Date: Saturday, April 30
Start Time: 2:00 pm, Opening Ceremonies at 3:00 pm
Location: Fort Edmonton Park, Blatchford Air Hangar, 7000 143 Street, Edmonton, AB

The Métis Nation of Alberta will host a celebration to acknowledge our recent Supreme Court Victory in the Daniels case. Please join us for a stew and bannock feast, cultural entertainment, information session and dance. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome!

Event Agenda 

2:00 PM – Registration
3:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies
3:15 PM – Welcome
3:30 PM – Daniels Decision Presentation by Jason Madden
4:00 PM – Address from MNA President, Audrey Poitras
5:30 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Music & Dance

• PDF Poster Download

Media Contact

April Magee
Communications Officer, Métis Nation of Alberta
780-455-2200 ext. 278 | amagee@metis.org

Edmonton, AB – Wednesday, April 20, 2016

On May 12, the MNA will be hosting our 2nd Annual Complimentary Pancake Breakfast from 8 – 11 am. All are invited to join us in the MNA provincial office parking lot for hearty breakfast fare prepared by our provincial office staff. Please RSVP to Christine Dyck by Friday May 6 at 4:30 pm to confirm your attendance at cdyck@metis.org.

Download our poster for more details here:
Pancake Breakfast 2016 Poster

Edmonton, AB – Thursday, April 14, 2016

Today is a historic day for the Métis Nation. This morning, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Daniels case.

The Daniels case victory is significant and will facilitate reconciliation between Parliament and Métis communities from Ontario westward. For many years, Métis communities were left in a “jurisdictional wasteland”, however, this morning’s ruling will “guarantee both certainty and accountability” and allow the Métis Nation to hold government “accountable for the inadequate status quo.” This monumental decision will help to foster a true nation-to-nation relationship between the Métis Nation and the Government of Canada and to advance reconciliation in the years to come.

MNA President Audrey Poitras and delegates from the MNA  including regional and local presidents and vice-presidents were in attendance at the Supreme Court as the decision was rolled out. President Poitras remarked that “this is the long awaited Métis victory we anticipated which is a significant advancement of the Métis rights agenda. I am confident that good things will follow for the Métis Nation.”

MNA Legal Counsel and Métis Lawyer Jason Madden from Pape Salter Teillet LLP has provided invaluable assistance throughout the Daniels litigation process and commented “we have worked long and hard to see this case through to fruition. Legally speaking, the Daniels triumph acknowledges the Crown’s duty to consult with Métis communities and will strengthen our position as a Nation in future government negotiations.”

MNA President Audrey Poitras (right) and MNA Legal Counsel Jason Madden (left) review the Daniels outcome.

A proud Métis delegation approaches the Supreme Court to hear the Daniels case decision.

The full decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in the Daniels case can be found at:   http://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/15858/1/document.do

Key elements of the Supreme Court of Canada judgement are outlined below: 

Declaration #1

• A declaration that Métis and Non-Status Indians are within the term “Indians” in Section 91(24) is issued. (para. 58)

• The declaration has practical utility to end the “jurisdictional tug-of-war” (para. 15). The Court acknowledged that the current situation has left Métis and non-status Indian communities in a “jurisdictional wasteland” so an answer to the question is necessary (para. 13).  An answer to the question will allow these groups to hold government “accountable for the inadequate status quo” and “guarantee both certainty and accountability” (para. 15)

• Section 91(24) is about the federal governments relationship with all of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples—this includes the Métis and Non-Status Indians (para. 49). Section 91(24) and s. 35 should be read together in order to advance reconciliation.

• Constitutional changes, apologies for historic wrongs and appreciation of Aboriginal peoples as partners in Confederation all indicate that reconciliation with all of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples is Parliaments goal (para 37).

• There is no doubt that the Métis are a distinct people (para. 42). No need to delineate between which mixed ancestry communities are Métis and which are non status—they are both “Indians” within s. 91(24) (para. 46)  Whether a community is non-status Indian and Métis will be worked out on a case-by-case basis. (para. 47)

• Section 91(24) has a different purpose that s. 35. Section 91(24) is about the federal governments relationship with Canada’s aboriginal peoples.  Section 35 deals with the recognition and affirmation or rights and claims.  (para. 49).

