Métis Breakout Groups

The participants of the Métis breakout groups at all seven follow-up sessions produced a combined total of over 160 pages of transcribed flip chart notes. The facilitators’ follow-up reports dedicated a combined total of 50 pages to the Métis breakout groups.

Jurisdiction, control and governance

Common discussion threads identified include: (a) defining relationships; (b) establishing authorities; and c) institutional development.

a) Defining relationships

A common theme in the Métis sessions was the need for the Government of Canada to formally acknowledge the Métis as one of the constitutionally recognized Aboriginal peoples. Métis governments should be recognized with full jurisdiction and control on all matters affecting the Métis. To further define the relationship, the participants spoke about negotiating legal instruments and implementing framework agreements along the lines of the proposed Canada-Métis Nation Framework Agreement. Métis want to be a full partner at federal, provincial and territorial negotiation tables and seek to engage in intergovernmental relationships with the federal government, provinces and territories which recognize and respect Métis jurisdiction.

b) Establishing authorities

A consistent theme was that Métis authorities be acknowledged as self-government entities that should have full access to programs such as the self-government processes, such as the comprehensive claims process, within the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, to meet their unique self-government aspirations. Métis stressed they needed expanded jurisdiction in sectors such as housing, health and education.

c) Institutional development

The development and enhancement of institutions designed by Métis for Métis people are essential. Participants acknowledged the importance of support for institutional development flowing through Métis governments. Centres should be established that are mandated to undertake specific Métis research; also needed are a Métis registry and a Métis claims commission.

Building capacity

The common discussion threads identified include: (a) human resource development; (b) strategic planning; and (c) research and development:

a) Human resource development

To increase the numbers of Métis professionals in various careers, a comprehensive education plan is needed leading to increased human resource development efforts. More resources are needed to expand opportunities for Métis in education, employment and training programs. The implementation of the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy for Métis was cited as a best practice model that should be enhanced and built on by other federal departments.

b) Strategic planning

Governments also need to provide capacity that supports Métis strategic planning within all sectors and to invest in long-term sustainable outcomes for the Métis and their communities. More efforts should be made to gain input from Métis community members, using engagement strategies.

c) Research and development

Participants spoke about the need to establish a Métis specific statistical and research agenda that would provide an improved understanding on the unique needs of the Métis. Further, Métis emphasized the need to enhance knowledge on Métis culture for curriculum development and specific programming, through their own governing institutions. Institutions such as the Gabriel Dumont Institute were cited as successful models and should be provided with greater capacity. At the same time, new institutions are needed to undertake comprehensive research and development for Métis communities.

Improving access

Common discussion threads identified include: (a) access to programs and services; and (b) funding access.

a) Access to programs and services

Participants emphasized the need for a “Métis specific” approach to programs and services rather than the pan-Aboriginal approach is necessary. Aboriginal representatives (who were speaking for non-status Aboriginal people and/or Métis from the east coast) spoke about the need for “status-blind” access points without reverting to a pan-Aboriginal approach in programming and services. Métis highlighted some specific areas were there are real needs for improved access such as economic development, child care, health and justice initiatives. Overall, Métis and Aboriginal participation in policy development and program control through both Métis and Aboriginal governments and authorities is seen as key to the long-term success, stability as well as innovation and efficiency of policies and programs.

b) Funding access

In general it was suggested that the federal, provincial and territorial governments must increase funding levels and allocate funding specifically to Métis governing organizations and structures. Negotiated increased funding levels and multi-year agreements are also seen as factors that will contribute to self-sufficiency.

Accountability/measuring results

Common discussion threads identified include: (a) input to the accountability framework; and (b) report card concepts.

a) Input to the accountability framework

The need to revamp the federal government’s approach to accountability, in order to include more consultation and input from the Métis perspective was put forward by participants. Métis values and principles should be reflected in accountability frameworks. Also, more efforts are needed in all sectors to educate and build capacity within Métis communities on the formulation of accountability processes (e.g. appropriate indicators and measurements, reporting requirements, etc.) that meet Métis priorities. Further, participants suggested that accountability frameworks should not omit input and consultations with urban Aboriginal groups, and specific women’s organizations, to capture their views and priorities.

b) Report card concepts

For the federal ”report card,” Métis leaders should provide input and be consulted. The report card could measure or grade aspects of the relationship and partnership between the Métis and the federal government. It should also report on quality-of-life indicators, such as access to services, cultural retention and the overall health of Métis communities.

Application of the crosscutting lenses

Common discussion threads identified include: (a) Métis women; and (b) Métis with disabilities.

a) Métis women

Many of the sessions indicated that Métis women must be present and participating at all levels of governance from leadership to policy/program, development to implementation. Specifically, within the jurisdiction discussions, that a gender analysis be applied to all governance matters.

b) Métis with disabilities

Overall, participants suggest that priority should be given to including issues that affect Métis with disabilities. To ensure that appropriate policies are considered, persons with disabilities need to be included in strategic planning, program design and development.

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The documentation contained on this website does not necessarily represent the views of any government or National Aboriginal Organization. The purpose of this website is to share information related to the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable: background papers, Facilitator's sectoral and final reports, agendas and media announcements.

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