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NationTalk: Alberta’s government has signed an agreement with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations to strengthen their relationship through partnership and a shared path forward.

Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson attended the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Annual General Meeting on July 19 at the River Cree Resort and Casino for a signing ceremony. Signing the relationship agreement reinforces a mutual commitment for the confederacy and Alberta’s government to address priority areas together.

“Since Day 1, Alberta’s government has been committed to rebuilding the relationship with First Nations through more than just words – what Chief Littlechild calls ‘reconcili-action.’ This means that we will work closely with Treaty 6 partners to live up to the promise of the treaty and ensure that all communities thrive together.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

“Taking meaningful steps toward true reconciliation means listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples. I thank Grand Chief George Arcand Jr. for his dedication to collaboration and re-establishing a positive, productive relationship of mutual respect with Alberta’s government.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

“The importance of the relationship agreement with the Government of Alberta cannot be understated. It is more than just a document. It is a promise to communicate and collaborate in the spirit of respect and partnership with a focus on shared social priorities and economic prosperity, now and in the future. This agreement gives Alberta and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations a way to have meaningful discussions while honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaty.”

Grand Chief George Arcand Jr., Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations

The relationship agreement commits to:

• quarterly meetings of the minister and chiefs at each table to review and approve work plans
• an annual meeting with the Premier
• the development of an annual report outlining progress on all 10 priority work plans

Alberta’s government is committed to provide the confederacy with a $300,000 capacity grant for the 2022-23 fiscal year upon signing of the agreement.

Quick facts

• The confederacy is comprised of 16 member Nations, excluding Saddle Lake Cree and Onion Lake Cree Nations.
• In July 2019, cabinet approved a mandate for Indigenous Relations to pursue a protocol agreement with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations.
• The confederacy signed their inaugural Protocol Agreement on Dec. 16, 2020.
• The Alberta-Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Relationship Agreement outlines four more new tables bringing the focus to 10 priorities, which include:
  • land and resources
  • health care
  • education
  • justice and policing
  • economic development and urban reserves
  • culture and tourism
  • emergency management
  • reconciliation
  • family services and housing
  • mental health, addictions and opioid crisis

The Alberta Human Rights Commission is seeking feedback on its new draft Indigenous Human Rights Strategy. The research shows that Indigenous people face disproportionate rates of racism, discrimination, and hate in their day-to-day lives, and they continue to experience disadvantages and injustices as a result of the lasting effects of Canada’s colonial legacy. Despite this, the Commission’s data suggests that Indigenous people do not access the human rights complaint system at the same rate as non-Indigenous people. With the ongoing human rights issues that Indigenous people in Alberta face, the Commission recognizes the need to prioritize this work and develop a comprehensive strategy to address these issues. The Commission is seeking Indigenous and general public and responses to:

• Indigenous Human Rights Strategy
• Indigenous Advisory Circle Terms of Reference
• Backgrounder:

https://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/publications/Documents/AHRC DRAFT IHRS Backgrounder_Apr2021.pdf

MNA – The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is consulting with its citizens on a draft Constitution that will modernize its approach to self-government. Following the signing of the historic Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement (MGRSA) in June 2019 with the Government of Canada, MNA embarked on a process leading to formal federal recognition of Métis Nation self-government in Alberta, including the creation of a Constitution. The MNA established a Constitution Commission to prepare a draft Constitution based on feedback from Métis citizens from consultations in 2018 leading up to the MGRSA.

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S), and the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) are coming together to host the first ever National Conference dedicated to conversations about Metis Self-Government in Canada. This two-day gathering will discuss the next steps on advancing Métis rights and self-government.

Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the Métis inherent right of self-government based on Métis rights recognition and implementation. This conference will bring together Métis leaders, citizens, federal government representatives, legal experts, academics, and First Nations who have successfully negotiated modern day treaties and self-government agreements.
https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2019/06/historic-self-government-agreements-signed-with-the-metis-nation-of-alberta-the-metis-nation-of-ontario-and-the-metis-nation-saskatchewan.html

Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the Métis inherent right of self-government based on Métis rights recognition and implementation. This conference will bring together Métis leaders, citizens, federal government representatives, legal experts, academics, and First Nations who have successfully negotiated modern day treaties and self-government agreements.
http://www.metisnation.org/media/655638/mno-otipemisiwak-agenda-full-5.pdf

Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the Métis inherent right of self-government based on Métis rights recognition and implementation. This conference will bring together Métis leaders, citizens, federal government representatives, legal experts, academics, and First Nations who have successfully negotiated modern day treaties and self-government agreements.
http://www.metisnation.org/media/655638/mno-otipemisiwak-agenda-full-5.pdf

The Métis Governments of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan – held a historic Tri-council meeting this week in Edmonton, Alberta from January 14 to 16, 2020. This meeting marks the first time their elected representatives have assembled together since signing Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSA) with Canada in June 2019. the primary focus was on identifying common priorities, mutual beneficial opportunities and enhancing collaboration and cooperation between the three Métis Governments.

