BC Metis Federation Newsletter for the BC Metis Communities in BC

Spring Edition 2013

Métis people and communities in British Columbia

This edition of the BC Métis Federation marks and celebrates the achievements of passing

our second anniversary. For so many of us the BC Métis Federation was a vision to reform

Métis governance in British Columbia, to provide Métis people a choice in who

represented their interests and needs. An organization that would ensure the needs and

voice of the communities was first and foremost in the minds of the leadership and an

organization that ensured Métis culture was a priority. I strongly believe our leadership has

proven that we have achieved these values and continue to strive for success.

This leadership has formed our vision for the Summer of Culture which BC Métis

Federation is supporting from May 2013 – September 2013. We have completed and focus

support for Métis participation and sharing our Métis culture at the following events:

• Cloverdale Rodeo - Surrey May 17th – 20th

• European Festival – Burnaby May 25th and 26th

• Métis Heritage Day – Prince George June 16th

• Sharing the Spirit Event – Sidney June 21st

• Métis Exhibit Klahowya Village – Vancouver June 21st – September 2nd

• National Aboriginal Day Celebration with Nova Métis Heritage Association

• Fusion Festival – Surrey July 20th and 21st

• Summer Music Festival – Williams Lake August 9th – 11th

BC Métis Federation expects to provide this important Métis cultural support to over

500,000 people who will attend these various events. This leadership wants to provide

opportunities for Métis people in these communities to feel proud of our rich Métis culture

and perhaps learn more about their culture. Equally important is to support awareness for

the general public about who the Métis people are and that our culture in alive today

throughout British Columbia and Canada. Continued…

Message from the President P1-2 The Metis Identity Summit P3

Summer of Culture P12

BC Métis Federation Negotiations P13

BC Metis Federation 300-3665 Kingsway

Vancouver, BC

V5R 5W2

1-604-638-7220

Fax 604 435- 8181

info@bcmetis.com

www.bcmetis.com

Update on Page 11

Message from the BC Metis Federation President ~ Keith Henry

The BC Métis Federation also carries on strong governance after two years. Since the

BC Métis Federation began other Métis political organizations and individuals have

worked hard to discredit, enact revenge, and stop at nothing to prevent BC Métis

Federation success. These individuals and organizations have made all efforts to work

with sympathetic government staff and industry to prevent a political voice and

representation from BC Métis Federation and our partner communities. However,

despite these ongoing issues BC Métis Federation took steps through the BC Human

Rights Tribunal and Canadian Human Rights Commission to address and today both

have accepted the discrimination claims and the cases are advancing through the

process. As of today one of the Provincial ministries has already been requested an

opportunity to have early resolution and a meeting has been planned to negotiate

settlement if possible. The acceptance by the third parties justifies and validates the BC

Métis Federation claims of discrimination and we expect significant policy changes in

the future as a result.

One of the most powerful expressions of governance achieved by the BC Métis

Federation was the Métis Identity Symposium held in Prince George May 11th. This

idea was a vision from key individuals such as George and Terry Goulet (Métis authors

and historians) and a resolution passed by the membership at the first BC Métis

Federation Annual General Meeting held in September 2012. The Métis Identity

Symposium was a success in terms of attendance, presentations, and outcomes which

has reopened the debate about Métis identity in British Columbia and Canada.

Further to this recent Métis Identity Symposium achievement was a report on Métis

identity from the Canadian Senate where their findings and recommendations support

exactly what BC Métis Federation is saying. For example the Senate Committee

identified that the Métis National Council and their governing members do not

represent all Métis and that the definition is not a “one size fits all”. The completed

Senate Committee report entitled “The People Who Own Themselves: Recognition of

Métis Identity in Canada” outlines three specific recommendations for Aboriginal

Affairs and Northern Development Canada;

•Develop and enhance a better process for demographic and statistical information;

•Build and enhance historical written and oral research for the Métis; and

•Continue to develop and enhance bilateral and tripartite relationships with the more

regional and local representative organizations and table a progress report to the Senate

Committee by June 2014

These latest achievements continue to showcase the progress on many fronts and BC

Métis Federation continues on through collective efforts. The fall 2013 brings forward

the second Annual General Meeting in September and the board will be finalizing

details for the event soon. Also the fall reminds us of the importance of recognizing

Louis Riel Day each November 16th. BC Métis Federation strongly encourages partner

communities and agencies to work with local levels of government to raise the Métis

flag this November 16th. This is one way that all British Columbians can honour and

respect one of the most important men in Canadian history.

