Dear Métis people and communities;
The BC Métis Federation was first to report this last week about the recent meeting MNBC representatives attended in Calgary with Enbridge. It has become clear why MNBC representatives continue to meet with Enbridge given the announcement of the Northern Gateway Pipelines project summit now scheduled for March 14th and 15th in Grand Prairie, Alberta presented by Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), and Métis National Council (MNC).
MNBC, MNA, and MNC have put their organizations front and center to host a summit to discuss the project, procurement, access to capital, etc. The scheduling of this summit presents the true picture of what MNBC, MNA, and MNC are supporting regarding the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines project. By stark contrast MNBC officials have attended as interveners in the ongoing Joint Review Panel process that is reviewing the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project in behalf of the National Energy Board. MNBC officials have stated repeatedly that MNBC has not taken any position regarding this deeply divisive project. In fact MNBC has stated a decision would be made at the upcoming Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA) March 9th and 10th in Richmond. Clearly MNBC, MNA, and MNC are supporting the project in light of this summit although the mandate of any of these organizations is questionable at best and any public presentations at the Joint Review Panel are not straight forward.
The true risk here is twofold. First in terms of how Enbridge will consider this summit a form of consultation and there will be an accurate record of all discussions that will be entered in their consultation process by Enbridge. This has a direct impact on all Métis communities when future decisions are made by the Joint Review Panel in consideration of the potential impacts on Métis people. The Métis people of Kelly Lake have historic connections in Northeast BC as well into Grand Prairie. The Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society (KLMSS) was not made aware of this event in any manner prior to this announcement and would not have supported any such event at this time. The lack of protocol and meaningful consultation by Enbridge has driven most all of the First Nations in British Columbia to fight this project aggressively and to many observers, they really are not that surprised by this action. KLMSS will be in discussions with various First Nation leaders to consider how to address this summit given the surprise position of the MNBC to present this event right in their backyard with absolutely no consultation. These acts showcase the absolute contempt MNBC has for any community input on display once more.
The second risk is the position and legitimacy of MNBC to support the project without community understanding, awareness, and mandate. MNBC has never been mandated to sign any agreements with Enbridge regarding the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project and why did MNBC leaders agree to “present” this summit? It appears MNBC (as well as MNA and MNC) are deeply committed as presenters and raises the question whether or not they have already signed the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project “equity deal” without being honest with the Métis people in BC and elsewhere? I have repeatedly stated that most Métis people in BC are not in favour of this project for a variety of reasons. The number one Métis concern at this time focuses on the importance of respecting the position of the First Nations in BC who have legitimate claim to the land and have committed to fight the project at every step, regardless of any Prime Minister statements.
This is another example of the lengths MNBC, MNA, and MNC will go to in the midst of the overall Aboriginal controversy facing the project from Alberta, British Columbia, and North West Territories. These organizations do not have any “land” and there is no legitimate need to have a Northern Gateway Pipelines Project summit as the Joint Review Panel process will take the next two years to complete. There most certainly will be legal opposition by various environmental and First Nation interests that will further delay and result in the stopping of this project. Any summit about future Northern Gateway Pipelines Project work that could be decades away, if ever, is only a cash grab by MNBC, MNA, and MNC.
I strongly encourage all Métis people to understand the seriousness of what could unfold here and not to consider attending or supporting this summit. The lack of leadership by MNBC, MNA, and MNC will put Métis people in direct conflict with the majority of First Nations who are determined to stop this project by any means. It appears MNBC, MNA, and MNC are making decisions in complete isolation of many of their own Métis people, including Kelly Lake who rejects any participation. Finally MNBC actually has their Métis Skills and Employment Center listed as “workforce development”, the same place that is currently up for sale.
I hope Métis people will review our online questionnaire regarding your position on the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project located on our website and complete so the BC Métis Federation can take your voice forward. The survey is open until the end of February and we continue discussions with key First Nation leaders to consider mutual interests. The decision by MNBC, MNA, and MNC to act as presenters for this Summit is very concerning. Time to get involved by registering your position through our online poll and do not attend this summit.
Thank you,
Keith Henry
President
cc BCMF Board of Directors
BCMF Members
Métis People of BC
MLAs
Click here to download this letter in PDF format.
