Métis Nation—Saskatchewan facts for kids

The Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S or MNS) is a recognized government that represents Métis people in Saskatchewan, Canada. It works with the Métis National Council. Glen McCallum became president in 2017 and was re-elected in 2021.

This government is led by an elected group called the Provincial Métis Council. Saskatchewan is divided into 12 regions. People in each region vote for their representative to join this Council. Inside these regions are smaller groups called Métis locals, each with an elected president. All these groups, along with youth and women's representatives, meet twice a year at the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly. They discuss important matters for the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan. The Métis Nation Legislative Assembly is the main governing body for the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan.

The government was first called Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. Its name changed to Métis Nation—Saskatchewan on November 18, 2000.

History of Métis Governance

Early Métis Governments in Saskatchewan

The first Métis governments in what is now Saskatchewan started before the 1870 Red River Resistance. They grew quickly after that event. Communities like Duck Lake, St. Laurent, and Batoche grew along the South Saskatchewan River.

On December 10, 1872, these communities formed the Council of St. Laurent. Gabriel Dumont was their president. This council managed the settlements, made laws, and handled military matters. They created laws known as the Laws of St. Laurent. These laws were based on the Laws of the Buffalo Hunt. This council set an example for all future Métis political actions in Saskatchewan.

The Métis Provisional Government

The Métis people in the Southbranch Settlement were worried about new settlers. They wanted to secure ownership of their lands. They asked the Government of Canada for land titles, but felt ignored. So, the Council of St. Laurent asked Louis Riel to return from Montana to lead them again.

Riel then set up the Provisional Government of Saskatchewan in Batoche on March 19, 1885. This led to the North-West Resistance. The Canadian government sent soldiers, and the Métis government was defeated at the Battle of Batoche.

Starting Political Movements

The North-West Resistance caused many Métis to lose their homes and communities. They tried farming and other ways to make a living. However, the Dust Bowl and Great Depression of the 1930s left many Métis very poor.

Around this time, Métis community councils began to form. They organized like worker unions and called their groups "locals." This helped Métis people become more aware of their rights and demand recognition.

In 1935, the first Métis provincial political group was formed by Joe Ross. It was called Half-breeds of Saskatchewan. This group aimed to help Métis people during the Great Depression. They wrote their first constitution in 1937 and changed their name to the Saskatchewan Métis Society.

Another group, the Saskatchewan Métis Association, formed in 1943. It represented Métis people in northern Saskatchewan. Both groups grew strong, but internal disagreements and World War II caused them to break up.

The Métis political movement started again in the 1960s. In 1964, the Métis Association of Saskatchewan formed for Northern Métis. In 1965, the Métis Society of Saskatchewan formed for Southern Métis. They realized working together was better. In 1967, they joined to become the Métis Society of Saskatchewan.

The organization changed its name several times:

• Association of Métis and Non-Status Indians of Saskatchewan (AMNSIS) in 1975.
• Métis Society of Saskatchewan in 1988, focusing only on Métis people.
• Métis Nation of Saskatchewan in 1993, declaring itself a Métis government.
• Finally, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan in 2000.

How the Métis Government Works Today

Modern Political Structures

In 1993, the Métis of Saskatchewan met to create the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. They adopted a constitution and declared it a self-governing body. The first meeting of the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly happened in 1994.

Self-Government Efforts

The Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) was created to be the government for Métis people in Saskatchewan. They want to be recognized as a distinct group with their own rights and self-determination. They aim to be a "third order of government" in Canada.

MN-S has been working under laws for non-profit organizations. While they have pushed to shape their own governance, these laws limit how much they can be truly self-governing.

Métis people in Canada have been fighting for their Indigenous rights. For a long time, neither the Saskatchewan nor Canadian governments wanted to negotiate with the Métis. After a court decision called Daniels v Canada, the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation signed an agreement on April 13, 2017. This agreement, the Canada–Métis Nation Accord, aimed to improve their relationship. It also sought to address past wrongs and recognize Métis rights.

On July 20, 2018, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan and Canada signed the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation. This agreement set up how they would negotiate shared goals. As talks continued, MN-S, along with Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation of Alberta, signed the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement with Canada on June 27, 2019.