BC Métis Federation board, staff, and partner communities wish each of you a great

summer! It is time for all Mètis people to join the winning team.

~Proud to be Mètis~

Keith Henry President BC Métis Federation

Proud to be Mètis

Congrats!

BC Metis Federation

member Paulette Flamond

awarded Honorary

Associate of Arts Degree

Paulette Flamond, an

inspirational leader and

supporter of community

organizations in the City of

Fort St. John, has received an

Honorary Associate of Arts

Degree from Northern Lights

College. BC Metis

Federation congratulates

federation member and

community leader Paulette

Flamond for her recent

achievement.

“Keeping It Riel”

Articles in Aboriginal

Marketplace

Read the Latest on

www.kcdconsulting.ca

To Apply for Membership go to www.bcmetis.com or Contact

The BC Metis Federation head office Membership Coordinator @ 300

– 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2

Phone: 604-638-7220 or Email: Membership@BCMetis.com

Recommendations from Métis Identity Symposium

The following is a list of specific recommendations as a result of the BC Mètis Federation Métis Identity Symposium:

1. There is strong support for the BC Métis Federation to revise the current Métis membership criteria to be broader.

2. BC Métis Federation will investigate additional ways to provide further community engagement and seek more

feedback regarding Métis definition prior to the September Annual General Meeting.

3. BC Métis Federation delegates will review resolutions to revise the current Métis definition at the September 2013

Annual General Meeting.

Conclusion

The BC Mètis Federation will continue to review the comments and suggestions with a goal of reconsidering Métis

membership and how BC Métis Federation processes membership in the future. The BC Métis Federation board is

reviewing the current bylaws and membership forms and will consider resolutions to further amend legal

documentation for the September 2013 Annual General Meeting.

To read the full 15 page report on the BC Metis Federation website go to:

http://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Metis-Identity-Symposium-2013-FINAL-REPORT21.pdf

The BC Metis Federation is pleased to announce the release of the 12th report of the standing Senate committee on aboriginal peoples of

the Senate of Canada entitled, “The People Who Own Themselves”: Recognition of Métis Identity in Canada.”

The report reflected the results of a cross country study and examined issues around the “evolving legal and political recognition of the

collective identity and rights” of the Metis in Canada. To its credit, the report is a great starting place for anyone wanting a primer on

Metis in Canada and adds to the knowledge base. Four general themes include identity and history, registration and statistical

information, history and genealogy, and relations between Canada and the Metis. The focus was on listening and gathering perspectives.

This important document is another public indicator that the question of meaningful collective Metis identity and fair representation

continue as important considerations. Métis as well as other Canadians want to learn more about the complexities of “being Metis” in

Canada.

In reference to British Columbia Metis, notable academic historian Jean Barman provided her perspectives. As well, esteemed historical

author George Goulet was cited along with BC Metis Federation President Mr. Keith Henry. Mr Henry correctly addresses some of the

inherent challenges of limiting identities among Metis people in British Columbia.

The standing committee can be acknowledged in its effort to stimulate “constructive public discussion.” It’s encouraging to hear about

the need for indigenous oral research to balance the written record for a fuller appreciation.

One is left with the idea that the various representations of Metis identity as described by the participants is much more than about the

mandate of recognition by the federal government for legal and policy purposes. We get a glimpse from some of the participant’s

comments, including that of President Keith Henry from the BC Metis Federation, that there are broader questions of fairness, justice

and inclusion that have to do with the problematic history of Metis/Canadian relations that have yet to be addressed meaningfully.

The report rightfully highlighted the need for more research capacity. Notably, they also encouraged the government to take immediate

steps to better understand who the Metis are and understand to be. This, in the standing committee’s view, means more engagement with

local and regional groups. This is consistent with the view of the BC Metis Federation, an organization committed to public dialogue

and oral research as demonstrated by their recent inaugural Metis identity symposium in May.