MNBC/MNA/MNC Gateway Summit
Tansi All:
Again the Grassroots left out, It seems the only thing the MNBC and others under the MNC want is our numbers.
I hear Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont rolling in their graves.
Richard Lucier-larson
Well folks!
Once again they have taken a stand without consultation. This pep rally for Endbridge has MNBC front and centre. But then even when MNBC comes to the MNGA and asked for support they know they will get it. The Community Presidents are a bunch of Lemmings who gave the MNBC a carte blanche to make what ever loans they deemed necessary. Why shouldn’t they be expected to follow once again in voting for this endeavour. This is where we have fallen short, right here, at the MNGAs. No longer do I point to the head clowns of this this three ring circus, I also point to the supporting cast of Community Presidents. IMO.
How can a decision be made at the MNGA when there been no community meetings at all in the city of prince george or for that matter anywhere in the province of BC, It is quite apparent that MNBC will sell out our communities for profit, our people respect the first nations. I noticed this meeting is out of province, bruce dumont is too chicken to actually hold a meeting in the province of BC to explain themselves.
The resolution that makes communities “RIVALS” could also be used to ram the support through for this pipeline. If you were a president that actually listens to the people, and you voted against the support, you could be a rival, as the decision has already been made. You are right in speaking with our first nations cousins they believe we are ‘sell outs’ I had to tell them it was only a select few people making these decisions, as it was not our community as a whole, and refereed to the news story in regards to the first nations chiefs being bought.
MNBC, MNA and MNC are all nefarious panderers. Basically what they are doing is accepting payola while Metis citizens impacted by any consequences of this pipeline get nothing. IMO
As you all witness with your own eyes what the MNBC is doing,the best solution is to strongly support the grass roots movement, the BCMF.
One voice is small, alot of voices is listened to and respected.
Only through membership numbers, transparency, accountability and strong support from people like you, as Metis, gain anything.
Please, get your membership applications in as soon as possible, and spread the word
for your friends and relatives to do the same.
In the panel review hearing on February 2nd in Fort St James here are a few of Gary Ducommun’s statements
1. Since the last time that I spoke to the Panel, which was in Prince George 10 days or so ago, I have received a number of e-mails and a number of calls
indicating that Métis Nation B.C.’s position is not strong enough, that we might be sitting on the fence and not either — either saying that we support or that we oppose the Enbridge project. And to that, I would say we are in an information-gathering phase. It is the intent of the leadership of Métis Nation B.C. to come out with a position in their March Métis Nation Governing Assembly and that it would be presumptuous of me to get out ahead of our political leadership.
2. So those are the kinds of concerns that Métis people have told us. Those are the kinds of concerns that will partially inform our leadership when they make their decision and, personally, I can tell you that I have not spoken to a single Métis who is in favour of this project going forward at this point.
3. So I guess just in closing, I’d like to indicate that Métis Nation B.C. does not support the project.
4. At this point, Métis Nation B.C. does not oppose the project, but that that is a balance that will be settled in March. And it’s my intent that — we know that the Panel is meeting after that meeting of our Métis Nation Governing Assembly — that we would have the official position of Métis Nation B.C. at that point.
Very confused after the statements? Definately left questions open to official standpoint. With this recent development in regards to economic development it is apparent the MNC, MNA and MNBC have signed onto some kind of equity deal, or they would not be involved in such…
Thank you for the words spoken by Mr. Ducommun once more.
This description of the official position of the MNBC is flip flop… A major indicator is what we see out this week, an alleged Enbrideg Forum focusing on the economic benefits only one week after the MNGA he refers to.
First why does MNBC believe this issue needs to be at the MNGA when the Metis communities who they have a relationship and identified in the Northern Gateway application (Terrace, Smithers, Fort St. James, Prince George, and Dawson Creek) have not held community voting in any manner? How much consultation did MNBC do to inform these people so they better understand the impacts? Where are the minutes? What was the role of BCMANR? I repeat how many of these community people feel they can make an informed decision about whether to approve this project or not?
Second how can the MNGA as a governing body vote to approve this project. There is no resolution in the MNGA resolutions packages although it was made clear by MNBC staff that all resolutions had to be filed by the end of January. MNBC going to bend the rules once more, just as they did when improperly brought a surprise borrowing resolution at their last MNBC AGM?
