Métis Nation British Columbia Withdraws from the Métis National Council



News Release – For Immediate Release  

November 30, 2024: SURREY, BC – Today, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is announcing our withdrawal from the Métis National Council (MNC), effective immediately. The decision to leave MNC came after careful consideration and deliberation by our elected Board of Directors and our community leaders at the Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA). The vote was a strong majority in favour of leaving and clearly demonstrates that MNBC’s leadership and Métis Chartered Communities no longer had confidence in MNC as the national Métis advocacy organization. 

“This decision was difficult,” said Walter Mineault, MNBC’s President. “The reality is, that despite the good work MNC achieved over the past forty years, the current governance structure is no longer equitable with one government holding an absolute majority. Leaving MNC means that our Citizens will continue to have a voice, and no outside organization will have jurisdiction over our priorities or rights assertions.”  

The decision comes after many failed attempts by MNBC to address the inequities of MNC’s governance structure with the remaining Métis governments who opted to maintain the status quo. Under the current structure, the remaining founding governing member has absolute control with a majority of votes and an unwillingness to implement a new funding model. 

“At the end of the day, this is about democracy,” said Melanie Allard, MNBC’s Vice-President. “While I am dismayed that we could not find a way forward together, I know that the only equitable solution is to stand on our own and directly advocate on behalf of our Citizens for the priorities that matter deeply to Métis in BC, like child welfare, education and justice.” 

MNBC looks forward to working directly with the Government of Canada to make life better for all Métis in British Columbia. 

For more information, please contact media@mnbc.ca  


About Métis Nation British Columbia  

Métis Nation British Columbia represents the section 35 rights of approx. 28,000 Métis citizens who are registered with MNBC and advocates for the over 98,000 self-identified Métis in British Columbia. MNBC represents thirty-nine (39) Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia. MNBC’s mandate is to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services.  

MNBC is recognized by the Government of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada. MNBC is the government for Métis in BC.