The pursuit of clarity and “objectivity” in this study must be balanced with the notion that Canada’s Metis share dynamic and fluid

indigenous identities that they have the historic right to practice. Amidst all the promise and the tensions of identity politics outlined

here, one hopes that this report leads to further dialogue and action at the local and national level that support all the different ways of ”

being Metis.”

The Full Report can be downloaded from the Federal Senate Website:

http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/411/appa/rep/rep12jun13-e.pdf

Many cities and municipalities in Canada annually honor the Métis people and their heroic leader Louis Riel by flying the

Métis Infinity Flag at their city or municipal halls on November 16th, the day of Riel’s unjust execution in 1885. Riel was

executed for high treason under an archaic and inapplicable 534 year old Statute of Treasons of Great Britain.

In the past, cities and municipalities across Canada that have proudly displayed the Métis flag are Chilliwack, Prince George,

Williams Lake, Grand Forks, Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, St. Albert, Regina, Prince Albert,

Toronto, St. Catherines, Welland, Guelph, Oshawa, and others.

Riel, the Father of Manitoba and champion of democracy and human rights for his people and other Westerners, was put on

trial and hanged in Regina, the capital of what is now Saskatchewan. It is fascinating to note that today (more than 125 years

after his execution) the city of Regina flies the Métis flag at its City Hall 365 days a year every year.

In various areas of Canada, Riel has been commemorated by statues, schools, buildings, streets, and a bridge. He has been

memorialized in an opera, a stamp, documentaries, biographies, articles, songs, pop culture and in other areas.

The Province of Manitoba has named its Statutory Family Holiday as Louis Riel Day. In 1992, the Parliament of Canada and

the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba formally recognized the contribution of Louis Riel to the development of the Canadian

Confederation and his role and that of the Métis as Founders of the Province of Manitoba. A monumental statue of Louis

Riel stands adjacent to the Manitoba Legislative Buildings and is accompanied by a plaque outlining this achievement.

Every year on November 16th there is a Provincial Louis Riel Day ceremony and the raising of the Métis flag at the Parliament

Buildings of Ontario. On that date, there is a Louis Riel commemoration held in the rotunda of the Alberta Legislative

Building. Some cities in British Columbia have issued proclamations relating to the Métis. For example, the city of Nanaimo

designated November 12 to November 17, 2012 as “Métis Cultural Awareness Week”. One of the residences for students at

Simon Fraser University is named “Louis Riel House”.

The term “Métis” primarily indicates a person of mixed maternal North American Aboriginal and paternal European ancestry,

mainly French and Scottish. The historical Métis were a unique indigenous people. Trailblazing Métis first arrived in British

Columbia over 200 years ago. They have been called the “children of the fur trade”, who contributed to the exploration and

development of British Columbia and to its history, heritage and culture.

A few of many notable Métis in the history of British Columbia are:

(i) the first Lady of British Columbia Amelia Connolly Douglas (wife of Sir James Douglas, “Father of British Columbia”);

(ii) Joseph William McKay, the Founder of Nanaimo;

(iii) Josette Legacé Work, pioneer Matriarch and grandmother of Métis Premier Simon Fraser Tolmie; and

(iv) Jack Poole, Chairman of the Vancouver Organizing Committee and the Committee that was responsible for bringing the

2010 Winter Olympics to British Columbia.

Continued Next Page…

Continued…”Raising the Métis Flag on Louis Riel Day November 16th 2013”

In recognition of the role that the Métis people played in the history of the Province, the British Columbia Government in its

Order in Council No. 0697 dated May 26, 1993 recognized November 16, 1993 as “Louis Riel Day” and designated that day as

“Métis Day” and perceptively stated in its Proclamation:

“…. the Metis culture, rich in spiritual beliefs and colourful traditions, is an integral part of British Columbia’s multicultural

character, and

…. throughout history, Metis citizens have made significant contributions to the development and success of Our Province.”

In light of the foregoing, it is time that more communities, cities, and the British Columbia Government honour the Métis

annually by displaying the Métis Infinity Flag on November 16th. The British Columbia Métis Federation (BCMF) and its

affiliate community leaders should petition the Provincial Government to designate that November 16th annually be

recognized and designated as “Louis Riel Métis Day” and that the Métis Infinity Flag be raised in front of the Parliament

Buildings on that day.

