BC Métis Federation Newsletter for the BC Métis Communities

Winter 2017 Edition

Métis people and communities in British Columbia,

This edition of the BC Métis Federation marks and celebrates the achievements during 2017

as it comes to a close. I reflect on this as 2017 was one of great progress on many levels.

Let’s consider what unfolded in 2017. The Provincial Government has officially began the process

of recognition of the BC Métis Federation and our Constituents.

BC Métis Federation is pleased to release the organization’s 2016-2017 Annual Report that outlines the progress achieved from April

1st, 2016 – March 31st, 2017. BC Métis Federation continues to operate effectively and has achieved great progress despite the

continued challenge of unacceptable Métis policy with the Provincial and Federal Governments. Highlights of progress include: BCMF

membership is up significantly, summary of the socio-economic situation of BCMF members, new industry consultation, and BCMF

financial solvency.

The board of directors continues to honor its commitment to the BC Métis community by providing accountability, promoting

participation, conducting consultations, and encouraging feedback from the communities whenever possible.

As I think of what the future brings it is clear that the BC Métis Federation leadership vision of proper recognition and support for

Métis culture is resonating throughout British Columbia and Canada. In addition to the major items I have identified throughout 2017

there were several community meetings, online communication, and increasing membership. We can see each week the ground swell

of support and we thank each and every member and our partners who know that there is a better way forward for Métis people in

BC. As we head into the 2018 I have great optimism. I look forward to continuing to serve as President and working for the needs of

our partners, members, and needs of our Métis families.

Proud to be Mètis

Keith Henry

President

BC Métis Federation

In this Issue Métis debate over

exoneration of Louis Riel

6th Annual General

Meeting

Métis SS case update

Tribute to our Friend

Membership Information

Keep up to date with the

BC Métis Federation

Download the latest Newsletters

http://bcmetis.com/newsletter/

Metis Debate over Exoneration of Louis Riel Absurd

Certain Métis political leaders in Canada seem to suggest an exoneration

of Louis Riel would somehow let Canada “off the hook.” BC Métis

Federation finds this outrageous and not what the large majority of grass

roots Métis people feel in this country.

Friends of Louis Riel this week are supported by the BC Métis Federation.

The life of Louis Riel deserves justice and this must include Louis Riel’s

exoneration.

On Nov 16th, 2017 CBC News posted an article entitled, ‘132 years after

his execution, many Métis reject exonerating Louis Riel’. This article

expresses the views of Manitoba Métis Federation President David

Chartrand and lawyer Jean Teillet, who speak for a very small percentage

of Métis in Canada on this issue. Reconciliation must transcend these fear

tactic politics.

Future points to consider about specific statements by Jean Tiellet:

The CBC article on the exoneration of Louis Riel has some serious and,

indeed, fatal flaws in the vacuous arguments by Jean Tiellet and David

Chartrand;

1. Jean Tiellet stated Exonerating Riel would be the equivalent of the

Government exonerating itself. That would not be its motive if Exoneration

was requested by the Métis people themselves and by the Riel family.

2. Jean Tiellet stated there is no point in exonerating Riel. Yes, there

would be a point. In the eyes of the laws of Canada today, Riel is a

“treasonous criminal convict”. This stain must not remain on Riel and the

Metis who fought and died fighting for basic human rights and democracy.

3. Jean Tiellet stated let the stain remain. She means the stain on the

Government of Canada. What she doesn’t realize is that the stain cuts

both ways. It also remains on Riel and the Métis.

In any event, the Métis are also Canadians and, even with its many flaws,

they love Canada. Canada should be cleansed of this stain by Exonerating

Riel and, in so doing will remove the legal stain from Riel and the Metis.

BC Métis Federation

300 – 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver,

BC, V5R 5W2

Open Monday to Thursday

From 9 am to 3 pm

1 (604) 638-7220

Reception Email

s.daniels@bcmetis.com

4. Jean Tiellet stated overtures by the Government to pardon Riel would take the place of real action.

By using the term “pardon”, she indicates a total lack of awareness of the night and day difference between pardon and exoneration.

