The Manitoba Métis Federation has published an announcement, clearly separating themselves from the Métis National Council.
In a new release today, Will Goodon, MMF Minister of Housing and Property Management claimed the MNC was racked with issues, and no longer represents the Métis population.
“It’s clear that they have banded together in an attempt to hide their issues behind the MNC brand and gain the credibility they lack. This is deeply concerning, particularly when we consider the financial impact of their actions – under who’s authority are they making decisions and spending dollars intended for citizens?”
The MNC was once the advocacy body of legitimate Métis people but has seen the departure of the MMF, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation British Columbia in recent years, leaving only Alberta and Ontario as members.
Under the MNC’s by-laws, at least two founding governing members are required to make any decisions, but only one founding member remains from Alberta.
Even within Alberta, both the Métis Settlements of Alberta and the Alberta Métis Federation have clearly stated, as confirmed by the federal court, that the Métis Nation of Alberta does not represent their Citizens, rights, or interests.
MNC has longstanding and well-known issues with its pan-indigenous identity theft.
Goodon says the MNC needs to be addressed and dealt with before the problem gets worse.
"Any partners engaging with the MNC – or worse, providing funding to it – must ask direct and pointed questions about the authority and legitimacy of this body, and take immediate action to mitigate the damage the MNC is doing before it is too late."
This comes after the Manitoba Métis Federation signed their modern treaty of self-governance, cementing them as the Metis Government in Canada.