Delegates of the Fall 2021 Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA) gathered in Saskatoon last weekend. The MNLA brings together elected Métis leaders from across the province and serves as the legislative arm of the Métis Nation Government of Saskatchewan.
After the previous MNLA was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delegates were able to gather safely in person with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. President Glen McCallum said, “It’s great to finally gather in the same room with our leaders from across the province as we get down to the business of government. The Métis Nation Legislative Assembly is the heart of our government, and I always look forward to getting direction from our legislators to keep moving the business of our nation forward.”
Joining the delegates were honoured guests, including the President of the Métis National Council, Cassidy Caron, and Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, both of whom brought greetings to help open the proceedings. Mayor Clark expressed his appreciation to the community and intention to pursue further government-to-government initiatives that strengthen Métis opportunities and well-being.
The Assembly also saw the signing of a precedent-setting agreement between the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and MN–S. The first-of-its-kind agreement will ensure the university will rely on the objectively verifiable MN–S Citizenship Registry to assess eligibility for Métis based opportunities at the university.
The new Provincial Métis Youth Council (PMYC) President Autumn LaRose-Smith was also in attendance and has officially assumed her responsibilities with the weekend’s swearing-in ceremony. Welcoming her to the table, President McCallum said, “Our youth are a strong component in our MN–S government. We look forward to increasing the profile of the PMYC portfolio as our new elected youth president engages more of our young people.”
The MNLA provided a forum for productive discussions, deliberations and decisions. Delegates attended a full day of dialogue forums on MN–S Constitutional Reform, Harvesting Rights, Health Legislation, and the MN–S Residential School Commission. Several resolutions were passed during the MNLA including a motion to dissolve the Provincial Métis Housing Corporation (PMHC) and officially move its operations under the umbrella of the MN–S Ministry of Housing.
The Métis Government of Saskatchewan will also appoint a new special commissioner tasked with strengthening engagement of Métis Locals at the community level.
The livestream from this weekend will be available in the archive of past MNLA sessions.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is the recognized government of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan. MN–S is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values and language. MN–S works to advance Métis rights and recognition. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of more than 80,000 Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional and provincial levels.