Dictionary definitions make clear that pardon is forgiveness for a crime committed or a wrong done, it is mercy and clemency.

Exoneration is NONE of these things. It is a Declaration that there was no crime in the first place.

The book “The Trial of Louis Riel, Justice and Mercy Denied” conclusively proved (with incontrovertible archival and other independent sources) the injustices, unfairness and illegality of Riel’s trial at the highest levels, and that he should not have been charged and convicted of High Treason.

5. David Chartrand stated he has participated with the Riel family for many years in honouring Riel on November 16th.

David Chartrand apparently doesn’t know that the Riel Family (with one notable exception) strongly supported the Exoneration (not pardon) of Louis Riel in a statement it issued some years ago.

6. David Chartrand stated the better role would be to change the way Metis history is taught.

Both Exoneration and better education about the Metis can be pursued at the same time. They are not exclusive.

7. Russell Fayant stated Riel or the Metis do not need exoneration to have a legitimate stamp placed on their cause.

Exoneration would remove the criminal law label from Riel. In any event, we disagreed publicly with some of the views expressed by Russell Fayant when we were on the Riel Symposium Panel in Regina earlier this month. Debates against people whose views are firmly embedded would be an exercise in futility.

Ottawa, Ontario November 16, 2017

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on Louis Riel Day:

“Today, we commemorate the life of Louis Riel, a fearless Métis leader, politician, and founder of the province of Manitoba.

“Louis Riel was a courageous and impassioned defender of minority rights and a key contributor to Canadian Confederation. Today, we celebrate a man who envisioned – and fought for – a more diverse and more inclusive country. “Last year, I promised that federal ministers and Métis Nation leaders would work together to advance meaningful reconciliation and solve important challenges. Earlier this year, we took a significant step toward a renewed government-to-government relationship with the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. This accord is a solid foundation on which to build a new partnership – one based on recognition of rights, respect, and co-operation.

“As we continue our journey of reconciliation, I encourage everyone today to honour the Métis people and recognize their many contributions to Canada.”

BC Métis Federation

Sashes

The Black and Blue Sash. The Men’s

sash measures 6″ wide by 36″ long,

plus the fringe. Women’s sashes –

5″ wide x 30″ These Metis Sashes

are commonly worn as part of the

Metis regalia during Metis festivals

and special events.

20.00 each

A crucifix, an artifact that belonged to Louis Riel, is shown

on display at the RCMP Heritage Centre museum in Regina.

(THE CANADIAN PRESS)

LOOTING OF MÉTIS POSSESSIONS POSES BARRIER TO RECONCILIATION

As gunfire erupted in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, Métis leader Louis Riel held up his crucifix and fervently prayed for victory.

Although the Métis were victorious at the Battle of Duck Lake, Canada ultimately crushed the Northwest Resistance.

Looting of Métis possessions was widespread during the chaotic final days of the Resistance. Today, Riel’s crucifix, knife,

and book of poetry, as well as several articles of Métis clothing are held in the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina. The RCMP

never adduced any evidence to legitimize their possession of these artifacts. Without such evidence, a reasonable

observer would view the RCMP as profiting from the wartime theft of cultural and spiritual items. An argument that ‘to

the victor belongs the spoils’ rings hollow in an era of reconciliation.

A concerted effort by Métis activists as well as Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies convinced Canada to agree to return

these artifacts to the Métis people. Although this is a significant step towards reconciliation, it is fundamentally unjust for

Canada to repatriate Indigenous artifacts in an ad hoc manner which relies on the advocacy of Indigenous peoples. Article

11 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which the federal government has pledged to adopt,

requires Canada to consult with Indigenous peoples regarding stolen cultural property and artifacts taken without consent

of the original owners. Repatriation of Indigenous artifacts, if desired by the descendants of the original owners, is

necessary.

