Leadership of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan gathered for the Fall sitting of their 2024 Legislative Assembly in Regina yesterday.
MN-S President Glenn McCallum gave his state of the nation address, detailing recent progress that has been made in building relationships with RCMP, addressing crime and gang activity up north, and growing the MN-S member base.
In spring of 2024, MN-S passed the Coming Home resolution, which allows Métis people with Saskatchewan heritage living in other provinces to join the MN-S registry.
“This government, and this assembly, made the right choice and the right decision to be able to open the door for people who have lived outside our province, to be able to feel their spirit is connected to their homeland in Saskatchewan.”
Following McCallum’s address, Registrar Deb Donalson presented five people with a Coming Home card, including Bryan Trottier, seven-time Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins.
“This is an exciting honour, an honour that recognizes my native Canadian roots, my home, my family, where I was born and raised. Saskatchewan will always be my home.”
He is of Cree Metis descent, and grew up in Val Marie, between Swift Current and the Montana border.
Following the induction ceremony, MN-S delegates held discussion in an attempt to pass amendments to the Métis Constitution on the path to self-governance.
McCallum says the most important facet, when it comes to achieving self-governance, is the treaty or Sacred Document that is in the works between MN-S and Ottawa.
“I’ve been asked questions…it has stalled. We’re in neutral right now, because it’s not all in our hands as your government. Sometimes, the wheel of politics moves slow in Ottawa, but I guarantee you we keep pushing your government and our negotiators keep pushing hard to try and make that treaty real.”
The Sacred Document would formally recognize the MN-S government as the government of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan, and acknowledge its jurisdiction over elections, core governance, and citizenship.
