Métis Nation British Columbia facts for kids
MNBC logo since 2019
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| Abbreviation | MNBC |
|---|---|
| Formation | October 23, 1996 |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Headquarters | 380 – 13401 108 Ave. Surrey, British Columbia, V3T 5T3 |
| Location | |
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Region served
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British Columbia |
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Membership (2024)
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27,000 |
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President
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Walter Mineault |
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Vice President
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Melanie Allard |
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Budget (2021)
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$79 million CAD |
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Formerly called
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Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia |
The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is a group that helps and represents Métis people living in British Columbia, Canada. It's like a special organization that works to make sure Métis voices are heard and their rights are protected. The MNBC also provides important programs and services to its members. Both the government of British Columbia and the Canadian government recognize MNBC as the main group representing Métis people in this area.
The MNBC says it represents over 27,000 registered members. It also speaks for more than 98,000 people in British Columbia who identify as Métis. The organization includes 39 'chartered communities'. Its main goal is to stand up for Métis rights in the province.
Contents
What is the Métis Nation British Columbia?
The MNBC is a nonprofit group. This means it works to help people, not to make money. It was first started in 1996. Until November 2024, it was part of the Métis National Council. The MNBC is officially recognized by both the provincial and federal governments. This means they are seen as the official voice for Métis people in British Columbia.
The MNBC works to protect the rights of Métis people. These rights are special rights that Indigenous peoples have in Canada. The organization also offers many programs. These programs help members with things like education, housing, and jobs.
How Did the MNBC Start?
The MNBC began as a society on October 23, 1996. It was first called the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia.
Becoming the Métis Nation British Columbia
On September 27, 2003, the group officially became the Métis Nation British Columbia. This was a big step for the organization.
In 2006, the MNBC signed an important agreement. It was called the Métis Nation Relationship Accord. This agreement was made with the government of British Columbia. It focused on improving health, housing, job opportunities, and education for Métis people.
Working with Other Indigenous Groups
The MNBC sometimes has discussions with other Indigenous groups. These talks are important for everyone to understand each other's needs.
Discussions with First Nations
In 2021, some First Nations groups in British Columbia shared their thoughts on a report from the MNBC. These groups included the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. They talked about the MNBC's report, which was called "A Tale of Two Nations: Highlighting the Inequities of the Treatment of the Métis in BC".
The First Nations groups had concerns about the report. They felt it tried to claim special rights in areas that are not traditionally Métis lands. They believed that self-governance should happen on lands that belong to each specific group.
Changes in National Representation
The MNBC has also made changes in how it works with national Métis organizations.
Leaving the Métis National Council
In October 2024, the Métis Nation British Columbia decided not to attend a big meeting of the Métis National Council. They had concerns about how the Council was being run. This was after another group, the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan, had already left.
The Manitoba Métis Federation also left the Council in 2021. Their concerns were similar. They worried about how new members, like the Métis Nation of Ontario, were being included. They also wanted to make sure that members' heritage was properly checked.
On November 30, 2024, the MNBC officially voted to leave the Métis National Council completely. They felt that the Métis Nation of Alberta, as the only original member left, had too much power. The MNBC believed their own voice was not being heard enough.
In April 2025, the MNBC signed a new agreement. This agreement was for cooperation with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. This shows they are working together with other Métis groups.