A joint effort by the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and the Department of Canadian Heritage must

address the issue of Indigenous artifacts through four steps. First, Indigenous artifacts located in museums across Canada

must be identified. Second, the descendants of the original owners must be consulted in order to determine the

appropriate resting place for these artifacts. Third, if requested, artifacts must be repatriated to relevant Indigenous

communities. Finally, Canada must provide for the long-term security of repatriated artifacts. Canada bears direct

responsibility for the theft of Indigenous artifacts by military forces. Canada also bears responsibility for the colonial

disruption of Indigenous societies which allowed culturally important items to be stolen. Accordingly, it is incumbent on

Canada to proactively address the issue of Indigenous artifacts held in Canadian museums.

Jesse Donovan is a Métis student at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Jesse has an

undergraduate degree in Indigenous studies from the University of Toronto and has worked for several

Métis organizations across the country. Jesse is an advocate for the repatriation of Indigenous land and

artifacts.

British eBay Hobbyist Called Grave Robber for Selling ‘Métis’ Items Recently a news item was published by CBC, and sources across Canada of a “Canadian Metis Chief’s Medicine Bag, feather & stick, found on grave Batoche 1885” being offered for sale on eBay, which was met with serious backlash from the Metis community. At the end of the 1960 and in the beginning of the 1970s, thefts were increasing both in museums and at archaeological sites, particularly in the countries of the South. In the North, private collectors and, sometimes, official institutions, were increasingly offered objects that had been fraudulently imported or were of unidentified origin.

It is in this context, and to address such situations, the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property was created in 1970 by Unesco. As well, stated in the preamble to the Hague Convention, which Canada is party to the treaty ‘… damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each people makes its contribution to the culture of the world’. It is unknown as to how the “culturally sensitive” artifact found on grave in Batoche came into a private collector’s possession, and speculations as to its origins being First Nation other than Metis. The term culturally sensitive broadens concepts embodied in “sacred” and “holy” to include any objects demanding special respect because of their significance within their cultural context. The object’s associations with a particular individual or group invoke protocols recognized by the whole community, which is, again, a demonstration of respect. A statement made in the news article cites that the artifact is of First Nation origins, in study of Metis history, the community embraced both worlds of our ancestors, including Medicine use. Without proper study these statements are without any basis as to origin and ownership.

At the beginning of this year Louis Riel’s artifacts who were in the possession of the Federal government in the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, were returned, over 100 years upon their collection. As with the Bell of Batoche, the long history of the artifact begins in 1885, when it was taken to Ontario as a victory symbol by Canadian soldiers after they defeated Louis Riel’s second rebellion, also known as the North-West Rebellion. The Bell is a symbol of why we engaged in that struggle, and is very important for the Métis, we were fighting to protect our way of life, our culture, our land and resources. Our communities’ artifacts and history needs to be protected by Governments when cultural items fall into private collections in foreign countries. Hopefully it is returned to the Métis or First Nation community where it was obtained from, out of respect for our communities.

Consultation Office The BC Métis Federation consultation office offers support and advice to member communities involved in regulatory processes. As the autumn comes to a close, many of the projects that were active in the summer are now drawing to a close. The Wyndwood Expansion Project, and much of the work related to the review of environmental and regulatory processes has wrapped up. Phase II of the Fisheries Act and Navigation and Protection Act review is also coming to a close. Our participation in the Transmountain Expansion Project Indigenous Advisory Committee continues, and we have a received a request to apply for additional funding to participate. This ongoing work will see to it that the voice of our members is heard at local, provincial and national levels, and should lead to increased visibility, recognition and opportunities for growth. We deeply appreciate the time and effort of those members who participated in these surveys, and encourage all members in the future to take a few minutes and lend your voice to the very brief surveys we send out. Surveys are the most cost effective way to collect information and opinions in a short amount of time, and the more participants we have in each survey, the more valid the results become! MyVoyageur.ca This project, completed in March of 2017, is a resource designed to support Métis youth in their transition from rural to urban life in the five major city center’s in BC, with a focus on employment and reducing barriers to success. The database that supports this tools is strengthen on a day to day basis, and more resources are added and updated every week. We continue to work on informative blog posts that are relevant to Métis youth and service providers. This resource is so good that we encourage everyone, not just youth, to log in to the tool and see what it's all about. You might find some new, useful, resources in your neighborhood! This project is set to expand in the coming year, and we are always accepting donations to expand it. It is our vision that MyVoyageur.ca will become a National tool that can be used by anyone in Canada to reduce their vulnerabilities, and improve their success. Kelly S. Davison Principal, Senior Indigenous Knowledge Professional KSDavison & Associates (7726929 Canada Inc.) Box 16073 RPO Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 6W6 c: 778 789 6448 kelly.davison@ksdandassociates.com http://ksdandassociates.com

