MNO Information Bulletin: Update on Métis Self Government
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) took a significant step toward self-government in December 2017 with the signing of the MNO/Canada/Ontario Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation.
This Framework Agreement outlines the basis to begin negotiations toward shared and balanced solutions that advance reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation of Ontario citizens. The Framework Agreement establishes a process for discussions about developing a government-to-government relationship between the Crown and the Métis Nation of Ontario and identifies key topics for negotiations including Métis self-government, social development areas such as health, housing, skills training, child and family services and a tripartite consultation protocol.
Advancing Métis rights, self-government and self-determination in Ontario has been at the core of the MNO mandate since its inception in 1993. These principles and priorities are embedded in the MNO Statement of Prime Purpose and have been further confirmed through a series of resolutions at Annual General Assemblies over the last 25 years. MNO’s commitment to advance rights, recognition and respect of the Métis as a Nation and a people with their own distinct history, culture and way of life has led to many successes and will inform the Framework Agreement negotiations.
Following the signing of the Framework Agreement a MNO negotiating committee was established to help advance the Agreement. The immediate objective of the committee is to work with Canada to lock in a self-government negotiation mandate, with the first area of focus being a core governance agreement. The committee is also being informed by the recommendations from the MNO Commission on Métis Rights and Self-Government What We Heard Report. MNO will be engaging Métis Communities and Citizens on self-government, the development of laws and policies, and the building of a MNO Constitution. MNO welcomes questions at any time and will be providing frequent updates as progress is made to advance the Framework Agreement.
Other Métis governments from Ontario to British Columbia are also seizing upon Canada's current commitment to work on a nation-to-nation, government-to-government mandate with the Métis Nation. On Sept. 22, 2018, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) (which signed its Framework Agreement a year ahead of the MNO) signed a joint action plan for advancing reconciliation with the Government of Canada. The three-part plan sets out a path for the MMF to reach a self-government agreement and recognize the MMF’s legal status, role and jurisdiction as a Métis government and provides for a substantive financial investment in the MMF.
There is still much work to be done to advance reconciliation with Canada, but these are important milestones worth celebrating and are clear examples of what can be realized. Further updates will be available on the MNO website under the Path to Self-Government Section and will continue to be included in the Métis Voyageur newspaper.
The original information was posted in this bulletin.
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