MN-S had supported Bill C-53, a federal bill from 2023. This bill would create a plan to recognize the right to self-determination for MN-S and other Métis groups. However, in April 2024, MN-S stopped supporting it. They felt the "one-size-fits-all" approach was not right. In May 2024, MN-S announced its own proposed self-determination treaty. It is called Kishchi Mashinaayikun Ooshchi Michif (meaning "The sacred document of the Métis"). MN-S plans to present this to the federal government in 2025 after its citizens approve it.

The Métis Act

In 2002, the Government of Saskatchewan passed The Métis Act. The Constitution of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan says that MN-S is a self-governing group. It separates their political role as a government from their role as a non-profit that provides services.

The Métis Act was the first law in Canada to recognize the political goals of the Métis. It created a process where elected Métis Nation—Saskatchewan leaders can negotiate as equals with the Saskatchewan government. This is a big step in recognizing MN-S as a governing body, even if it doesn't fully call them a "government."

Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Structure

The Métis Nation—Saskatchewan uses traditional Métis ways of governing. This includes involving everyone and using community councils.

Locals: Community Hubs

Métis Locals are important community centers in Saskatchewan. They act as representatives, advocates, and protectors of culture. Locals are the basic unit of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. They work at the community level, similar to voting districts in other governments.

Each Métis local is a key community hub with many purposes. They are a voice for citizens through their elected representatives. They also help provide programs and services, like support for education, healthcare, and housing. Locals speak up for their members on community issues. They also play a big role in keeping Métis culture alive. They organize events to share Métis culture, values, and language. This helps build a strong sense of identity and community. Locals work with schools, organizations, and governments. This ensures Métis rights are protected and their history is known.

Each local has elected leaders. These leaders might include an executive or a board of directors. Locals can also become officially registered organizations. They are responsible for preparing communities for self-government. They can also seek money and resources for their programs. To be an active local, a group must have at least nine members. They must hold leadership elections every one to three years. A Métis citizen can only belong to one local at a time. They must usually live in the local's area for at least six months before joining.

Urban Councils

The Constitution of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan allows for urban councils. In big cities, there might be more than one local. These urban locals can form an urban council if they choose. This helps them work towards self-government.

Regions: Connecting Communities

Map of the 12 regions of Métis Nation—Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is divided into 12 Métis Nation—Saskatchewan regions:

• Northern Region I
• Northern Region II
• Northern Region III
• Eastern Region I
• Eastern Region II
• Eastern Region IIa
• Eastern Region III
• Western Region I
• Western Region Ia
• Western Region II
• Western Region IIa
• Western Region III

Each region has a regional council. This council includes the local presidents from that region. The area director leads the regional council and represents the region on the Provincial Métis Council. Regional councils help support locals in becoming self-governing. They also help provide money and resources for programs and services. They guide their area director on the goals for the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan in their region.

Executive Leaders

The Métis Nation—Saskatchewan has four executive members:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

These leaders are elected by all Métis citizens in Saskatchewan. Their terms last four years. The president is the main spokesperson for the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. They assign different responsibilities to others, with approval from the Provincial Métis Council and the Legislative Assembly.

Provincial Métis Council

The Provincial Métis Council makes sure the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan runs smoothly. Its members also serve as directors for the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Secretariat Inc.

The Council usually has 18 members:

• Four executive members.
• Twelve elected regional representatives (one from each region).
• One representative from the Métis Women of Saskatchewan (Les Filles de Madeleine).
• One representative from the Provincial Métis Youth Council.

The Provincial Métis Council acts like the cabinet of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan government. They are given specific areas of responsibility by the President. Each member makes sure that the groups, departments, and programs in their area have enough money and resources. They also lead the groups that are part of their responsibility. Regional representatives serve four-year terms.

Métis Nation Legislative Assembly

The Métis Nation Legislative Assembly is the main governing body of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. It includes the Provincial Métis Council, four representatives from Métis Women of Saskatchewan, four from the Provincial Métis Youth Council, and all local presidents (or their vice presidents).

At least 75 members must be present for a meeting to happen. The Assembly is supposed to meet at least twice a year. The Métis Nation Legislative Assembly can create laws, rules, and decisions for the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. This includes approving the budget and guiding the actions of Métis citizens.

The Assembly chooses a speaker and a deputy speaker. They lead the meetings, manage discussions, and keep order. They can ask Dumont's Scouts to remove members who disrupt the meeting. The speaker and deputy speaker also lead the Annual General Assembly. They serve for two years and can be reappointed.

