(Fort St. John, BC) The BC Métis Federation held our sixth Regional Gathering entitled A New Beginning yesterday in Fort St. John, BC for the north central region at the Pomeroy Hotel. There was a crowd of about 50 people in attendance. BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “The meeting yesterday was exciting to facilitate. We had a good crowd in attendance with people who made the drive from Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Kelly Lake, and Hudson Hope. Of course there was also a strong presence from Métis community members from Fort St. John.”
President Henry added, “The people who attended want to see our Nation make real progress. There were a number of questions and comments about the need to address Métis rights in the north east and true recognition for Métis people. The Métis people want to better understand the numerous industry developments and how it affects them. Specifically there were questions raised about the proposed BC Hydro Site C Hydroelectric Dam, natural gas development, as well as the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project.”
President Henry further added, “There was a real sense of community and family. The strong turnout was a sign of the strong and growing support the BC Métis Federation continues to realize each week. Métis people asked a lot of questions and there was significant concern with the lack of consultation by the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), government and industry in general with people who are impacted in the communities. The result is no real economic development support for the communities and families who are most directly impacted by industry development. Moreover there was serious confusion as to why MNBC, who is a provincial organization, was provided consultation money by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency for project such as the proposed Site C, Enbridge, and others yet there has not been any support for project information to the grassroots Métis people. It was clear in this session that there is major concern regarding the proposed Site C Dam and that there is really no support for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines project.”
President Henry concluded, “I sincerely thank everyone who attended from throughout the north east. The BC Métis Federation provided people who attended proof of our committed to rebuilding the Nation in a proper way. Under a new provincial Métis governing structure the BC Métis Federation will ensure there is a separation of politics from programs and services, consultation and decision making will be completed with inclusion of Métis people in north east, and there will be a priority for governments to finally address the issue of Métis rights.”
For more information about the final Regional Gathering being held in north west BC please go to the BC Métis Federation website www.bcmetis.com. The next Regional Gathering is in Terrace at the Coast In of the West Hotel on May 19th, 2012 starting at 6:00 PM. All Métis people and friends of the Métis welcome.
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
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