Canada and Métis Nation of Alberta advance reconciliation with signing of Framework Agreement

EDMONTON, Nov. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta are committed to working together to advance reconciliation and renew their nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, took a historic step with the signing of the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation.

The signing enables Canada and Métis Nation of Alberta to begin formal negotiations towards shared and balanced solutions to advance reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation of Alberta citizens.

The Framework Agreement sets out shared objectives and identifies key negotiating topics such as Métis self-government, lands, rights and consultation protocol.

Quotes

"I am honoured to be signing this historic Framework Agreement today with the Métis Nation of Alberta. It sends a clear signal that the status quo is no longer acceptable and the Government of Canada is serious about advancing reconciliation with the Métis people of Alberta."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

"The agreement acknowledges Canada's desire to work with the Métis Nation of Alberta to build solutions. Canada is on the path of doing what is right for the benefit of all citizens of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we are committed to realizing our right to self-government."

President Audrey Poitras
Métis Nation of Alberta

Quick Facts

• On January 30, 2017, the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta began the exploratory discussion process with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
• The Métis Nation of Alberta has represented the Métis Nation's citizens in Alberta for 89 years. It maintains a centralized registry of Métis citizens and represents Alberta Métis through democratically elected governance structures at the local, regional and provincial levels.
• The rights and interests of third parties, other Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will be respected and addressed during the negotiations.

Associated Link

Métis Nation of Alberta
Memorandum of Understanding

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, media may contact: James Fitz-Morris, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, [phone]; Rolando Inzunza, Director of Communications & Citizen Engagement, Métis Nation of Alberta, 780-455-2200 Ext. 395; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160