Dumont's Scouts are appointed to help keep order in the Assembly. They are usually Métis veterans. Members of the Legislative Assembly can be given special responsibilities. This was expanded to include more members, not just those on the Provincial Métis Council.

Les Filles de Madeleine: Women's Voice

Les Filles de Madeleine is the organization in Saskatchewan that represents Métis Nation women. Its board of directors has one member elected from each of the 12 regions.

Their goals are:

• To create programs and services that help Métis women and address their unique needs.
• To ensure a strong working relationship between the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan and Métis women's groups. This supports the needs of women at local and national levels.

Their specific objectives include:

• Talking with local groups to find out what Métis women and families need.
• Developing support services and finding money for them.
• Providing programs and services that are sensitive to Métis culture.
• Working with other organizations to access programs for Métis women and families.
• Sharing information with the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan about women's needs.
• Supporting the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan in getting resources and developing programs for Métis women.
• Helping the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan advance Métis rights, including self-government.
• Supporting efforts to have Métis rights recognized in Canada's Constitution or Saskatchewan laws.

Provincial Métis Youth Council

The Provincial Métis Youth Council makes sure that the voices of young people are heard in the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan government. Including youth helps ensure their issues are not forgotten. It also provides chances for mentoring future Métis leaders. This brings different parts of the Métis population together to work as one.

Senate: Wisdom and Guidance

The Senate of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan has a mostly ceremonial role. They offer opening and closing prayers at the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly. They also provide advice and guidance to the Assembly.

The Senate works together to represent and protect the best interests of the Métis people. They also protect the Constitution of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. Senators are expected to dedicate time to their work. The Senate was created to honor the important role of elders in traditional Métis communities.

When the Senate was first created, it had more power. It acted as the judicial branch, solving disputes between regions and locals. It also oversaw elections and managed the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan during election periods. However, the Senate's authority was reduced in 2008.

General Assembly: Citizen Forum

The General Assembly is a political meeting for all Métis citizens in Saskatchewan. It meets once a year. Here, Métis citizens receive information from their government. They can review documents and give advice to the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly. They also discuss, change, and vote on updates to the Constitution of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan.

Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Secretariat Inc.

The Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Secretariat Inc. is the administrative body for the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. It carries out the policies and programs decided by the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. This is because the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan is recognized as the elected government of Métis citizens. However, it must operate through non-profit structures until it is formally recognized as a third order of government.

The Government of Saskatchewan passed The Métis Act in 2002. This law aims to strengthen Métis governance through partnerships. It established the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Secretariat Inc. under this Act.

Affiliates: Supporting Communities

Métis Nation—Saskatchewan has created several organizations called affiliates. These groups support the needs of Métis citizens in Saskatchewan. They include:

• Back to Batoche
• Clarence Campeau Development Fund
• Gabriel Dumont Institute
• Métis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan (MACSI)
• Provincial Métis Housing Corporation (PMHC)
• SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation (SMEDCO)

The Métis Nation Legislative Assembly oversees these affiliates. The member of the Assembly responsible for an affiliate acts as its chairperson. However, under non-profit laws, these affiliates are separate from the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan.

Métis Nation—Saskatchewan was a founding member of the Métis National Council (MNC). The MNC represents Métis governments in different provinces. In September 2024, MN-S left the Council. This was mainly due to disagreements over the MNC continuing to include the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Becoming a Métis Nation Citizen

In 2000, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan officially adopted the National Definition of Métis:

1. Definition (updated January 2004)

• Métis means a person who identifies as Métis. They are distinct from other Indigenous peoples. They have historic Métis Nation Ancestry and are accepted by the Métis Nation.
• "Historic Métis Nation" refers to the Indigenous people known as Métis or Half-breeds who lived in the Historic Métis Nation Homeland.
• "Historic Métis Nation Homeland" is the area in west-central North America that was the traditional territory of the Métis.
• "Métis Nation" refers to the Indigenous people descended from the Historic Métis Nation. It now includes all Métis Nation citizens. It is one of the "aboriginal" peoples of Canada under section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982.
• "Distinct from other Aboriginal peoples" means distinct for cultural and nationhood reasons.

To make sure the citizenship process followed this definition, the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan approved the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan Citizenship Act. This Act explains how the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Registry is set up. It also covers how the Registrar is appointed and how citizenship is registered.

See also

• Politics of Saskatchewan