Mr. David Doyle Métis Historian

presents the importance of

exoneration for Louis Riel at the BC

Métis Federation 6th annual AGM

6th Annual General Meeting Brings Family Together in

Burnaby

Burnaby, BC – BC Métis Federation leadership is once again celebrating the success of their sixth (6th) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2017

Approximately 100 individuals attend Sunday, October 1st to participate in the governance for the BC Métis Federation. Métis people attended from Vancouver, Kelly Lake, Surrey, Prince George, Terrace, Fort St. John, and many other locations. The meeting featured Métis cultural talent with Métis fiddler and Vice President Rene Therrien. Various partners attended including Kinder Morgan Canada, ACCESS, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Michif Historical and Preservation Society.

BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “Our team did another great job this year. The meeting seemed to bring a new feeling of family back. We honored of friend Joyce Fisher and discussed a number of key topics. This is self-governance in action.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “The AGM also included our 2016-2017 audited financial statements, investments and progress with our economic development company, advancement in consultation activities, etc. The organization should continue to be proud of all that we have done and accomplished.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “There was a renewed spirit to advance the BC Métis Federation. We witnessed new movement with the Provincial Government and their recognition of the BC Métis Federation in writing and for the first time INAC had a representative attend. These are new steps of progress. Most importantly is that our leadership showed that we cared about our Métis families. Through the significant resolution regarding Métis child “SS” and celebrating the life of Joyce Fisher, it was the strong sense of family and culture that really made our 6th AGM a major success. Thank you everyone.”

BC Métis Federation has posted a number of pictures and videos from the weekend meetings on the BC Métis Federation Facebook page so be sure to view www.facebook.com/BCMetis.

BCMF DRAFT AGM Minutes. BC Metis Federation thanks sponsorship from our partners

MyVoyageur Presentation. Métis Economic Development Corporation presentation. Consultation Office Update Presentation. Trans Mountain Expansion Project presentation. Letter from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Letter from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

BC Métis Federation continues to address the injustice of the Métis case of SS.

BC Métis Federation is sharing the latest response received from Honourable Katrine Conroy, Minister of Child and Family Development in British Columbia.

While the Province of BC letter is ambiguous about the case, there is new messaging about the new relationship with all Métis in BC in light of the upcoming meeting in November.

BC Métis Federation continues to advocate for a more inclusive Métis policy in BC.

Updates on Métis case of SS.

Delegates spent significant time with discussion about the Métis case of SS at the BC Métis Federation Annual AGM

in October. The case demonstrates the lack of respect for the role of BC Métis Federation to govern for their legal

members. The members demand justice for Métis child SS and return her to her rightful Métis customary adoption

family and approved the following motion:

Motion 10/01/2017-10 that the BC Government has publicly stated its support for the United Nations Declaration on

the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and has adopted it in its entirety. In matters pertaining to the rights of Indigenous

peoples of Canada the BC Government is bound by the Constitution of Canada Section 35 and the Adoption Act

Section 46.

Therefore be it resolved that in removing the child SS from her family/community and by placing her in foster care

with a non-Indigenous family the Director of the Ministry of Children and Family Development infringed on

protected Indigenous rights and acted outside the law. SS was removed from her adoptive parents whose right to

raise her according to custom has been violated.

