This letter was sent earlier to Honourable Ida Chong Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
November 27th 2012
Honourable Ida Chong
Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Province of British Columbia
Re: Meeting Thursday, September 27, 2012 VIA EMAIL
Dear Minister Chong,
Please accept this letter as follow up to our constructive meeting held in Victoria at the legislature earlier today. The meeting demonstrated our mutual agreements to better understand the mandate and vision of the BC Mètis Federation, our members, and member communities.
I want to highlight a few key points we agreed where of mutual interest. First I understand and respect that there is no interest by the Provincial Government to intervene or choose sides in internal Métis issues. Second I also understand and agree there is no compelling reason to suggest BC Métis Federation cannot co-exist in terms of Métis representation in British Columbia.
Going forward the BC Métis Federation is seeking to reset the relationship as follows:
1. Create a bilateral table between the Provincial Government and the BC Métis Federation to review the current work plan and begin to address a number of the tactics.
2. Commit to constructive dialogue in through regularly scheduled meetings.
In closing I felt the meeting was productive and thank you for the open dialogue. I also want to encourage the Provincial Government, led by your Ministry, to immediately support a province wide recognition of Louis Riel Day this November 16th. Leadership by the Provincial Government to enact legislation for all levels of government is critical for good public policy to further educate all British Columbians.
I look forward to future meetings with yourself and your officials and I trust we will be contacted in near future to begin the bilateral engagement.
Thank you, Keith Henry President
British Columbia Métis Federation
Suite 300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC
V5R 5W2
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