NationTalk: June 14, 2023 (Surrey, British Columbia) Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is committed to positive and respectful relations with First Nations and acknowledges, upholds, and respects the rights and title of First Nations in British Columbia. MNBC recognizes that Métis rights in British Columbia are different from the rights of First Nations. We acknowledge, respect, and honour their stewardship of this land since time immemorial.

For generations, Métis have also suffered at the hands of colonial governments and faced systemic racism, barriers, and intergenerational trauma, and we have worked diligently to address these on-going challenges through advancing the rights and interests of the Métis Nation, including in British Columbia. As one of the three Aboriginal Peoples recognized in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, along with First Nation and Inuit People, we will always uphold our constitutional rights.

We recognize the need to strengthen and renew our relationship with First Nations. We are committed to working together on shared priorities. We also wish to reaffirm our news release of May 30, 2023, “Metis Nation British Columbia acknowledges, upholds, and respects First Nations’ inherent rights, title, and treaty rights” (Métis Nation British Columbia acknowledges, upholds, and respects First Nations’ inherent rights, title, and treaty rights | MNBC).

As the democratically elected Métis government in British Columbia, and one of the provincial Governing Member of the Métis National Council, MNBC represents more than 24,000 registered Métis Citizens in province. MNBC adheres strictly to the national definition of Métis citizenship, and our registry is considered one of the most rigorous in the country. MNBC is the only Métis representative body in BC recognized both provincially and nationally. The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is an unaffiliated group that speaks for their members only and does not reflect the views of MNBC.

MNBC is committed to working with First Nations and First Nations leadership bodies respectfully as we move forward in reconciliation with the distinctions-based approach committed to by the Province in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the DRIPA Action Plan.

For further information, please contact:

Russell Brewer 
Chief Public Affairs Officer 
Métis Nation BC 
rbrewer@mnbc.ca