Statement on Manitoba Treaty
Posted on: Nov 29, 2024
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government extends our congratulations to Métis Citizens within Manitoba on the signing of their modern-day treaty. This moment in Métis history not only affirms Métis rights and self-determination for the Métis within Manitoba, but also marks a step towards reconciliation for all Métis governments across the Homeland.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government, formerly the Métis Nation of Alberta, is the oldest continuous Métis government in Canada and today we proudly represent over 70,000 Citizens.
The successful ratification of our Constitution was a historic achievement, marking the largest ratification vote ever undertaken by an Indigenous Nation in Canadian history. With an overwhelming 96.89% support from our Citizens, our Métis government holds a clear mandate to continue negotiations for our own modern-day treaty with the Crown.
Since the ratification of our Constitution in December 2022, we have made significant strides: we signed an updated Self-Government Agreement with Canada, held our first election under the new Constitution, and held our Inaugural Citizens’ Gathering.
As the Métis Nation within Alberta, we have upheld every commitment outlined in our Self-Government Agreements with Canada. Now, it is time for Canada to honour its commitments made to the Métis Nation within Alberta.
We remain committed to securing the formal recognition of our inherent rights to self-determination and self-government through our own modern-day treaty. We will continue to hold Canada accountable for the commitments made in our legally binding Self-Government Agreements and expect that our updated agreement will be initialed without delay.