In conjunction with this petition, BCMF and various Métis community leaders and affiliates should request that local city and

municipal governments also provide for the same annual designation, recognition and raising of the Métis Infinity Flag on

November 16th in their respective jurisdictions.

By taking this type of action, the various levels of government in the Province of British Columbia will honour the notable

contributions that the Métis have made to the history, heritage and culture of the great and beautiful Province of British

Columbia.

Prepared May, 2013 by:

Terry Goulet, B.Sc.(H.Ec.) & George Goulet, B.A., LLB, LLM.

© George and Terry Goulet

(Burnaby, BC) – The BC Métis Federation continued their commitment to supporting Métis cultural revitalization and

education with their second Summer of Culture the annual European Festival held at Swanguard Stadium in Burnaby , BC on

May 25th & 26th 2013. The European Festival brings together several representatives showcasing European culture through

their regalia, songs, dance, and cuisine. Many of the Métis people have strong connections to their European families as well

and over the years efforts have been made to ensure Métis people participate and showcase our collective cultural practices

and distinct identity as Métis were truly the first true Canadians through the intermarriages with Aboriginal people across the

country.

BC Métis Federation worked with the Métis Silver Tip Swingers and the Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society to

put together an authentic Métis display for visitors to learn about the Métis people and our culture.

A Seismic Shift in Métis/Canadian relations by Joe Desjarlais

2013 is shaping up as an eventful time to be Metis in Canada. Amidst all the news items on the BC Métis Federation

website I can think of three recent news events in 2013 that act as a bellwether for the future state of Métis/Canadian

relations.

These three events have challenged the exclusivity of the traditional historical definitions of Métis and has made it difficult

for Métis organizations and for Federal and Provincial government agencies to maintain standard forms of Métis

representation.

In early 2013, the Daniels Case was declared by the Federal Court of Canada. By extending the legal definition of Métis

beyond the Powley Test and by defining Métis as s.91 Indians, Daniels brings Métis communities into conversation with

broader legal discussions on the nation-to-nation relationship as defined in the historical treaty process. This involves

historic ideas like self-determination, self-sufficiency, and self-government.

Last month, Métis people in BC participated in a groundbreaking inaugural Metis Identity Symposium in Canada. I view this

symposium as a public ethical act that demonstrated the ability of an indigenous people to self-determine. Guest

speakers as well as grassroots community members reaffirmed that Canada’s Metis share identities that they have the

historic right to practice. If, as Métis, we give up the right to practice a fluid and dynamic identity, we give up being Métis.

If Metis people don't define themselves, someone will do it for them. There are all kinds of ways of giving up our identity

and we see this in current Métis politics.

The Senate of Canada appears to trend in the similar direction concerning Metis people. Last week the Senate of Canada

released a document that will have far reaching impact. The report rightfully highlighted the need for more research

capacity. Notably, they also encouraged the government to take immediate steps to better understand who the Metis are

and understand themselves to be. This, in the standing committee’s view, means more engagement with local and

regional groups.

One is left with the idea that the various representations of Metis identity as described by the participants in the senate

study is much more than about the mandate of recognition by the federal government for legal and policy purposes. We

get a glimpse from some of the participant’s comments, that there are broader questions of fairness, justice and inclusion

that have to do with the problematic history of Metis/Canadian relations that have yet to be reconciled meaningfully,

including current challenges.

These events and others amount to a seismic shift in the way Metis people are perceived in Canada as Métis people and

communities of interest realign from standard representations to more historic ways of 'being Métis.’

It is of interest that governments in Canada have responded by endorsing and encouraging restricted definitions of Métis

peoples in order to maintain status quo relations. However, the resurgence of distinct historical Métis communities from

Labrador to British Columbia and the heightened awareness of Canada’s colonial history as a result of social movements

like Idle No More make it unlikely that current restricted relational models will hold or remain valid.

I presented a paper at the identity symposium written by myself and Dr. Bruce Shelvey entitled “The Promise and

Possibility of Being Métis in Canada: Practicing Proximity and Living in Translation”. In it we state that the biggest challenge

for Métis peoples will be to construct a positive representation of their communities while remaining fully aware of the

systemic discrimination in Canadian society and the Federal Governments’ past and present assimilationist policies.

