Métis Nation disappointed in Final Report of the TRC

OTTAWA, June 2, 2015 /CNW/ - In its final report released today, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission fails to address the need for the government of Canada to deal with the survivors of Métis residential schools.

"Other than a few of the recommendations that include Métis in proposed actions, we are treated as an afterthought", said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier.  "Little thought was given or advice provided to deal with the exclusion of Métis residential schools from federal settlements agreements."

The release of the report comes at a time when the Métis Nation and the government of Canada are beginning discussions on a reconciliation process to support the exercise of Métis section 35(1) rights and to reconcile their interests.

"The horrific experiences of Métis survivors of these excluded schools will not be forgotten as we pursue self-determination and self-government through reconciliation" said President Chartier. "The Métis residential schools represent the most glaring moral and legal failure of the former Liberal government and the current Harper government to do justice in our time with Métis people."

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels. The Métis Nation's homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northern United States. There are approximately 350,000 – 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.

SOURCE Métis National Council

Ke Ning, Métis National Council, c: [phone], e: [email protected]

Related Links

www.metisnation.ca