Canada and Manitoba Metis Federation Celebrate Historic Step on Path of Renewal and Reconciliation

WINNIPEG, May 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance exploratory talks on reconciliation. These talks are in response to the 2013 Manitoba Metis Federation et al. v. Canada  decision of the Supreme Court of Canada.

With the signing of this MOU, the parties are taking a historic first step toward a shared and balanced solution that advances reconciliation between Canada and the Manitoba Métis Community.

The MOU's purpose is to see if the parties can find the common ground needed to arrive at a mutually acceptable framework agreement and then ultimately begin formal negotiations.

Quotes
"Today we have taken a critical first step to renew and strengthen Canada's relationship with the Manitoba Métis Community. This important dialogue with the Manitoba Metis Federation demonstrates our commitment to working with partners in a true spirit of co-operation and respect to advance reconciliation and map the way together toward a shared prosperous future."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs        

"We are very pleased to have our negotiating partner back at the table. This MOU puts us on the path of meaningful reconciliation, which our people have sought for generations. Through mutual respect and a common desire for change, I believe we can ultimately achieve a shared solution that remedies our outstanding constitutional claim and benefits the Manitoba Métis Community as well as the province we helped to create and call home – Manitoba."
President David Chartrand
Manitoba Metis Federation

Quick Facts

• The 2013 Manitoba Metis Federation et al. v. Canada decision of the Supreme Court of Canada relates to an outstanding constitutional grievance of the Manitoba Métis Community dating back to the 1870s.
• The Court found that delays in how Canada delivered Métis land grants under section 31 of the Manitoba Act, 1870 were inconsistent with the honour of the Crown.
• The rights and interests of third parties, other Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will be respected and addressed during the negotiation of any shared solution.

Related Products
Backgrounder: Memorandum of Understanding on Reconciliation between Canada and Manitoba Metis Federation

Associated Links
Manitoba Metis Federation
Manitoba Metis Federation et al. v. Canada 

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SOURCE Government of Canada

Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Jonathan Hamel, Director of Communications, Manitoba Metis Federation, Phone: [phone] ext. 324, Cell: 204-806-4752, E-mail: [email protected]