How we answer the question of ‘identity’ will largely determine if and how Métis will participate in Canadian society. What

makes the potential success of any representative Métis organization in this new paradigm? I would argue for inclusive

language, not language that restricts and limits. The success of representative organizations in this seismic shift will centre

around their ability to facilitate this discussion rather than get into the business of identity politics.

Statement of Cooperation

Communities

Vancouver Métis Cultural

Society

The NOVA Métis Heritage

Association

Kelly Lake Métis Settlement

Society

Fort St. John Métis Society

North Saanich Michif

Society

Métis Veterans Association

of British Columbia

Cariboo Chilcotin Métis

Association

Northern Interior Métis

Cultural Society

Dawson Creek Métis

Federation

Memorandums of

Understandings

Prince George Urban

Aboriginal Justice Society

White Buffalo Aboriginal

and Metis Health Society

Canadian Aboriginal

Veterans and Serving

Members

Calling all Metis

Communities for Newsletter

Stories

Email to:

e.bitterman@bcmetis.com

For the Summer 2013 Issue

BC Métis Federation Facebook Reports Record Growth

BC Métis Federation’s Facebook page is reporting record growth. Daily updates

and Métis news stories has attracted attention of interested readers across

Canada, and internationally with the majority of users surfing in from British

Columbia. Webmaster for the BC Métis Federation Earlene Bitterman states,

“Facebook has been a communication success to get BC Métis federation news

out to our members.”

This week the total likes have reached 4730 likes, with the highest post of interest

the Human Rights discrimination case with 22,120 total views. Our weekly total

communication reaches 103,633 interested readers!

If you haven’t been to our Facebook page, here’s the link. Like our page, and

share stories with your friends on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/BCMetis

A Big Thanks to All Who

Helped Us Celebrate

“Metis Heritage Days”

in Prince George BC on

June 16th 2013!

(Prince George, BC) – The BC Métis Federation continued their commitment to supporting Métis

cultural revitalization, education, and celebrations with their third Summer of Culture event today at

the Métis Heritage Days in Prince George, BC. The Métis Heritage Days were co-hosted with the

Northern Interior Métis Cultural Society and held at the Fort George Park in Prince George.

BC Métis Federation and Northern Interior Métis Cultural Society worked with many local

organizations and Métis community members to bring together one of the most successful Métis

Heritage Days ever. Several thousand people attended, estimated at the largest crowd ever for this

event. Métis Heritage Days have been held for several years but this is the first year where BC Métis

Federation and Northern Interior Métis Cultural Society co-hosted the event. Once again Kikino Métis

Child and Family Services from Prince George provided strong support and the local MLA

Honourable Shirley Bond, who is also the Provincial Minister for Jobs, Tourism, and Skills

Development and Labour, attended and made strong opening comments that were greatly appreciated.

BC Metis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “This was one of the most powerful Métis cultural

events I have witnessed in our Métis community. There were thousands of people visiting and the

Métis people were so proud to be Métis. BC Métis Federation and our partners continue to lead by

example and provide much need Métis education, cultural celebrations and cultural awareness.”BC

Métis Federation President Henry added, “On behalf of our BC Métis Federation board and leadership

thank you to all of our volunteers including our own BC Métis Federation cultural ambassador Ms.

Beverly Lambert, board member from Terrace Mr. Rene Therrien, and Northern Interior Métis

Cultural Society President Mr. Patrick Pocha. I know how pleased Patrick was with the event noting

his appreciation to so many that assisted and supported his work to ensure this event was a success.

The work together from everyone to support marketing, increasing local awareness, and developing a

cultural program event for all to enjoy ensured Métis Heritage Day was an incredible success.”

Métis

Heritage

Days

Prince

George BC

June 16th

2013

On BeV’S METIS TRAIL “It is our children who give us our purpose to create a better

future”.

My Cultural Journey began in 1996 and I have never regretted one

moment of it and I am the happiest Metis Gypsy woman on earth. I get

to share with you how proud to be Metis we should all be. I have you

the communities to be grateful for, your there beside me and ground me

every day. Here are some special photos and memories I shared with

your loved ones.

