(Vancouver, BC) BC Métis Federation continues to advocate and represent the interests and concerns of BC Métis Federation members, partner communities, and partner agencies. A consistent and professional approach has been the strategy to address policy, industry, and programming issues and concerns.
The Prime Minister’s Office appointed Special Federal Representative on West Coast Energy Infrastructure Mr. Douglas Eyford. Mr. Eyford requested and met with BC Métis Federation in October 2013 to discuss our concerns. The results today are significant and the BC Métis Federation Executive Committee have been invited to meet with senior government Federal officials this Friday, December 13th to follow up the report submitted by Mr. Eyford entitled; “Forging Partnerships Building Relationships: Aboriginal Canadians and Energy Development.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “We continue to evaluate the report and the list of recommendations. Key observations include:
1. Canada and Aboriginal communities need to build effective relationships and this is best achieved through sustained engagement;
2. Aboriginal communities view natural resource development as linked to a broader reconciliation agenda;
3. Aboriginal communities will consider supporting natural resource development if it is undertaken in an environmentally sustainable manner; and
4. These projects would contribute to improving the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal communities.
The meeting this Friday will assist BC Métis Federation better understand the report, key recommendations and potential next steps.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “The invitation by senior Federal Government representatives is a major breakthrough for BC Métis Federation, our members, and partners. Métis people truly have a democratic choice in British Columbia that can represent their interests. Mètis self governance is not controlled by single government departments, government staff, or the other Métis organization in BC known as the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) despite their various misguided positions and public statements. We do not disagree that MNBC can represent the interests of their MNBC members but MNBC representation does not include individuals and communities who have decided BC Métis Federation will represent their needs. There is a long road for BC Métis Federation to address the current discriminatory access to programs and services, industry consultation, and governance support. This latest Federal Government invitation signals another step to address the move forward supported by the independent study by Mr. Eyford which appears to support that proper Aboriginal consultation has been insufficient regarding energy projects in British Columbia and make no mistake this related to Métis people and has major implications.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded; “BC Métis Federation will carefully examine the report`s recommendations and listen to the Federal Governments next steps as it relates to the proposed energy projects which are a major concern to the BC Mètis Federation, our members and partners. We look forward to the meeting this Friday and are confident this marks a new way forward. Thank you to our members and partner communities for supporting the vision that Métis people deserve democratic options in British Columbia. After two years and although we have work ahead, it appears we are moving forward.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry, President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220 Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-December-9th-2013-Federal-Government-Recognition.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Government-of-Canada-letter-to-BCMF-December-4th-2013-FINAL.pdf” style=”download”]Government of Canada letter to BCMF December 4th, 2013[/ilink]
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/ForgPart-Online-December-2013.pdf” style=”download”]Download the Eyford Report 2013[/ilink]