Metis assembly to meet ahead of expected vote

It is shaping up to be an interesting year for the Metis people. The Metis Nation Saskatchewan — the provincial body that represents the Metis — has been at the centre of much turmoil in recent years.

Its federal funding was frozen in November 2014, after five years without a Metis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA) — which is supposed to be called twice annually by the Provincial Metis Council, as required by its constitution.

The organization is also $725,000 in debt. A Metis library and archive is being sold for $500,000 to cover some of its outstanding costs.

The Court of Queen’s Bench has ordered a legislative assembly be held. The location of the upcoming MNLA is scheduled for July in Yorkton, rather than in a more central location like Saskatoon or Prince Albert, which concerned some Metis groups. On the Metis News Saskatchewan Facebook page, a letter dated Tuesday is posted indicating the MNLA is scheduled for July 30-31 in Yorkton at the Gallagher Centre.

Wayne McKenzie of the Southern Metis Council of Saskatchewan, says membership may become a real issue when an election is held. McKenzie says MNS has faced a tumultuous situation for quite some time and says now that the federal government is involved there is a push to have an election.

Although an election date has yet to be set, he says Metis citizenship needs to be clarified and people properly registered before an election takes place.

Without a proper registry there is a potential for people who are not eligible to be identified as Metis who will be allowed to vote, MacKenzie said.