• The Court goes out of its way to note that Métis and Non-Status Indian inclusion in s. 91(24) does not mean that all provincial legislation with respect to these groups are ultra vires (i.e., outside of the authority of provincial legislatures). This means that the Alberta Métis Settlements legislation is not problematic or inconsistent with Métis inclusion in s. 91(24).

Declaration #2

• The Crown is in a fiduciary relationship with all Aboriginal peoples, including, the Métis and Non-Status Indians. Delgamuukw and MMF already recognize that this fiduciary relationship based on Indigenous pre-existence.  As such, granting the third declaration would be redundant. (paras. 43, 53)

Declaration #3

• There is already a Crown duty to negotiate with Métis and Non-Status Indian communities recognized in law. Haida, Tsilquotin and Powley already recognize a context specific duty to negotiate when Aboriginal rights are engaged. As such, granting the third declaration would be redundant. (para 56)

Edmonton, AB – Wednesday, April 13, 2016

On April 11, 2016 Alvena passed away peacefully at the age of 94 years. Alvena will be forever in the hearts of her children, Joan Tornberg, Ron Hopegood and Gladys (Larry) Avery; grandchildren, Wendy (Lance), Diana (Dale), Laura (Mark), Darin (Joelle), Darryll (Leanne) and Michelle (Jeff); 25 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; siblings Lawrence and Lucille McLeod; numerous relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Albert, son Myles; and by her siblings Ambrose, Wilfred, Betty and Florence.

Alvena was an amazing woman who had a strong impact on all of the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family would like to thank the staff at Westview Hospice in Stony Plain for the comfort, care and compassion they showed Alvena.

A Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011-114 Street, Edmonton. Visitation will take place one hour prior. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Sacred Heart Parish, 10821 – 96 Street, Edmonton. Cremation to follow.

In memory of Alvena, donations may be made to the Light Up Your Life Society, 4405 South Park Drive, Stony Plain, T7Z 2M7

Alvena was a very strong and proud Métis woman and elder whose contributions over many decades have had a profound and lasting positive impact for many aboriginal people.

To send condolences please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.

PDF Obituary 

Edmonton, AB – Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Dear MNA Citizens,

This Thursday the Supreme Court of Canada will be releasing its decision in the long awaited Harry Daniels v. Canada litigation at 7:45 a.m. (Alberta time).

This significant litigation is about whether the federal government has constitutional responsibility for the Métis Nation in the same way it does for First Nation and Inuit peoples.

If the lower court decisions are upheld, this will be yet another victory for the Métis Nation. It will strengthen our hand even further in finally getting the federal government to the negotiating table to deal with our rights and outstanding claims here in Alberta.

I, along with a delegation from Alberta, will be attending at the Supreme Court in Ottawa. We will provide updates to our citizens back home as soon as they become available on Thursday.

For those of you interested in learning more about the Daniels case, a summary that was prepared for the MNA is attached. As well, the MNA’s legal counsel (Jason Madden) wrote an opinion article for the Edmonton Journal last year that discusses what the Daniels case means for Alberta Métis. A copy of that article is available at:

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/national/what-the-daniels-case-means-for-alberta-metis-opinion 

We are optimistic that Thursday will mark another victory for Métis rights!

Audrey Poitras, President
Métis Nation of Alberta

Daniels Case Documentation: 

Letter from the Office of Audrey Poitras – Daniels Case Update – April 11, 2016

Madden, J. (2015, October 5). What the daniels case means for alberta métis: opinion. The Edmonton Journal. Retrieved from  http://edmontonjournal.com/news/national/what-the-daniels-case-means-for-alberta-metis-opinion 

Madden, J. and Teillet, J. (2015, April 17). Daniels v. canada, 2014 fca 101: Understanding the federal court of appeal’s decision. Pape Salter Teiller LLP. Retrieved from http://www.pstlaw.ca/resources/DanielsvCanada-2014-FCA101.pdf

Edmonton, AB – Friday, April 8, 2016

The Supreme Court of Canada has announced that a judgement on the Daniels case will be delivered at 9:45 am on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Please see original press release below for additional details:

Supreme Court of Canada / Cour suprême du Canada

(le français suit)

JUDGMENT TO BE RENDERED IN APPEAL

April 8, 2016

For immediate release

OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada announced today that judgment in the following appeal will be delivered at 9:45 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 14, 2016.  This list is subject to change.