The Tri-council delegates passed a resolution:

• calling for more transparency and accountability from the Métis National Council (MNC);
• affirming that self-government and rights related discussions and negotiations must occur between Canada and the Métis Governments, not through the MNC; and
• directing the creation of a working group to explore potential reform of the MNC.

The Tri-council delegates also passed a joint declaration to continue to work together at the national level in their ongoing collaborations and negotiations with Canada. As well, they will work to develop a memorandum of understanding that formalizes the relationship of the Métis Governments at the national level for consideration at a future Métis Government Tri-council meeting.

Increasingly the MNO, MNA, and MNS have been working together to advance common interests trilaterally and to develop shared and balanced solutions to advance reconciliation, self-governance, and community well-being

The government appointed a full-time Minister of Aboriginal Affairs because “rebuilding this relationship deserves a full- time minister”

The Northwest Territories’ incoming government will hold a day-long round-table meeting with leaders of more than a dozen Indigenous groups on Oct. 17, 2019. “This meeting will provide a forum for leaders to share their perspectives and voice their concerns and interests about the many issues and opportunities the Northwest Territories is faced with today,” the news release stated.

This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Ontario (also Metis Nations of Alberta and Saskatchewan). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law.
While the Métis Nation of Ontario already has well-established province-wide governance structures, the agreements signed today deal with the recognition of Métis jurisdiction in core governance areas (citizenship, leadership selection and government operations). They also set out processes for negotiating other agreements dealing with additional areas of jurisdiction in the future.
https://www.metisnation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019-06-27-metis-government-recognition-and-self-government-agreement.pdf

These agreements affirm the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. The agreements also set out next steps to formally recognize Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law.
While the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan already have well-established province-wide governance structures, the agreements signed today deal with the recognition of Métis jurisdiction in core governance areas (citizenship, leadership selection and government operations). They also set out processes for negotiating other agreements dealing with additional areas of jurisdiction in the future.
http://www.metisnation.org/media/655313/2019-06-27-mno-mgrsa-final-to-be-posted-on-website.pdf

This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Alberta (and Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation of Saskatchewan). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law.
While the Métis Nations already has well-established province-wide governance structures, the agreements signed today deal with the recognition of Métis jurisdiction in core governance areas (citizenship, leadership selection and government operations). They also set out processes for negotiating other agreements dealing with additional areas of jurisdiction in the future.
https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2019/06/historic-self-government-agreements-signed-with-the-metis-nation-of-alberta-the-metis-nation-of-ontario-and-the-metis-nation-saskatchewan.html

This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (and Métis Nation of BC and Métis Nation of Alberta). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law.

While the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan already has well-established province-wide governance structures, the agreements signed today deal with the recognition of Métis jurisdiction in core governance areas (citizenship, leadership selection and government operations). They also set out processes for negotiating other agreements dealing with additional areas of jurisdiction in the future.
https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2019/06/historic-self-government-agreements-signed-with-the-metis-nation-of-alberta-the-metis-nation-of-ontario-and-the-metis-nation-saskatchewan.html

Indigenous land acknowledgements — once symbolic openings of most government events under the NDP — are now a matter of “personal preference” at UCP official events according to Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson. Land acknowledgments are statements recognizing the historic and ongoing presence and connection of different First Nations and Métis to the land. The statements also acknowledge treaties between First Nations and the Crown. Alberta is located on Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory.

Premier Rachel Notley, officially apologizes on behalf of the Alberta Government to survivors of the Sixties Scoop. From the 1950s to the late 1980s, about 20,000 Indigenous children were seized from their birth families and relocated to non-Indigenous homes, stripping the children of their language, traditions and family ties.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Darren Calliou, Vice President of the Metis Settlements General Council, signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing the parties to renew and strengthen the government-to-government relationship and advance lasting reconciliation with the eight Metis Settlements of Alberta who will now work to develop a framework agreement that will outline the areas for discussion and serve as the basis for negotiations of a reconciliation agreement. This could include identifying socio-economic gaps and improving outcomes for Métis in areas such as health, education, child and family welfare, and Métis rights. Mutually agreeable subject matters, including Métis self-government, lands, rights and outstanding claims against the Crown.
https://msgc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FRAMEWORK-AGREEMENT_001missingPP-3-1.pdf

The Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta signed the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation that enables Canada and Métis Nation of Alberta to begin formal negotiations towards shared and balanced solutions to advance reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation of Alberta citizens. The Framework Agreement sets out shared objectives and identifies key negotiating topics such as Métis self-government, lands, rights and consultation protocol.
http://www.albertametisgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MNA-Canada-Framework-Advancing-Reconciliation.pdf

Alberta government celebrates 27th anniversary of the passing of legislation resulting in land and self- governance for those living on Metis Settlements: On Nov. 1, 1990, a legislative package was proclaimed and included the Constitution of Alberta Amendment Act, Metis Settlements Land Protection Act, Metis Settlements Act, and Metis Settlements Accord Implementation Act. Together these acts established a unique law-making authority for the eight Metis Settlements and a self-governance regime for the Metis people in the province. “Alberta also transferred the title of 1.25 million acres of land to the Metis Settlements, making Alberta the only province in Canada with a recognized Metis land base entrenched in provincial statute, ensuring that Metis people in Alberta will always have a land base to call home.
https://www.learnalberta.ca/content/aswt/aboriginal_and_treaty_rights/documents/metis_settlements_of_alberta.pdf

First Indigenous leader’s roundtable to discuss common interests and update progress on TRC Calls to Action

The Métis Nation of Alberta – Government of Alberta Framework Agreement formally recognizes a shared commitment to work co-operatively to:

• address the needs and aspirations of the MNA and its members
• preserve Métis identity and cultural heritage in Alberta
• build upon and enhance the Alberta-MNA relationship through Nation-to-Nation dialogue
  promote reconciliation

Priority Actions in the 2017 agreement include:

• further clarifying and strengthening the Nation-to-Nation relationship
• supporting recognition and respect of Métis rights and promoting reconciliation
• developing collaborative cross-government approaches to address the particular needs and issues of Métis people
• increasing economic opportunities to enhance community and individual well-being

The agreement will also help to ensure that Metis people actively participate in the development of Alberta government policies, programs, initiatives, resources and services.

https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/eac3e6c9-e54f-4d4c-81f7-a47b8e39d7e9/resource/de6ebd40-9bbb-41ea-8ec2-fa4f06ebf607/download/mna-framework-agreement-jan-31-2017.pdf

The Métis Nation of Alberta (“MNA”) has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Reconciliation (“MOU”) with the Government of Canada with the goal of arriving at a mutually agreeable framework agreement by September 2017 that would establish a formal negotiations process based on mutually agreeable subject matters, including Métis self-government, lands, rights and outstanding claims against the Crown.

As a first step in reconciliation, Alberta apologized on behalf of past governments for not taking a stand to stop children from being taken from their homes and placed in federal residential schools. As a second step of reconciliation, Alberta joined the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. The Commission has also called upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are working on doing that by implementing the principles of the UN Declaration in a way that is consistent with our Constitution and Alberta law.
“We must not only acknowledge the mistakes and abuses of the past, but strive to create a society where Indigenous people can fully participate in the economic, social and cultural life of this province.

As a first step in reconciliation, Alberta apologized on behalf of past governments for not taking a stand to stop children from being taken from their homes and placed in federal residential schools. As a second step of reconciliation, Alberta joined the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. The Commission has also called upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are working on doing that by implementing the principles of the UN Declaration in a way that is consistent with our Constitution and Alberta law. “We must not only acknowledge the mistakes and abuses of the past, but strive to create a society where Indigenous people can fully participate in the economic, social and cultural life of this province.

Expression of Reconciliation for the Legacy of the Residential School System
Focus is on Education. Commits that all Alberta students will learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, along with the history of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada through a revised K-12 curriculum. Creating a new Assistant Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Learning. This new leadership role will provide a focal point within the ministry and government for implementing First Nations, Metis and Inuit education policies, programs and initiatives.
https://education.alberta.ca/media/563919/albertas-expression-of-reconciliation.pdf

Expression of Reconciliation for the Legacy of the Residential School System. Focus is on Education. Commits that all Alberta students will learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, along with the history of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada through a revised K-12 curriculum. Creating a new Assistant Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Learning. This new leadership role will provide a focal point within the ministry and government for implementing First Nations, Metis and Inuit education policies, programs and initiatives.
https://education.alberta.ca/media/563919/albertas-expression-of-reconciliation.pdf