And further resolved that we, as a Métis community, recognize the custom adoption of our member, the child

formerly known as SS, between our members, (birth parents) and and

(adoptive parents). This adoption agreement, which took place in December 2014, was further

recognized by the BC Métis Federation in February 2016 and has been certified and registered in the Supreme Court

of the Northwest Territories by the Aboriginal Adoption Commissioner who rightfully determined the adoption

date, according to custom, as having taken place on October 24, 2013, which is the date the adoptive parents began

raising their daughter.

And further resolved that we, as a legal Métis membership, deem the actions of the Ministry of Children and Family

Development as an infringement on our protected Indigenous rights. Indigenous law stands separate and apart,

with equivalent force and effect as Colonial law. As such, custom adoption, a tradition which has been carried on

since time immemorial and concerns the most cherished within our communities, our children, is outside the

jurisdiction of the Ministry Director.

The concept and practice of a custom adoption is unique to Indigenous culture and its peoples, precluding any and

all involvement of the Ministry Director who is not indigenous. This decision to recognize a custom adoption is at

the sole discretion of the Indigenous community.

And further resolved that we, as a Métis community, expect the government to act in a manner consistent with its

publicly stated platform on indigenous policies and respect that this issue can only be determined by Indigenous

law; law which has never been abrogated or extinguished.

And further resolved that we, as a Métis community, after having made every effort to work cooperatively with the

government to achieve a just and peaceful outcome give notice that the apprehension of our member SS was a

direct violation of indigenous rights and will no longer be tolerated. (Continued…)

Bring Home Baby SS Website http://bringsshome.ca/

Tribute to Joyce Fisher

Remembering Our Friend

BC Métis Federation is sharing the Celebration of Life video

produced by the organization to honor Joyce Fisher.

Joyce Fisher, wife of board member Ken Fisher, was one of the most dedicated supporters

and friends within the Métis community anyone has ever

witnessed.

BC Métis Federation was proud to honor and thank Joyce for all

she did to support our Métis community over the years.

Updates on Métis case of SS (continued…)

And further resolved that we, as a membership, deem the actions of the

Ministry of Children and Family Development, in holding the child SS in

foster care in a non-Indigenous home, to be an act contrary to their

Standards of Practice and in violation of the United Nations Declaration

on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. By doing so the MCFD is perpetuating

the destruction of our culture and is in direct violation of the Recognition

of Adoption by her Métis community and subsequently by the Supreme

Court of the Northwest Territories under the Aboriginal Custom Adoption

Recognition Act.

And further resolved that we, as an Indigenous community, expect the

government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to

honour the commitments it has made and in the spirit of reconciliation to

affect the immediate and rightful return of our Métis child to her Métis

parents, adoptive Métis family, and to her Métis community. In addition,

we demand a public apology from the British Columbia government and

an independent audit on the actions, policies, and principles under which

the MCFD has acted.

And further resolved that we, as BC Métis Federation members are

prepared to stand with one voice in support of our children and are

prepared to make a public statement to Premier Horgan that we will no

longer accept the interference of the Director in our internal customs and

traditions. BCMF is prepared to take a leadership role on behalf of

Indigenous populations in British Columbia and start a movement that

takes affirmative action to regain control of our children and families.

We will start immediately by exercising our rights under Indigenous law to

return SS to our community.

Moved by Sharon Eyford

Seconded by Earl Belcourt

Unanimously carried

BC Métis Federation Statement on Métis National Council September Newsletter

Métis National Council (MNC) ‘Homeland’ Dogma since 1983 and supported by Federal government is unravelling.

Recall that a fixed notion of ‘being Métis’ has long served a particular political institutional purpose. Funding and research models, the political structures and the policy incentives for Indigenous peoples have supported a ‘particular’ understanding.

However, this MNC – Federal government ‘political ideal’ is at-odds with the complexity and fluidity of Métis on-the-ground in communities.

