President's Corner: July 25, 2025
Posted on: Jul 25, 2025
Special President’s Message
Métis Self-Government and Rights
Since the days of Louis Riel, the Métis people have always governed ourselves and fought to protect our unique identity, language, and culture. This is foundational to who we are as a distinct Indigenous People.
Our continued efforts to protect our way of life and affirm our inherent right to self-government is why so many of our Citizens have supported the adoption of our Constitution. For these reasons, it is fitting that our government carries the name “Otipemisiwak,” meaning “the people who own themselves.” It’s a name which our Cree kin have also called us. As a government that not only intends to, but will, own itself, we have made negotiations with Canada a top priority in advancing our self-government journey.
Self-government means taking control of our own destiny as a distinct Indigenous Nation. It means having recognized authority and jurisdiction over who our Citizens are, how we make decisions for ourselves, and who speaks for our Nation, whether it be at the District, provincial, or national level. It also means having the ability to design programs and services that meet the unique needs of our Citizens, instead of those decisions being made by colonial governments in Ottawa.
I am pleased to share this update on some of the results and progress we’ve made in pursuit of our vision for self-determination and self-government as the Métis Nation within Alberta.
Implementing Our Constitution
As of this month, 14 of the 22 District Councils recognized under our Constitution have been formally established. Every District has progressed – and continues to progress – through a transparent, democratic transition process at a pace that reflects its unique circumstances. No District is being left behind. Each is building toward full self-government implementation in a way that reflects the unique needs of the Citizens who live there.
District Councils play a foundational role in representing our Nation and our Citizens. As the local governments of our Nation, they are a distinct branch of our government. They provide a direct line to our Citizens and the Métis communities we represent across the province, ensuring that our governance remains grounded in the voices and priorities of our Citizens.
District Councils are also empowered by our Constitution to lead Crown consultation and accommodation processes, ensuring that collectively held Métis rights and interests in each District are protected. As Canada implements the One Canadian Economy Act, District Councils will play an important role ensuring Métis voices are heard and our rights are respected.
While we have much more to do to fully implement our Constitution, I am proud of the progress we’ve made through a collaborative effort between the Citizens’ Council, Cabinet, and District Councils.
Our Relationship with Canada
Recently, I had my first meeting with the Honourable Rebecca Alty, the new federal Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations. I am happy to report that Minister Alty confirmed Canada’s ongoing commitment to continue working with us to fully implement our two self-government agreements and to finally establish a Self-Government Treaty with us.
As we progress throughout the summer and into the fall, we will announce additional initiatives that will further advance Métis self-government for our Nation here in Alberta. At our next Citizens’ Council meeting at the end of July, we will also discuss strategies on our Self-Government Treaty.
Our Constitution makes it clear that one of the fundamental goals of our government is to secure a modern-day treaty with the Crown. This is a goal that is protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Your elected leadership is united in its efforts to advance this goal and deliver on our shared vision of self-determination and self-government for our Citizens and communities.
Our Relationship with Alberta
I also recently met with the newly appointed provincial Minister for Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Rajan Sawhney. At this meeting, I had an opportunity to explain our unique self-government structure and government milestones. We also discussed many of the exciting initiatives we have ongoing with the Alberta Government like our recovery community, Healing Waters.
During this meeting, I also raised ongoing concerns regarding Alberta’s Métis Credible Assertion Policy. Our Nation’s application to Alberta under this Policy was submitted over five years ago, but we have still not received a response or formal recognition. Essentially, this Policy has denied us the constitutionally required consultation owed by the Crown.
As Alberta moves forward with resource development projects in the national interest, our Métis government must have a seat at the table and be consulted. This is a message that I have communicated to the government of Alberta.
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic that we can find a mutually agreeable way forward with Alberta. We will continue working closely with our District Councils to support them and to develop coordinated strategies to address this outstanding issue.
If you have questions about the work our Métis Government is doing, please contact your Citizens’ Representative or your District Council.
I look forward to sharing more information in the weeks ahead on how we are continuing to advance Métis rights and our self-government agenda.
Thank you for your continued support as we advance the goals of our Citizens, together.