BC Assembly of First Nation Restates Strong Opposition to Bill Which Would Officially Recognize Certain Métis Governments

A federal Bill seeking to recognize a trio of provincial Métis governments is again drawing opposition from the BC Assembly of First Nations.

If passed, Bill C-53 would recognize the Métis Nations of Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan as full self-governing Indigenous bodies.

It would grant the trio full Aboriginal and treaty rights affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act.

But, First Nations leaders say the Bill would propel unsubstantiated claims to lands, waters and resources asserted by Métis groups nationwide.

In July, the Assembly of First Nations unanimously passed resolution 44, which called out what they called Métis collonialism.

They say that passing the Bill would damage First Nations rights, title, systems of government, legal systems, and territorial jurisdiction.

In addition, they claim that many of the communities claimed by the groups have never existed historically.

Now, the BCAFN has restated its strong opposition, calling for Ottawa to conduct a transparent public investigation to understand the facts and issues.