Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) recognizes the inherent rights of First Nations in British Columbia and does not seek to take territory or funding away from First Nations.
Under section 35 of Canada’s Constitution, there are three distinct Aboriginal peoples: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. There is no hierarchy of rights under the constitution. Métis Nation rights are unique to First Nations rights and have unique timeframes and legal tests. The Supreme Court in Daniels confirmed that a duty to consult Métis was already settled law.
Under the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), “the Province of British Columbia recognizes that all relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government.” Under DRIPA, "Indigenous peoples" has the same meaning as aboriginal peoples in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and "Indigenous governing body" means an entity that is authorized to act on behalf of Indigenous peoples that hold rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Métis have the inherent right to self-government in BC. At MNBC’s 2020 Annual General Meeting, our citizens voted for self-government, with the ultimate goal to raise the education, health and economic outcomes for our Métis people while supporting our Chartered Communities as they work to preserve and perpetuate Métis culture, language, and heritage for future generations.
MNBC agrees and welcomes the commitment from First Nations to work, “alongside Métis people on issues of shared concern, such as improvement of social, health, and economic outcomes, and elimination of racism and discrimination. These collaborations must be founded on the recognition of the different histories of First Nations and Métis people in what is now British Columbia and be grounded in appropriate data and evidence.”
MNBC welcomes the opportunity to work with First Nations to better advance the cause of all Indigenous people in BC and is open to meet with First Nations leadership. In that regard, we have extended an invitation to meet with First Nations leadership. Indigenous peoples are stronger when we work together to address the common issues and challenges we face.
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Contact:
Nick Hosseinzadeh
nhosseinzadeh@mnbc.ca