July 20, 2018 Batoche, SK Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Métis Nation-Saskatchewan

The Government of Canada and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan are working together through a respectful and co-operative dialogue to advance reconciliation and renew their relationship for the benefit of Métis in Saskatchewan and all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Glen McCallum, President of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan marked a key milestone on the road to reconciliation by signing a historic Framework Agreement. The signing took place at the Back to Batoche Festival.

Under the Framework Agreement, the parties will begin negotiations toward shared and balanced solutions that promote a lasting and meaningful reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan citizens.

The Framework Agreement establishes a process for discussions about developing a government-to-government relationship between the Crown and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. It also sets out key priorities and topics for future negotiations, including self-government and self-determination.

Quotes

“Today we are celebrating a key step to strengthen our government-to-government relationship with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. With this framework in place, we are set to move ahead together to find shared solutions that will help close socio-economic gaps and advance our journey toward reconciliation for everyone’s benefit.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“The framework provides meaningful recognition that Métis people in Saskatchewan have been a part of this land and have contributed to the development of Canada over the past 150 years. This is a historic day and from this framework, we can move forward together to address the issues that affect Métis people and Canada: specifically to advance outstanding Métis claims, support for our government and ensuring our people are supported properly.”

Glen McCallum,

President Métis Nation-Saskatchewan

Quick Facts

– Métis Nation-Saskatchewan represents the Métis people of Saskatchewan and is affiliated with the Métis National Council.

– On February 22, 2018, Canada and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding for exploratory talks on reconciliation.

– These discussions led to today’s signing of the Framework Agreement.

– The rights and interests of third parties, other Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will be respected and addressed during the negotiations.

Associated Links

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan

Exploring New Ways of Working Together

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For more information, media may contact:

James Fitz-Morris

Director of Communications and Issues Management

Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett

819-997-0002

Media Relations

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

819-953-1160

Bonnie Leask

Creative Fire

306-202-7572

News release download:  MN-S-Government of Canada-Northern Affairs-Reconciliation Negotiations-News Release-2018.07.20

Backgrounder Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation download:  Advancing Reconciliation Backgrounder

FAQ download:  MN-S-Government of Canada-FAQs-Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation-2018.07.17