nov. 16 as Louis Riel Day. The Métis flag was raised at the B.C. Parliament Buildings in Victoria today.

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Marc Dalton, Parliamentary Secretary for Métis Relations were joined by newly elected MNBC president Clara Morin Dal Col, members of the MNBC executive and Métis community members to witness the signing of a renewed Métis Nation Relationship Accord.

The accord was first signed in 2006 to strengthen relationships between the provincial government and Métis people. The accord set out objectives to address health, housing, education, economic opportunities, Métis identification and data collection as well as any opportunities for engaging in a tripartite relationship with the federal government. In addition to recommitting to the original objectives of the accord, the updated version covers an additional four areas: children and families, information sharing, justice and wildlife stewardship.

In October 2016, Dalton was named as Parliamentary Secretary for Métis Relations with a mandate to support and advance the work set out in the Métis Nation Relationship Accord.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“Today we recognize Louis Riel Day and acknowledge the valuable contribution Métis people make to the rich tapestry of life in British Columbia. By marking this important day and updating the Métis Nation Relationship Accord, B.C. is renewing its commitment to ensuring Métis people can access the positive social and economic opportunities available to all British Columbians.”

Marc Dalton, Parliamentary Secretary for Métis Relations –

“As a committed member of the Métis community in B.C., I am honoured to be named as Parliamentary Secretary for Métis Relations. I look forward to working closely with Métis Nation BC and all community members to ensure that we highlight the importance of Métis people to British Columbia, not just on Louis Riel Day, but throughout the entire year.”

Clara Morin Dal Col, president, Métis Nation BC –

“As the new president of Métis Nation BC, I am heartened by the provincial government’s willingness to recommit to working together to make life better for every member of the Métis community in B.C. This is a great day for Métis people and it will reinvigorate our collaborative work with the provincial government.”

Bruce Dumont, former president, Métis Nation BC –

“I remember signing the original Métis Nation Relationship Accord in 2006. We have done good work in the last 10 years, and this new version of the accord is a clear signal that Métis people have a voice in government that will be heard.”

(flickr.com)

Quick Facts:

• Métis Nation BC is recognized by the Government of B.C., the Government of Canada and the Métis National Council as the official governing organization representing Métis people in British Columbia.
• The Métis people of British Columbia are separate and distinct Aboriginal people with their own language, history and culture.
• British Columbia is home to nearly 70,000 self-identified Métis people, the fourth-largest Métis population in Canada.

Learn More:

Métis Nation BC: http://www.mnbc.ca/

Louis Riel Day Proclamation: ow.ly/Cpsm306cJLU

Métis Nation Relationship Accord: ow.ly/1iy9306cKgX