Third, according to the MNGA Act resolutions are given first reading only and require a certain threshold support. They are NOT adopted until they recieve final approval after the AGM. So even if MNGA delegates voted to support the project, it would not be binding on the MNBC until after the next AGM where it would be given final reading.
Fourth why would MNBC leaders even consider allowing a vote of this magnitude by communities who are not impacted? Does this should like proper protocol? I mean what if the Prince George, Terrace vote against the project while enough of the other communities for in favour who are not impacted like Trail and Salmon Arm vote. Does this make sense to anyone?
Gary is trying to backtrack as I am sure he is aware that most Metis people respect First Nations protocol and know there is absolutely no need to even make a decision to support this project at this time. Most municipal towns are taking this position while some now are coming out against. The Terrace Mayor and Council have voted to oppose the project.
However, if MNBC has signed the equity deal with Enbridge then come clean and admit it and explain to the people of BC what this means.
Mr. Ducommun should be ashamed of himself for playing games with his words and speaking with a forked tongue.
The fact is MNBC is in financial ruin becuase of this line of behaviour time and time and time again.
Be truthful MNBC and answer did you already sign the equity deal to support the project?
So what exactly is the MNBC stance on enbridge? Your right the statements by Ducommun appears to jump back and forth,
when the gathering advertises economic opportunities…… This is a sell out! i am embarrassed to call myself – “Metis”
I have a concern, not only Kelly Lake has territorial rights in the north! All Metis who live in the peace river country have rights in which the BC government has the obligation and duty consult! Metis people are spread across the peace river country not just a small territorial border someone wished to create! Your quote:” The Métis people of Kelly Lake have historic connections in Northeast BC as well into Grand Prairie.” Do you historical research BCMF before you give one group more rights over being consulted on this pipeline
I agree Metis. It is not just about Kelly Lake or even about just the impact on Metis people across the Peace River.
If this pipeline is built it also means the risk of massive oil spills from super tankers – that affects coastal BC.
Mr. Métis:
I disagree, this is not a time to be embarrassed , it is time to reflect on why we are in this condition in the Métis Nation.
It’s even more important to get informed, get involved and to work on a method on this not happening in the future.
My intentions is to stand with others to establish new policies and/or methods of keeping the (fill our pockets with money) crowd out.
So far the only method that come to mind is , make the elected positions non-paying , i.e. volunteer.
Yes they can have expenses paid , but only if their budgets have been presented and passed by a general assembly.
Dollars seems to be the biggest attraction for those with ambition to be leaders, let those who are dedicated to lead by example and serve because they believe in the Métis Nation.
It will be a long hard process and with lots of outside interference ( Feds and Province’s like to have us under their control).
At the present the BCMF offers the best hope for anything of this sort to happen, so take out membership, it’s easy , all the forms and directions to do so are on this website, get involved, run for office , become informed, listen and then take your Nation back.
Richard Lucier-larson
A proud Métis:
Richard Lucier-larson is 100% correct, the only way we can get our message out is by standing on the platform created by BCMF and joining this movement. So far BCMF has been more transparant, accountable and kept us in the know on what MNBC is creeping around and doing, don’t think for one minute Dumont and his handpicked board members won’t sell out the dreams and hopes of our children, and what our ancestors’ strived to achieve. Look at the history.
I was a member of MNBC and sadly voted for that snake dumont. Recently I have cut up my MNBC citizen card up and demanded MNBC remove me from their rooster and demanded they not use my heritage to support their numbers and deceitful purpose. They are using good metis citizens to feed their own greed and justify their existence.
We need to increase BCMF membership to get the recognition and Provincial/Federal support so the true voice of the grassroots’ metis in BC is put forth.
I recently applied to become a BCMF member, my family and I will get involved in the Prince George area. We are not going to let this happen
Embridge will push this but I will be able to tell my kids I did not sit around and do nothing.
We need to show respect for our first nation’s peoples and help them protect all our lands, families and exactly what we hold dear. If there is going to be a fight “sign me up”
GET INVOLVED, JOIN BCMF, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Robin:
You forgot one item, make up your protest flags, banners and signs, be prepared for standing shoulder to shoulder in the many protest events coming up.