In the September MNC Newsletter it appears MNC leader Chartier is being forced to admit to fact that the Province of Ontario and MNO recognized 5 new communities outside of their long-touted ‘homeland’ definition. According to Chartier, “it is in the best interests and survival of the Métis Nation, and the integrity of its geographic homeland and related citizenship that this new development be dealt with in an expeditious manner.”

It appears from this release they want to quickly deal with this by further entrenchment into a form of Métis Act guaranteed and apparently funded by Canada.MNC has long attempted to dominate and regulate a restrictive homeland identity and an exclusive relationship with Canada.

But this status-quo is at odds with the complexity and fluidity and needs of Métis in the ground in sovereign communities. They have never been interested in what is right/best for communities and support for the vitality and well-being of local Métis community formation and repatriation.

Nor have they established dialogue and protocol with First nations, but instead are caught up in ‘politics of recognition’ and exclusive ‘identity politics’ with governments. In Ontario as example, First nation’s academics have been recently deeply criticizing the MNO (affiliate of MNC) over this very issue. In fact MNC affiliates MNBC have subverted community governance and harmed members like SS.

Meanwhile other Indigenous peoples such as many First nations are moving toward jurisdiction, land and development rights, nation-to-nation equal partnerships.

As Indigenous legal philosopher John Borrows states, there is no “essential” Indigenous identity that requires Indigenous people to think and act in unison.

This is instructive for the Métis situation in diverse and fluid communities in BC and across Canada. A 2013 Senate report calls for governments to collaborate with all organizations and communities for knowledge partnerships and research.

Instead of one-window ideological approaches to Métis identity and governance, governments and government bureaucracies must work better with those who dissent and disagree and institute better processes and a plurality of options in partnership with ALL Métis organizations and communities.

The 2013 Report of the Senate Standing committee on Métis identity interestingly states, “Many communities and organizations across the country have made maximum efforts to document this history with minimal support from outside sources.“

The (Senate) committee also states that any comprehensive research program on the Métis must incorporate oral histories and other methods of ascertaining the Métis’ own views of their histories.”

One of the more exciting elements of the Senate Report’s ‘strategy’ is the recognition that there must be a strong “appropriately resourced” research component that must include Métis voices and input.

Of course, the challenge here is to interpret these resources and oral histories in ways that supports the vitality and well-being of local Métis community formation and repatriation.

In light of UNDRIP and the recent UN report and the Senate report, all governments must negotiate protocol with all legitimate groups including BC Métis Federation and communities.

Ingredients

1 package of Tenderflake Lard

5½ cups all-purpose flour

1 egg

1 lb lean moose meat

1 lb ground pork

1 onion, minced, lightly sautéed

2½ cups mashed potato

2 tsp poultry seasoning

2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp savoury

1 tsp celery salt

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp nutmeg

3 to 4 fl oz beef consommé

1 egg yolk

1 tbsp water

1. Make the pastry. Our best results come from following the recipe

on the Tenderflake Lard package. You will need 1 package

Tenderflake Lard, 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 egg. This recipe

makes up to three double crust (the shell and the top) pies, or at

least two doubles and one pie shell.

2. In a large sauté pan, brown the ground moose meat and pork.

3. When the meat is cooked, drain the excess fat and add the

sautéed onion.

4. Transfer to a large bowl and add the mashed potato, seasoning

and spices. Mix thoroughly.

5. Moisten with the consommé as needed (the meat mixture should

be moist but not dripping in liquid).

6. Line two 9-inch round disposable cake tins with pastry. Add the

filling.

7. Top with more pastry.

8. Make an egg wash by combining 1 egg yolk mixed with 1

tablespoon water if desired.

9. If you have leftover pastry, make little pastry stars or bells and

place on top of the tourtière as extra decoration.

10. Place in freezer.

11. When ready to cook, preheat an oven to 450°F.

12. Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes.