My Metis Trail has come full circle last month. I went all the way to

Salmon Arm, NCMA-Gavin Lake BC, Prince George Schools, Fort Mc

Murray School, Fort Mc Murray Local 1935, Performance for

Aboriginal Grad Fort McMurray, Fort McKay, Lac La Biche Metis

Local- Mooshum and Kookum Party, Heart Lake School. Alberta you

rock!! Then all the way back south to Armstrong Roots, and ended in

Winlaw School. Each and every community treated me with so much

love and respect. You will always be in heart and on my mind, sound

familiar, that’s an old song, but it speaks my truth.

Now my adventure is starting in Prince George all over again on June

16th

’s Metis Heritage Days and on stage where it all began. I am

honoured to be with the same people who were there in

1996...beautiful. My theory is the ones that are in it for the right reasons

are still standing.

If you trust your spirits guides and do things from the heart, things just

naturally fall into place...I trust and have faith in the direction with the

BC Metis Federation team. This is not political for me at all, its morals

and family values that are guiding us. When I think of where I am today

and what makes me Happy. MY METIS PRIDE is priority in my Life

and truly dedicate my soul and spirit to the people. This is all a Labor of

Love and not about Power. We must work to protect our grassroots

Culture; it is our responsibility to teach this valuable lesson on to our

Children. We shall celebrate like the good ole days, not dictate. So God

bless and let’s keep on rollin’ down the road on my Metis Red River

Cart….Happy trails!

~Beverly Lambert~

BC Métis Federation Sash

20.00 Adults 10.00 Child Authors George and Terry

Goulet 20.00

BC Métis Federation Sash Pin

5.00

BC Métis Federation Flag

125.00 Métis Infinity Flag 30.00

12,819 People Reached

60,448 People Reached

(Vancouver, BC) The BC Metis Federation celebrated its 2nd anniversary on June 11th

2013 and in those two years has accomplished

remarkable achievements.

BC Metis Federation began 5 years ago as the Coalition of Concerned Metis Citizens (CCMC), a group of Metis people who were indeed

concerned about their representation by the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), the organization recognized by the province of

British Columbia and Government of Canada and primarily funded by the federal government supposedly to benefit all Métis people in

BC.

The catalyst that built CCMC into the BC Metis Federation two years ago was the six key issues and behaviors or intimidation and threats

from those elected to run MNBC, mismanagement of public funding to support the regions and communities, to outright manipulations

of the election process culminating in the extremely poor decision to purchase an old elementary school in Abbotsford without

consultation with MNBC members or a viable business plan that created multi-million dollar debt load today.

Since the beginning for CCMC and now the BC Metis Federation toured every region in the province twice spreading the message of

responsible governance, participatory democracy and cultural support. The approach encouraged inclusion in real conversations with all

Metis people and built relationships throughout the province.

BC Metis Federation President Keith Henry and various supporters such as Vice President Daryl Piper lead those provincial tours; “I saw

Métis people initially frightened to come to our meetings, fearful of what MNBC might do to them if they were found at one of our

meetings and it was sad to see such a dispirited group of men, women and children. We had put together a booklet of financial facts and

figures and a blueprint for rescuing what was left of the remains of MNBC in 2011 and the reality of the dire situation they were in was

finally revealed.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry and the entire board are thrilled at what has happened since those dark winter days traveling the

risky roads of BC to spread the word. “Today” says Mr. Henry, “we have legitimate representative Métis governance including nearly

7,000 members with elected officials and solid organizations in every corner of the province. We hold regular meetings, transparent

elections and organizational workshops where any member is encouraged to step forward with any question about what we are doing

and why. BC Metis Federation does not threaten or try to sue anyone and is open and transparent and we are proud of it.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “It has been a struggle to receive funding and recognition from the province and the federal

government but our recent claim of discrimination with the BC Human Rights Tribunal and Canadian Human Rights Commission has been

accepted and will be heard at both levels of government. In addition we have broken new ground on fundamental issues like Metis

identity by hosting the recent symposium looking for solutions on the whole identity question.”BC Métis Federation President Henry

further added, “Industry have sought our input on their various project plans and we are closely connected now to all levels of

government when it comes to Metis issues. Our support for culture events is unprecedented and communication has been critical. The

BC Métis Federation Facebook page has an average of 60,000 viewers each week and our website has had over 18,000 unique viewers in

the last 7 months alone who looked at over 225,000 pages. Our latest Human Rights Commission news release had nearly 23,000 people

review in only 27 hours. These achievements have been remarkable in such a relatively short time for BC Metis Federation only being two

years old but a very long journey that, in fact, dates back to Louis Riel who sacrificed his life so that Metis people could know the truth

and achieve justice as respected within the cultural fabric and constitution of Canada. We honour such strong historic leaders when we

stand up and do what is right no matter how hard or difficult.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry further concluded, “I cannot believe today is our second year anniversary. Thank you one and all

and the future has never been brighter.”