Have a look at the Haida Gwaii’s protests against logging that resulted in a better place for the Haida.
Remember your enemy’s enemy is your friend, a lot of other cultures share our concerns about the Enbridge pipeline and Junk flag of convenience tankers.
There are a lot of responsible, Canadians who will be on the protest lines with us.
When the protest’s start there is a lot of us heading your way.
Hope you make good bannock.
Richard Lucier-larson
A proud member of the BCMF
I agree Robin
Great post !! This is the time folks! The BCMF really needs everyone’s support from here on. We cannot let this group of bandits get past this MNGA. We need to make this push now. The MNBC track record speaks for itself. BD is still paying himself, is that a sign of true leadership? It is sad and painful to have to stare this terrible reality in the face. It will be even more painful for a longer time if we let them get away with it. Let’s hear from more of you that you really care about the future of out heritage and that it does not mismanage itself into non existence.
Thanks Tim and Richard, I don’t make very good bannock but my wife sure does, we will stock up on bannock and preserves, because once this starts we are here to the end.
We all agree we need voices not silence, as suggested simply join BCMF, it is a starting point and folks will find they are not alone, you CAN make a difference, BCMF members all have one thing in common I believe, they will not be silenced, they will speak up and express their views without shutting the microphones off on others if they disagree.
They show a deep respect for the opinion of others, young , old, male or female all have a right to be heard and they know that listening is the most important part of any conversation. I have been to an MNBC, MNGA when Daryl Piper was shunned for speaking up, Ken Fisher was also the victim of disrespect by the board members, that was not the only time I was embarrassed for being a member of the MNBC, I will not let them embarrass me ever again.
Enbridge is not friends to BC, it’s waters or the Canadian people in general. Have a look at BP in the Gulf of Mexico, Valdez spill along the Alaskan coast, just replace the name and you can predict the future, will you simply say nothing until it is too late?? I have been to New Orleans 48 hours after Katrina, I have been to the Gulf of Mexico when disaster hit it’s shores, I was at most of the disasters in the southern States, and Toronto when hurricanes hit and left a wake of wreckage on the land, it shatters the thin veil of civilization, destroys families, ruins the land for decades, even the animals won’t come back for years. There is no taking it back once it happens.
We can’t stop a hurricane but we sure have it in our power to put an end to this. As Richard pointed out the Haida knew standing together was the only way to stop the destruction of their home, well this is our home. We have unwelcome guests who are forcing their will on us, it is time we TELL them to leave.
MNBC coffers are empty now, they will not survive their own greed much longer, they have already looted almost all available funding that was to support grassroots’ metis with a sound future, now they jeopardized the very future of every Canadian in the west by entertaining talks and telling Enbridge officials they speak for the metis. They will not embarrass me or my family again, nough said.
Pishshapmishko (take care)
Thank you all for the great responses so far.
Just a quick clarification to “Metis” and “Radical” that I agree there is more Metis communities than Kelly Lake who have historical Metis rights in Northeast and all across BC.
However, our collective issue for Metis people in BC continues to be the recognition of who should be consulted with projects under Section 11 of the Environmental Assessment Act in BC. I have made this point before that the current position of the Provincial Government is that Metis do not have to be consulted with, that is with the exception of Kelly Lake Metis Settlement Society as they have been recognized in consultation proceses for years as per Section 11 of the Act. MNBC has completely dropped the ball for years as I am convinced they do not understand the issue. What is more scary is that MNBC continues to go to industry saying all Metis consultation must be through them first.
That said I just want to reassure everyone that BC Metis Federation truly understands the other historic and contemporary Metis communities, this particular issue in Grande Prairie though has deep historical family connections with several of the Metis families in Kelly Lake and that is why I drafted the letter as such.
On another note yes Robin thank you as well. You are 100% right in our efforts to be transparent and open with all. I hope people hear your message and that you and others will reach out to your family and friends to fill out the BC Metis Federation online survey about the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. We need as many completed by the Metis people most affected, which you are a part of given your proximity in Prince George to the proposed line route.
Take care all and as I always say, keep the comments coming…