13. Reduce heat to 325°F and bake for another 40 minutes. The crust

should be nice and golden brown. If baking without freezing, change

the cooking times to 10 minutes and 25 minutes respectively.

Grandma’s Christmas tourtière

Kinder Morgan Canada – Response to

Fish Spawning Habitat Concerns

The following correspondence was sent

by Kinder Morgan Canada in response

to concerns raised by BC Métis

Federation members following a video

that was released on a facebook page.

This was a very concerning issue and BC

Métis Federation took steps to seek

answers. The following response has

been provided by Kinder Morgan

Canada:

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you on your memberships questions about the use of fish spawning

deterrents. I can appreciate sensitivity of this issue to BC Metis Federation members. I have spent some time working

with our environment team so that we could provide you with an accurate and informative answer respecting our use of

fish spawning mats. Trans Mountain installed fish spawning deterrents (mats) in 8 locations in summer 2017 as

described in the National Energy Board (NEB) plans (Condition 43 Watercourse Crossing Inventory). These mats were

fastened to the bottom of the streams at locations where potential spawning habitat had been identified at stream

crossings planned for construction in the winter of 2018.

These fish mat installations were undertaken to ensure that construction would not damage incubating eggs or larvae

that may not have hatched before instream construction was to occur. While fish are known to return to specific streams

to spawn, they do not return to the exact same spot as natural stream events modify the location of spawning grounds

from one year to the next. Spawning deterrent mats do not prevent fish from spawning in the streams, it only deters

them from spawning at a specific location. This type of mitigation has been accepted by the NEB and has been approved

previously on other projects by the Department of Fisheries of Environment Canada. I have attached a document that

provides more information with respect to this technique.

The issue with the NEB arose because Trans Mountain began installation of deterrents as part of mitigation in advance of

construction as a pre-construction activity – which is permitted under NEB decision. However after the installations

occurred, the NEB examined the issue and in its inspection report, the Board stated that

the installation of fish deterrent mattings falls within the definition of construction in Certificate OC-064”

numerous conditions of Certificate OC-064 which require approval in advance of construction of the pipeline

portion of the project have not yet been approved by the Board, and “

it is the IO’s [National Energy Board’s] view that there is potential for greater environmental harm should the

company be required to remove the spawning deterrents while target fish remain actively spawning within the

relevant systems. The IO is therefore satisfied that Trans Mountain should monitor, maintain and remove the

previously installed spawning deterrents according to the measures and timing outlined in its Sept 25 and 28

NNC responses.”

The 8 spawning deterrent mats that were installed are now being removed in accordance with NEB’s direction.

Membership Update

(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation is pleased to release the updated membership application form for 2017. The prices have

been adjusted based on the costs of card production.

BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “The board approved the updated membership card process April 30th and today

we are pleased to update the membership brochure to reflect these changes.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded; “Thank you to the thousands of members who have joined the BC Métis Federation.

Membership continues to grow each month as our community recognizes the value of the BC Métis Federation to represent their

interests and concerns. We look forward to sharing Métis culture this summer through sponsored events as we continue to grow our

organization.”

Download the new Membership form for 2017

Comments from our Readers….

6th Annual AGM - Sharon Eyford October 4, 2017 at 10:46 am

This is our 6th AGM and I enjoyed every minute. Broken hearted hearing what the families of child SS is STILL going through. What a shame!!! I am ashamed at what our Gov’t has been doing to these people and what has not been done for child SS !!!I I am hoping that our Resolution is heard and can be dealt with immediately and never have another child go through something like this again—ever !!!!

BC Métis Federation Statement on Métis National Council September Newsletter ~

Laura Langstaff September 6, 2017 at 3:06 pm

We don’t always agree….but you are absolutely correct. Personally I cannot live with the Federal Government determine who my leadership is. I decide the MNC are NOT my leadership because I won’t associate with leadership whose laws restrict membership to residency in only five of ten provinces. The Charter guarantees my right of mobility in the Dominion, but the MNC erects barriers to the exercising because we have to choose our Charter rights or the inequitable political imbalance even within the MNC structure. I can’t live with 45 Metis from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba having de facto veto simply because they are stuck within the INTERIM STRUCTURE. Acknowledged in the Letter Patens of the MNC Secretariat Inc. I will not cooperate with ANY legislation to entrench the MNC nonsense and will work robustly with those actively opposing.

