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Vancouver, British Columbia, June 27, 2025 — The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is responding to a CBC News article published on June 26, 2025, which contains misleading and factually incorrect information regarding BCMF’s ongoing legal challenge against the Government of Canada. The case relates to the right of BCMF members to freedom of association under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The article states that the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) “does not impede its citizens from registering with other organizations and they will still maintain MNBC membership if they choose to do so.” This assertion is unequivocally false.
In 2023, MNBC publicly stated that its citizens should not be allowed to hold BCMF membership. That position is now being enforced by MNBC’s Chartered Communities. For example, the Golden Ears Métis Society amended its bylaws in 2024 to state:
“Members of the Society may not hold additional memberships in another Métis governing organization in British Columbia, or in any other province.”
Additional evidence includes June 2024 correspondence from the South Okanagan Similkameen Métis Association (SOSMA), which declared:
“SOSMA has a policy that prohibits double membership, meaning individuals cannot be members of both SOSMA and BCMF or MMF simultaneously.”
BCMF President Keith Henry commented, “I was disappointed to see the CBC article perpetuate the false narrative that MNBC permits dual membership with BCMF. The reality is that many of our members face exclusion, discrimination, and loss of access to programs and services because of their association with BCMF. This is unacceptable.”
The article also presents the Attorney General of Canada’s response to BCMF’s court challenge as if it reflects a legal conclusion. It does not. The case remains before the courts, and no decision has been rendered. Moreover, the Government of Canada has lost comparable cases in recent years, including as recently as last month. BCMF remains confident that the courts will ultimately uphold the rights of its members.
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About the BC Métis Federation
The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is a non-profit organization working with Métis communities to promote the cultural, social, and economic well-being of its members. Through grassroots advocacy, BCMF defends Métis rights and champions the revitalization of Métis culture, language, and identity.
Media Contact
Keith Henry
President, BC Métis Federation
P: (778) 388-5013
E: K.Henry@BCMetis.com