Sidney BC June 21st 2013

Prince George Metis Elders

June 20th 2013

10:00 am-4:00 pm

Power of Friendship Hall

Prince George BC

The BC Metis Federation is advising members and community partners that an early settlement meeting has been negotiated in

an attempt to resolve the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

The Provincial Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Ministry of Children and Family Development and

representatives of the BC Metis Federation will meet with the mediator appointed by the BC Human Rights Tribunal in October.

BC Metis Federation is pleased that the Provincial Government wants to consider a negotiation process as a means to resolve

this serious situation. In light of the recent Senate Report on Metis identity “time is of the essence”.

BC Metis Federation leaders will continue to advise the membership of next steps and the negotiations and progress will be

updated subject to agreements reached. BC Metis Federation is cautiously optimistic but understands this matter is far from

resolved and each day Metis people across British Columbia are being discriminated by industry and program access as the

Province and MNBC have held a position that you have to be one of their card carrying members, contrary to what the recent

Senate Report now concluded. We will continue to insist the early settlement meeting date is pushed forward but are preparing

for the October date.

Watch the BC Metis Federation website for the updated information. www.bcmetis.com

Comments from our Readers on BC Metis Federations Forum

Topic: BC Métis Federation Looks for Fresh Ideas from Newly Appointed Liberal Cabinet Members

Metis Marg wrote: I am afraid of our future under this provincial government, the only good thing coming out of the gate was not

supporting the Northern Gateway project.Amidst all the aboriginal peaceful protests across this country is one message, “No to

enbridge”, while the federal government is hell bent on running the pipeline to ship to aisa. We need this federal election call NOW

Topic: Long-Term Sustainability Assessment of MNBC Updated BC Métis Federation Financial Review April 2012

Ken G wrote: Thank you for breaking the financial details of the soon to be defunct MNBC organization. The cutbacks I agree is going

to bring about financial stress for many organizations. With the MNBC holding a great debt load we are looking at the end of an

organization (hopefully). The Metis Nation BC has not assisted our communities, and looking forward buying time is all there is, unless

by some miraculous intervention the school sells. The market here in Abbotsford is not hot for a decrepit school that has limited

designation for use. Good luck, it would be like winning the lottery to get the organization out of debt.

Topic: Senate Report on Metis Identity Released June 6th 2013

Sharon E wrote: Now, this is news that makes my heart fly!!! Looks like all the hard work is coming into fruition (attainment of things

desired, realization of hopes and dreams). Thanks to everyone involved with such an important task–congratulations are given to all.

--

BC Metis Federation

300-3665 Kingsway

Vancouver BC

V5R 5W2

604-638-7220

Info@BCMetis.com

Keith Henry, President (North Vancouver): K.Henry@BCMetis.com

Daryl Piper, Vice-President (Burnaby): D.Piper@BCMetis.com

Joe Desjarlais, Secretary (North Vancouver): J.Desjarlais@BCMetis.com

Tim St. Denis, Treasurer (Delta): T.StDenis@BCMetis.com

Rene Therrien, Director (Terrace): R.Therrien@BCMetis.com

Richard Lucier-larson, Director (North Saanich): R.LucierLarson@BCMetis.com

Beverly Lambert, Director (Surrey): B.Lambert@BCMetis.com

Lyle Letendre, Director (Kelly Lake): L.Letendre@BCMetis.com

Earlene Bitterman, Director (Hudson Hope): E.Bitterman@BCMetis.com

Maxine Lavallee, Director (Langley): M.Lavallee@BCMetis.com

Patrick Pocha, Director (Prince George): P.Pocha@BCMetis.com

Wayne Lucier, Director (Williams Lake): W.Lucier@BCMetis.com

Gloria Rendell, Director (Prince Rupert): G.Rendell@BCMetis.com

Prince George BC