BC Métis Federation Files Human Rights Complaint Over Resolution from Union of BC Indian Chiefs Denouncing “Métis Colonialism”

A human rights complaint has been filed by the BC Métis Federation over a resolution passed by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in June.

Unanimously passed by the Union on June 8th, the resolution denounces what they call Métis colonialism in BC.

It also rejects assertions from Métis organizations that they hold any constitutionally protected jurisdiction over land and water in the province.

They argued that the groups used tactics reminiscent of the Doctrine of Discovery to claim rights over First Nations territories and assert resource claims.

But the Federation says those comments and an accompanying press release make baseless claims which contravene the Constitution Act.

Section 35 of the Act affirms existing aboriginal and treaty rights for Métis people as one of Canada’s three Indigenous groups.

Now the Federation says the statements made by the UBCIC are likely to expose Métis people to vilification based on their Indigenous identity.

Their filing requests a public retraction of the resolution, and that Union executives receive education on the history of Métis people in BC.