BC Métis Federation Statement on Métis National Council September Newsletter ~

Dan McArthur September 11, 2017 at 3:55 pm

Agreed, whole heartedly. Seems to be a round up and cull mentality going on to the benefit of a few while entire communities suffer and are left out. Sad to see just how quickly some are to cast aside history and in doing so entire communities. I too will work to oppose and work to promote the rich history of Metis so as it is not forgotten or reshaped into something it never was.

When Will Proper Métis Governance be Addressed in BC? ~ Raymond October 6, 2017 at 11:27 am

Enough is Enough, Officers of MNBC Should be tried on criminal charges and sentenced to prison . Only the

people that trusted these officers have been hurt. They have used the good peoples names to obtain this money

and they used a lot of this money for there own personal use. An example must be set. These officers of the

MNBC, must answer for their crimes. Justice must be held, and these Criminals brought to Justice. These officers

cannot be Metis, I question their authenticity.

Ray

BCMF Membership Categories

The BC Métis Federation has three categories of membership.

BCMF Full Member

The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) will recognize Full Membership upon proof of possession of a genealogical verified card

from one of the following provincial Métis organizations:

Métis Nation British Columbia

Métis Nation of Alberta

Métis Nation of Saskatchewan

Manitoba Métis Federation

Métis Nation of Ontario

Labrador Métis Nation

Northwest Territory Métis Nation

Métis Settlements Grand Council

BCMF Associate Member

BCMF will recognize Associate Membership for:

Spouses of BCMF members

Friends of the BCMF

Independent supporters who complete a BCMF membership application form but have not provided

genealogical evidence to substantiate their Métis identification at the time of membership application

Métis who do not have their genealogy complete will become associate members until a member has completed

the necessary research to verify citizenship

Associate Members will not be eligible to vote at any BCMF general meetings and are not eligible to sit on the BCMF

board of directors.

BCMF Honourary Member

BCMF will recognize Honourary Membership for:

Such persons may be admitted by resolution of the membership at an annual general meeting

Recognized friends of the BCMF by Order of the Sash presentation or extraordinary circumstance

Honourary Members will not be eligible to vote at any BCMF general meetings and are not eligible to sit on the BCMF

board of directors.

Download the Application online at:

http://bcmetis.com/membership/

Contact 604-638-7220

Membership@BCMetis.com

Executive and Board of Directors

Directors

Keith Henry—President (North Vancouver): K.Henry@BCMetis.com

Rene Therrien—Vice-President (Terrace): R.Therrien@BCMetis.com

Joe Desjarlais—Secretary (North Vancouver): J.Desjarlais@BCMetis.com

Betty Fisher—Treasurer (Surrey): B.Fisher@BCMetis.com

Ken Fisher—Director (Vancouver): K.Fisher@BCMetis.com

Baillie Redfern—Director (Vancouver): B.Redfern@BCMetis.com

JJ Lavallee—Director (Surrey): J.Lavallee@BCMetis.com

Earl Belcourt – Director (Vancouver Island): E.Belcourt@BCMetis.com

Staff and Contractors

Sherry Daniels— Office Manager: S.Daniels@BCMetis.com

Earlene Bitterman—Project Coordinator: E.Bitterman@BCMetis.com

Shauna Benson—Executive Director MEDC: S.Benson@bcmetis.com

The Update Company – Website / Email Marketing: Admin@BCMetis.com

Culver and Co. – Financial Accountants / Annual Financial Statements

300 – 3665 Kingsway,

Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2

1 (604) 638-7220

Email: Info@bcmetis.com

On the Web:

www.bcmetis.com

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