THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE MÉTIS RESPONDS TO THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE MNBC

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Ottawa, Dec. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Métis National Council (MNC) welcomes the decision of the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to withdraw from the MNC, effective immediately.

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Since its founding in 1983, MNC has been a strong voice for the Métis Nation, representing its interests and aspirations at both the national and international levels. In recent years, the MNC has made significant management changes to further promote equity, inclusion, and collaboration among its Managing Members. MNBC has played an active role in shaping and promoting these changes.

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“We have always believed that we are stronger when we work together, guided by the principles of respect, equality, and collaboration,” said Andrea Sandmaier, MNC Board Member and President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “As a Managing Member of an MNC, MNBC has had every opportunity to participate equally in discussions about governance and financial reform.”

Recent changes, approved by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), directly address concerns about governance equity expressed by the MNBC. These efforts include unanimous decisions aimed at modernizing MNC governance structures, including exploring new methods of capital allocation and giving the next MNC President a clear mandate to continue this progress.

“Assertions that the MNC is undemocratic or unequal are both untrue and unfair,” said Margaret Froh, MNC Board Member and President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “The MNC’s management style is guided by consensus and collaboration, ensuring that all Executive Members’ voices are heard. We are firmly committed to those important principles.”

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The Métis National Council remains committed to advancing the priorities of its members, Métis Governments and their citizens. MNC will continue to advocate for the shared priorities of its Métis Government members, including calls for the federal government to renew and expand its unique relationship with all Métis Nation governments.

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Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through the Canada-Métis Nation Agreement, the MNC commits its Executive Members to advance the rights and interests of the Métis in its territories, including the implementation of the Métis Nation’s inherent right to self-government and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and openness within its operations, as well as in its relationships with the MNC’s Executive Members.

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