MATAWA CHIEFS COUNCIL REJECTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S INTRODUCTION OF BILL C-53 – RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN METIS GOVERNMENTS OF ALBERTA, ONTARIO AND SASKATCHEWAN AND METIS SELF-GOVERNMENT ACT
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, June 22, 2023 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATAWA CHIEFS COUNCIL REJECTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S INTRODUCTION OF BILL C-53 – RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN METIS GOVERNMENTS OF ALBERTA, ONTARIO AND SASKATCHEWAN AND METIS SELF-GOVERNMENT ACT
MATAWA MEMBER FIRST NATIONS, ON: Following the introduction of BILL C-53 Recognition OF Certain Métis Governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan and Métis Self-Government Act late yesterday by Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada the Honourable Marc Miller in the House of Commons – the Matawa Chiefs Council have issued a public letter to the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency Mary Simon.
The issues and concerns of the Matawa Chiefs Council related to the assertion of Metis rights within the James Bay Treaty No. 9 (1905-06 and 1929-30) have remained consistent and unified, as both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are strategically undermining the Crown-Treaty relationship that exists only between Matawa member First Nations as Indigenous land and rights holders and the Crown in Right of Canada.
The Matawa Chiefs Council adopted Resolution # 17-28-07-2022 Matawa member First Nations Reject Metis Assertions in the Matawa Homelands and Territories at their Matawa Annual General Meeting in Webequie First Nation in July 2022 clearly stating the position that Matawa member First Nations and the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) are not constitutional equals.
“The Matawa Chiefs Council call upon the Governor-General of Canada for an immediate response to our letter on this proposed legislation. The road to reconciliation between First Nations and the Crown in Right of Canada requires your leadership as Governor General – the official representative of the Crown in Canada – to protect the rights and interests of the original People of this land and address the colonial-rooted Crown issues that continue to impact the quality of life of First Nations.”
Copy of Letter to Governor General Simon and the Matawa 2022 Resolution are attached.
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For more information, please contact Carol Audet, Communications Manager – Matawa First Nations at (807) 632-9663 or by email at caudet@matawa.on.ca