(Kamloops, BC) – In the last few months the BC Métis Federation has made significant progress and today marks the next sign of the growing support. BC Métis Federation and Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated September 9th, 2013 that provides a framework for a new working relationship.
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak was formed in July 1998 to ensure that all Metis children, youth and families live with love, honour, dignity and respect knowing they belong to a strong, proud people with a unique heritage and cultural identity. Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society’s mission reads, “As Metis people we have the right and responsibility to care for and support the safety and wellbeing of Metis children, youth and families. As a Metis child and family services agency, we aspire to continue our Nation’s legacy of being self-sufficient and resilient by:
1. Working respectfully with all levels of government to promote strong, healthy Metis children, youth and families;
2. Offering family programming and child safety services that are embedded in and delivered with love, compassion and respect;
3. Ensuring these services are consistent with Metis traditions, values and ways of caring for and honouring one another;
4. Cultivating and nurturing a sense of belonging to one’s Metis community and cultural identity;
5. Promoting and demonstrating reconciliation in Metis child and family services”.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “The BC Métis Federation is pleased with this latest agreement. We have been in discussions with the Lii Michif board and staff for some time in an effort to better understand one another. BC Métis Federation has presented information about how we see the future and we recognize their work and current challenges of Lii Michif.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry added; “Lii Michif needs a political organization like BC Métis Federation to support advocacy with the Ministry of Children and Family Development regarding delegated authority. This agency is serving roughly 150 families each year and demand on their services is growing yet their staff do not have final say in decisions, which held by the Ministry social workers. What is clear is a real lack of Métis political leadership and advocacy to support the needs of this agency serving Kamloops and Merritt. ”
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry concluded; “BC Métis Federation will work diligently to address and support their need for delegated authority together to ensure future Métis control over Métis designed children and family services. Thank you to their board chair Sherry Arko, Executive Director Colleen Lucier and the rest of the board for putting politics aside and understanding working together for the best interests of the community is family is the priority. I am confident that together we can achieve a productive future.”
Watch the signing video and short interview following the signing and for more information about the BC Métis Federation please view the website at 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=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-September-10th-2013-Lii-Michif-MOU.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-and-lil-Michif-Signed-MOU-September-9-2013.pdf” style=”download”]BCMF and lil Michif Signed MOU September 9, 2013[/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://lmofcs.ca/” style=”download”]Lii Michif Website[/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lii-Michif-Otipemisiwak-Family-and-Community-Services/201985756518706″ style=”download”]Lii Michif Facebook Page[/ilink]