A summary of the case is available at: http://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/news/en/item/5206/index.do

PROCHAIN JUGEMENT SUR APPEL

Le 8 avril 2016

Pour diffusion immédiate

OTTAWA – La Cour suprême du Canada annonce que jugement sera rendu dans l’appel suivant le jeudi 14 avril 2016, à 9 h 45 HAE.  Cette liste est sujette à modifications.

Un sommaire de la cause peut être consulté à l’adresse suivante : http://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/news/fr/item/5206/index.do

Harry Daniels et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen as represented by The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development et al. (F.C.) (35945)

Supreme Court of Canada / Cour suprême du Canada :
comments-commentaires@scc-csc.ca
(613) 995-4330

– 30 –

Edmonton, Alberta – Monday, April 4, 2016

The MNA would like to extend our deepest thanks for the support of our sponsors who assisted us in hosting a spectacular business mixer last week on Thursday, March 31. Events such as this would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors. Thank you to the MNA Region 1 Office, City of Edmonton, Burke Group and Syncrude!

Sponsors

MNA Region 1 Council

	Métis Nation of Alberta Region 1 Region One Aboriginal Business Association (ROABA) http://www.roaba.ca/ Our Region 1 Office played an integral role in supporting the 3rd Annual Provincial Business Mixer. Thank you to Region 1 President, Diane Scoville; Region 1 Vice-President, Dan Cardinal and the Region 1 Council for providing the capacity for a truly memorable provincial business mixer. Region One of the MNA donated their mixer table to the Region One Aboriginal Business Association, represented by Brenda Bourque-Stratichuk and Jason Ekeberg. ROABA is a non-profit organization that consists of Aboriginal Businesses, committed to networking, industry communication and promoting business, for the betterment of all people in the region.  Thank you, all!   Brenda Bourque-Stratichuk, ROABA Vice President and Jason Ekeberg, ROABA Director
	City of Edmonton www.edmonton.ca The MNA is a proud partner of the City of Edmonton who continually support us in our efforts to empower Métis Albertans. This partnership is epitomized during Métis Week in November when the City and MNA Region Four team host a grand celebration of Métis culture – a proclamation and flag raising ceremony at City Hall! We are grateful for the City’s support of our 3rd Annual Business Mixer, which highlights the significant contributions made by Métis Albertans to local and provincial economy. The City’s Indigenous Relations Office strives to make the necessary investment to create an inclusive City for all Indigenous people who work, live and play in Edmonton and area.
	Burke Group www.burkegroup.ca  Burke Group is your full solutions provider! We have worked with and supported the Metis Nation of Alberta for over 13 years. We are proud to continue our partnership by providing top quality print, signage, mail and design services. From business cards to banners, Burke is your true one-stop shop! Call or Email Darlene for more information: 780.732.4209 darlene.ulan@burkegroup.ca
	Syncrude www.syncrude.ca A big thanks to Syncrude for sponsoring the business mixer! The MNA looks forward to collaborating with Syncrude going into the future.

Edmonton, AB – Monday, April 4, 2016

As a community member, you have the opportunity to participate directly in shaping the future governance structures and processes of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Shalene Jobin and Kirsten Lindquist from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta are currently reviewing the MNA governance structure: how we make decisions, and how we are able to negotiate with our partners and stand up for our Métis rights.

As part of this governance review, we are asking community members such as yourself to participate through community focus group consultations in April 2016 at each of the 6 regions: Peace River, Lac La Biche, Slave Lake, Bonnyville, Edmonton, and Calgary.

Please note that focus group dates are still being decided. Participants will be emailed once these details are finalized.

Members interested in participating in the workshops are encouraged to register online via the below web form. Alternatively, members may register by contacting Sara Parker at sparker@metis.org, or Kirsten Lindquist at kirstenl@ualberta.ca.