Constitution vote would allow Alberta Métis to self-govern; opponents feel under-consulted
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“Part and parcel of truly implementing that self-government is for the Métis themselves to adopt a constitution, which is how they will govern themselves. It sets out clear rights and rules for their own citizens within their government, sets out a legislative branch, and how they will be represented at the local, regional and provincial level.
“But we’ve always known that’s been an awkward fit and isn’t and was never designed for Indigenous self-government.”Another change that would come with the new constitution would be the ability to include Métis customs and traditions in the justice system.Story continues below advertisement “The programs that are designed don’t meet the needs of our community. There might be a program that some of our people who live in a major city could fit into, but some of our people in the northern communities, the small rural communities, they need to be designed ,” said Poitras.The MNA is trying to ratify the constitution because it feels like the federal government imposes rules that don’t fit with Alberta’s unique Métis communities.
Quintal wants the federal government to show up and make sure individual Métis communities are able to seek self-government if they choose.“What we’re looking for from the prime minister and is reassurances and verification that legislation of the MNA constitution is going to have limitations built into it so that Métis communities and settlements have their own ability to self-identify and self represent,” said Quintal.
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