(Vancouver, BC) – The BC Métis Federation is in possession of an internal Provincial Government email and policy document that exposes and further illustrates the discrimination by the Province regarding Métis people and our Section 35 rights in British Columbia. These documents reflect the complete lack of awareness or respect for Métis people by the Provincial Government and our rights in terms of self governance and history of Métis in British Columbia.
The policy documents continue to drive key messaging to industry and have significant impacts to historic Kelly Lake in north east British Columbia. The policy documents underscore the importance of the challenge and immediate need there is to address the misguided policy statements in British Columbia.
BC Metis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “These documents raise our concerns significantly and support why our discrimination claims, now accepted by the BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, must be brought forward. The implication is significant and the result is a daily loss of real opportunities for our communities and families across BC.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “The Provincial Government must better understand Métis people are not some club, we are a Nation of people with Section 35 rights. The manner in which the policy has derived suggests the Powley Case defined us and other interesting pieces. The Powley Case was specific to the hunting of a moose and what about our right to self government? These documents are deeply disappointing, incorrect and truly unfortunate. Historic records indicate Métis families in BC, especially Kelly Lake, were here prior to 1849 and this must be addressed. I can assure the Métis people of BC that we will do all we can to stop such ill informed Provincial Government policy.”
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/Métis-Policy-Framework-Final-October-2011-1.pdf” style=”download”]Métis Policy Framework -Final- October 2011 [/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Policy-Internal-Province-on-Metis.pdf” style=”download”]Policy Internal Province on Metis [/ilink]
