Introduction

In 2018, the Province of British Columbia and the BC Metis Federation collaborated on a Knowledge Partnership Project (KPP). The results of this project were important in that we learned there are common threads and great diversity amongst and between Metis people and communities throughout British Columbia regarding identity and governance. This was truly a first step toward creating a shared understanding of the diversity of Metis communities in British Columbia was a positive step toward reconciliation.

Reconciliation is a term today that has been a major focus of Federal and Provincial Governments. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has provided recommendations for reconciliation with Indigenous communities. However, the recommendations require interpretation in terms of tangible plans or frameworks in place to enact these recommendations. Garnering information and knowledge about what reconciliation means for the BC Métis Federation members is critical to building a positive, inclusive, and mutually beneficial relationship between all Metis people and the Government of British Columbia. Research that grounds reconciliation efforts and strategies in local Metis experience is critical to ensuring future success.

BC Métis Federation recognizes that the road to reconciliation with the Province of British Columbia also recognizes current commitments made by the Province of British Columbia. On November 16, 2016 the Métis Nation Relationship Accord II (Métis Accord) renewed objectives for all Métis people in BC to:

• Continue to strengthen existing relationships based on mutual report, responsibility and sharing
• Continue to improve engagement, coordination, information sharing, and collaboration
• Continue to work toward meeting the commitments of the First Ministers’ Meeting on Aboriginal Issues as they pertain to Métis people and their aspirations to close the gaps on the quality of life between Métis people and other British Columbians.

The Métis Accord objectives relate to the following subject matters:

• Children and Families
• Education (lifelong learning) and training
• Economic Opportunities (Including Procurement Opportunities with Crown Corporations)
• Health (Community, Family, Individual)
• Housing
• Information Sharing
• Justice
• Métis Identification and Data Collection
• Wildlife Stewardship

The BC Metis Federation agrees with the objectives and the subject matter as important areas to include to achieve reconciliation for our members. Therefore, the BC Métis Federation is proposing this project that will construct a mutual understanding of local definitions, priorities and strategies for reconciliation through the subject matters.

Project Description

Using a community-based and membership approach the BC Metis Federation will hold a series of local community-based events with a focus on reconciliation and celebration of local culture. Through group and individual interviews, the BC Metis Federation will gain deepened understanding of local needs for reconciliation. The results of this project will provide the basis for locally relevant and strategic reconciliation efforts between BC Métis Federation members and ensure inclusion for all Metis people within the Province of BC.

Phase One

Design Reconciliation Questionnaire in conjunction with the Province of BC: May 28th – June 15th

Phase Two

Community Meetings and Forums:

• Terrace – August 9, 2018 – Thornhill Community Hall, 3091 Century St.
• Prince George – August 15, 2018 – Elks Community Centre, 663 Douglas St.
• Victoria – September 8, 2018 – Centre for Spiritual Living, 3281 Harriet Road
• Surrey – September 15, 2018 – Surrey Nature Centre, 14225 Green Timbers Way
• Kelowna – September 21, 2018 – Rutland Centennial Hall, 180 Rutland Road North
• Clearwater – October 6, 2018 – Elk’s Hall, 72 Taren Dr

Phase Three

Summary Finding and Presentation at the Annual General Meeting September 30th

Phase Four

Complete Final Report and Submit to the Province of BC – October 31st

Objectives:
The objective of this project are as follows:

• review, understand and apply the knowledge from survey responses on the views of BC Métis Federation members for reconciliation with the Government of BC.
• identify local priorities
• identify key recommendations and next steps to support reconciliation

Deliverables:

1.  Survey document June 19th, 2018
2. Community schedule, agenda, and marketing materials June 30th
3. Draft summary of survey responses from community and individual engagements September 29th
4. Final Report with recommendations October 31st, 2018

• Click here to view the BCMF/Province of BC Reconciliation Project Overview
• Click here to view the BCMF Community Meetings Agenda
• Click here to view the Engagement Survey

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Community-Consults-2018.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the Consultation Meetings poster.[/ilink]