I am writing today to extend my appreciation to the numerous calls and emails in response to the strong stand BC Métis Federation has taken regarding the discrimination claims now filed against the Federal and Provincial governments. It is clear that Métis people across British Columbia are frustrated and want action to improve the lives for all Métis people, not just a select few at the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC).

Therefore I want to continue to clarify BC Métis Federations efforts in case you were unable to watch Métis Coffee Talk last night (of course you can go back to watch once again). I filed the claims based on a unanimous resolution passed by the BC Métis Federation board after talks with the Province were not proceeding with desired results. Furthermore the Federal government has been simply ignoring the situation which we believe is politically motivated by their officials at the bureaucratic level.

For the past few years BC Métis Federation has made all efforts imaginable to address issues with MNBC, seek MP and MLA intervention, and engagement with key Ministers. Our goal was not to prevent a relationship with MNBC, but rather to engage in a new relationship to ensure the larger Métis voice through the BC Métis Federation, our member communities, and partner organizations was heard. Despite the BC Métis Federation calls for a fair and reasonable approach, governments have continued to dismiss our situation as internal politics only, which we know is not the case.
Here is another example today of why it matters. I have attached the property tax assessment for the MNBC property they are trying to sell at 30691 Simpson Road (the school). As many know one of our most serious concerns raised by our leadership was the improper purchase of this school in Abbotsford in 2009. This was one of the six issues we advocated for change over the course of the former Coalition of Concerned Métis Citizens (CCMA) and our transition to the BC Métis Federation in June of 2011.

BC Métis Federation has discovered that once again MNBC is in property tax arrears at 30691 Simpson Road of approximately $117,000.00 for 2012. The MNBC property tax was originally assessed at approximately $106,000.00 for 2012 but late payment fines and interest have been added to an outstanding balance totaling $117,000.00 as of January 31st, 2013 because MNBC is unable to pay.
Consider the significance of this financial situation MNBC is facing as their board and staff are holding regional sessions and providing an impression that MNBC is managing their finances properly. Were individuals in attendance informed that MNBC is unable to pay property taxes once again? Remember in late 2011 MNBC had outstanding property tax for this location over $200,000 and MNBC borrowed an additional $1,600,000.00 against the value of the property. This additional cash flow enabled MNBC to pay this and other bills while the organization still recorded almost another $1 million in losses that fiscal year.

Based on these continued findings it is clear MNBC is incapable of being truly transparent about their financial challenges. What are their current outstanding payables for MNBC besides these property taxes? Why is MNBC paying for travel around the province for regional sessions while not paying their legal obligations or outstanding tuitions?
The MNBC continues to fall deeper in debt and we have been pushing for MNBC to file for bankruptcy because they are insolvent and functionally bankrupt. We all need to care because MNBC is unable to cash manage current contracts effectively that were to support Métis people with employment and training and other minor contracts MNBC delivers.

I conclude with a continued call to action by all Métis people in BC. You can become a BC Métis Federation member, join our facebook group, donate funds or time to support a new vision for the Métis communities throughout BC.

The evidence is undeniable and I urge people to review the facts. As I always state, the choice is yours because it is your Nation.

Thank you,
Keith Henry
President

Enclosure Property Tax Assessment Dated January 31st, 2013 City of Abbotsford

[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Letter-to-Metis-People-February-1st-2013-Why-It-Matters.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download this in PDF format.[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/Property-Tax-Report-January-31st-2013.pdf” style=”download”]30691 Simpson Rd-Property Tax Report January 31st, 2013[/ilink]