Métis Nation of Alberta President Delighted with Prime Minister’s Acknowledgement of Métis as a distinct Nation of Aboriginal Peoples

(Edmonton, AB) – April 19, 2004 -- Métis leadership attending the Canada-Aboriginal People’s Roundtable in Ottawa are delighted by the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement of the Métis as a distinct Nation of Aboriginal people in Canada.

In his opening statement at the historic gathering, Prime Minister Paul Martin said, “There is also no question that we need to strengthen our relationship with the Métis Nation in Canada. It is time to recognize the contributions the Métis Nation has made, and continues to make, in this country.” Martin becomes the first sitting Prime Minister in Canadian history to recognize the Métis as a Nation.

Audrey Poitras, Vice-President of the Métis National Council and President of the Métis Nation of Alberta says, “This a very exciting day for the Métis. Although long overdue, I commend the Prime Minister for his respectful acknowledgement of the Métis Nation.”

Poitras highlighted the importance of the Prime Minister’s choice of words. “For generations, Canada has not formally recognized the existence of the Metis Nation as a distinct Aboriginal people included within s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This position can no longer be sustained with the Prime Minister’s recognition of the Metis Nation. Further, with the Supreme Court’s decision in R. v. Powley which affirms Metis are a ‘full fledged rights bearing people’, the Metis Nation is about to engage in a new and exciting journey in this country in order to finally take our proper place within the Canadian federation.”

In his closing statement, Prime Minister Martin made the commitment “to have a tangible recognition of Louis Riel’s contribution to the Métis Nation and to Canada as a whole.”

Poitras says Canada’s commitment to finally engage in a process recognizing the historic Métis leader is inspiring for the Métis in their continued pursuit of self-governance.

Poitras adds, “More than one hundred years ago, Louis Riel began the struggle on behalf of the Métis to gain the respect and recognition deserved from the Government of Canada. Today’s commitment from Prime Minister Martin to recognize the contribution of Louis Riel in the creation of Canada and the Prime Ministers acknowledgment of the Metis as a Nation is a significant turning point in the relationship between Canada and the Métis.”