Consultation

The Canadian and Alberta governments have been slow to recognize and consult with the Mountain Métis. Much work needs to be done in establishing a meaningful connection with the industry sector and various levels of government.

The Mountain Métis are committed to opening up a dialogue with industry and government in order to have meaningful consultation. By nature, the Mountain Métis have been businessmen and have over 200 years in land management expertise. Consultation is critical in order to come up with effective land management plans.

Further consultation between the Canadian Federal Government is also needed. The Federal Government has been slow in acknowledging the Mountain Métis. The Local wishes to look to a more meaningful dialogue with Parks Canada.

The Alberta Government has also been slow to recognize the Mountain Métis. Various high level representatives have been instrumental in helping to address years of neglect by bringing the plight of the Mountain Métis community to the Alberta Government’s attention. We are most hopeful as a result of this change in attitude.

For further inquiries related to Industry and Traditional Land Use, please email kristinamna@telus.net/ mna1994@telus.net.

Métis Are Included in Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867

This included dealing with the Métis—as “Indians” under s. 91(24)—both prior to and post Confederation.

In order to achieve its expansionist goals, Canada needed to facilitate positive “relationships” with the large and diverse Aboriginal population it encountered.

As such, the Court issued a declaration that the Métis are included in s. 91(24). Métis were considered “Indians” for the purposes of pre-Confederation treaties such as the Robinson Treaties of 1850 (para. 24). Many post-Confederation statutes considered Métis to be “Indians” (para. 24), including an amendment to the Indian Act in 1894 to include “Halfbreeds” in liquor prohibitions.