Milestone update from your Otipemisiwak Métis Government: Draft District Council Bylaws
Posted on: Dec 07, 2023
These are monumental times for the Métis Nation within Alberta. As we implement our Constitution and establish our Otipemisiwak Métis Government, our future is bright.
To aid with the ongoing transition, we are sharing a revised version of the draft Model Bylaws for District Councils. These draft bylaws are meant to be a starting point, from which they can be revised and tailored to the needs and ambitions of the MNA’s Citizens and communities in each District. They are designed to be flexible, so that they can be adapted to each District’s unique circumstances. This process will help Métis self-determination in Alberta thrive at the community level.
District-level self-determination is a key value in the Constitution. For this reason, the Constitution states that District Councils have authority and responsibility in relation to clearly defined subject matters for their Districts. The draft District Council Bylaws reiterate this authority and responsibility.
Nothing in the transition process requires any MNA Region or Local Council to transfer any asset to the central Otipemisiwak Métis Government if they do not want to. We know that some Locals have worked very hard to build companies, secure contracts, or buy land, and that will not be disturbed. This unwavering commitment is embodied in the Constitution and the Transition Plan and will remain the ongoing approach of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government leadership.
Next Steps:
Our journey forward is marked by collaboration and community engagement. The approval of the draft Model District Council Bylaws by the Citizens’ Council sets the stage for the establishment of District Councils. A District Relations & Transition sub-Committee of Cabinet (DRTC) has been appointed to facilitate progress. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Self-Government Department, as well as Transition Committee members have already met with some members of Local leadership to discuss the process of transitioning existing Local Councils to District Councils or, where no Local Councils exits, creating new District Councils.
In December 2023, President Sandmaier will be meeting with the DRTC to develop a community engagement plan that will be implemented in the new year. Beginning in mid-January, the Self-Government Department, DRTC, and Transition Committee members will begin meeting with Local leadership, and Métis Citizens to assist each community in finding a path to transition that best meets their communities’ unique needs. We encourage Citizen’s to watch our social media and email newsletters over the next few months as we share updates about the transition progress.
Read the full Draft District Council Model Bylaws and open letter from President Sandmaier.