Click here to download this media release as a PDF.
Vancouver, British Columbia, August 26, 2025 — The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) has issued a formal letter to Minister of Education Lisa Beare, raising serious concerns about the ongoing exclusion of Métis students and families within British Columbia’s K–12 education system.
The issue stems from the fact that the School Act makes no mention of Métis students, despite thousands attending schools across the province. While First Nations representation is guaranteed through Indigenous Education Councils (IECs), Métis families are left without a formal role in shaping education policy, funding, or culturally appropriate programming.
In July, Minister Beare responded to an earlier BCMF inquiry, outlining how Indigenous Education Targeted Funding is allocated and how IECs are structured. However, the Ministry’s response did not address the central concern of Métis invisibility in legislation and policy, nor did it propose solutions to ensure equitable representation. BCMF maintains that leaving the responsibility to individual school boards is inadequate.
“Education is a critical issue for our families,” said BCMF President Keith Henry. “Right now, Métis students remain invisible in legislation and in practice. Without guaranteed representation and culturally appropriate programming, our children are treated as second-class within a system that is supposed to serve all Indigenous peoples.”
BCMF is calling on the Ministry of Education to amend the School Act to explicitly recognize Métis, guarantee representation on IECs, ensure transparent funding and reporting, and support Michif language and culturally relevant programming. These steps are essential to align BC’s education system with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
Click here to download the letter BCMF addressed to Minister Lisa Beare.
Click here to download the letter responding to BCMF’s earlier inquiry.
About BCMF
The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is a non-profit association that works with Métis communities to ensure the well-being of BCMF members. Through grassroots efforts, BCMF advocates on behalf of its many members living all across the province.
Media Contact
Keith Henry, President, BC Métis Federation
P: (778) 388-5013
E: K.Henry@BCMetis.com
