Métis flag. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Unique Opportunity

Métis Nation taking part in United Nations forum to discuss residential schools, self-governance

Apr 15, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Members of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are in New York taking part in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

President Glen McCallum, Vice President Michelle LeClair, and MN–S delegates plan on speaking with people from different countries across the world about the horrors Métis people faced in residential schools.

“Our Survivors have such a compelling message of resilience for this audience, having lived through the traumas of a system that robbed them of their childhood, culture, and language,” LeClair said. “Still, they have maintained a strong Métis identity and will share experiences not unlike those witnessed in other countries around the globe.”

The MN–S is planning on holding a side event on Monday where survivors will share their stories and provide details on a new class action lawsuit against Canada and Saskatchewan. Elder Antoinette LaFleur, Elder Emile Janvier, and Louis Gardiner, who are all survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse boarding school, will be attending the UNPFII.

“MN–S will stress the urgent nature for both Canada and Saskatchewan to respond now to the Survivors’ call for proper recognition and ask the UN delegates to join us in our call to action,” added LeClair.

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This isn’t the only the MN–S plans on talking about while in New York.

They’re aiming to discuss Métis Self-Government Recognition legislation with hopes of gaining advocates on the international stage.

“We are on the verge of self-governance in Canada, yet so many Métis issues are still not being addressed. We will bring that message to the world’s attention through the United Nations,” added McCallum. “To share our Saskatchewan Métis government perspectives and be heard by the esteemed global community is an opportunity for us to express pride in our Métis identity, culture, and values comfortably, confidently – and in our own language.”

He’s scheduled to take part in the MNC, Canada, and Denmark side event “Legislating Indigenous Voices” on Tuesday.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow