1. society

MÉTISNATIONGOVERNINGASSEMBLY
heldMarch8and9,2014
DRAFTMINUTES
Minutes of the Métis Nation British Columbia Métis Nation Governing Assembly held
March8and9,2014,Blackcomb,CypressandGrouseBallrooms,MarriottVancouverAirportHotel,
7571WestminsterHighway,Richmond,BC.
OFFICIALDELEGATESINATTENDANCE:
BOARDOFDIRECTORS:
BruceDumont,President
AnnetteMaurice,VicePresident
SusieHooper,RegionalDirector–NorthwestRegionandSecretary
DaleLamoureux,InterimRegionalDirector–NortheastRegion
ClaraMorin‐DalCol,ProvincialWomen’sChair
BrendaNome,RegionalDirector–NorthCentralRegion
GlenOhs,RegionalDirector–LowerMainlandRegion
DanielPitman,RegionalDirector–ThompsonOkanaganRegionandTreasurer
LissaSmith,RegionalDirector–VancouverIslandRegion
MarilynnTaylor,RegionalDirector–KootenaysRegion
REGIONALREPRESENTATIVES:
Region1–VancouverIsland
JoyBremner,President,MidIslandMétisNation
MichaelDumont,President,NorthIslandMétisAssociation
JuneGraham,President,AlberniClayoquotMetisAssociation
CarolGrenier,VicePresident,GreaterVictoriaMétisNationAssociation
BryceMercredi,President,MIKI’SIWMétisSociety
JanOvans,CowichanValleyMétisAssociation
BarbRees,VicePresident,PowellRiverMétisSociety
Region2–LowerMainland
ShelbyDesjarlais,President,WaceyaMétisAssociation
KenFisher,President,NovaHeritageMétisAssociation(Day1)
WilliamFoy,President,ChilliwackMétisAssociation
LesMitchell,President,FraserValleyMétisSociety
BarryMooney,President,NorthFraserMétisAssociation
DavePeltier,President,GoldenEarsMétisAssociation
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page1of18
Region3–ThompsonOkanagan
BobAdams,President,Nelson&AreaMétisAssociation
MelanieAllard,President,TwoRiversMétisSociety
EldonClairmont,President,SalmonArmMétisSociety
MarleneCox‐Bishop,President,SouthOkanaganSimilkameenMétisAssociation
CherylDodman,VicePresident,KelownaMétisSociety
GregSterling,VicePresident,BoundaryLocalMétisSociety
VinceVanWieringen,President,VernonDistrictMétisSociety
Region4–Kootenays
WendyFavel,President,RockyMountainMétisAssociation
MyrtServatius,President,TrailMétisAssociation
JeanSulzer,President,ElkValleyMétisSociety
Region5–NorthCentral
TonyGoulet,President,NorthCaribouMétisAssociation
RayHourie,President,PrinceGeorgeCommunityMétisAssociation
Region6–Northwest
RichardHayden,VicePresident,NorthwestBCMétisAssociation
KimHodgson,President,Tri‐RiverMétisSociety
Region7–Northeast
SadieLukan,President,NortheastMétisAssociation
OTHERSINATTENDANCE:
BillBresser,DeputySpeaker
DaleDrown,ChiefExecutiveOfficerandMNGAClerk
WillGoodon,Speaker
LaurelKaternick,MNGADeputyClerk
TraceyThornhill,ExecutiveAssistant
RECORDINGSECRETARY:
CarolLee,RaincoastVenturesLtd.
DAY1–MARCH8,2014
1.
GRANDENTRY–FLAGPARTYANDMNGAMEMBERS
Métis dancer Lisa Shepherd, fiddlers, veterans and dignitaries formed part of the Grand
EntryFlagProcession.
1.1.
MetisNationalAnthem
TheMétisNationalAnthemwasplayed.
1.2
OCanada
DirectorMarilynnTaylorledinthesingingoftheCanadianNationalAnthem.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page2of18
2.
OPENINGPRAYER
Senator Margaret Penner offered an Opening Prayer in English. Vice President Annette
MauriceofferedanOpeningPrayerinCree.
3.
3.1
WELCOMINGANDOPENINGCOMMENTS
MNBCPresidentDumont
PresidentBruceDumontwelcomedMetisleadershipfromtheregionsandacknowledgedall
Metis dignitaries, friends of the Metis and staff in attendance at the Métis Nation British
Columbia (MNBC) Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA). President Dumont
commentedthatMarch8thisInternationalWomen’sDayandrecognizedtheimportantrole
thatwomenhaveplayedinthesurvivaloftheMétisculture.
PresidentDumontadvisedthat2014isthe10thanniversaryoftheamendmentoftheMNBC
Constitution.Therearecurrently9,500card‐carryingcitizensoftheMNBCand70,000self‐
identifiedMétis.
PresidentDumontintroducedthemembersoftheMNBCBoardofDirectors.
The past year has been spent working on strengthening the relationship with the Charter
Communities and improving the governance of the MNBC. Regional sessions held during
2013havebeenanoverwhelmingsuccessandvaluablefeedbackhasbeenreceivedonhow
theMNBCcanbestsupportMétispeopleandfamilies.During2014,theMNBCwillfocuson
continuingtokeeptheCommunitiesinformedandengaged.
3.2
MNBCVicePresidentMaurice
Vice President Maurice welcomed delegates to the meeting and commented on the
commitmentandinvolvementoftheBoardmembers.
4.
LETTEROFUNDERSTANDINGSIGNING
President Dumont reported that the Letter of Understanding (LOU) for the care of Métis
childrenintheKootenaysregionwassignedbetweentheKtunakaFirstNationandMNBC
during the March 7, 2014 President’s Workshop. President Dumont commented on the
history of the relationship between the Ktunaka Kinbasket Children and Family Service
SocietyandMNBC.TheofficialsigningoftheLOUwillbeconductedduringthe2014Annual
GeneralMeeting.
President Dumont acknowledged the efforts of Directors Marilynn Taylor and Daniel
PitmaninconcludingtheLOU.
5.
6.
OFFICIALBUSINESSOFTHEMNGA2014CALLEDTOORDERBYTHESPEAKER
Speaker Will Goodon called to order the Official Business of the 2014 MNGA scheduled
March8and9,2014onDay1–March8,2014at9:10a.m.
Deputy Speaker Bill Bresser outlined the rules of conduct that would apply to debates
duringtheMNGA.
ROLLCALL–QUORUMANNOUNCED
MNGA Clerk Dale Drown advised that Laurel Katernick has been appointed as the Deputy
ClerkandwillfulfiltheMNGAClerk’sresponsibilitiesinhisabsenceduringtheMNGA.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page3of18
MNGAClerkDrownreferencedMNGAActArticle4.2.2,whichstatesthattheprocedurefor
taking roll call votes is to call the names of the delegates alphabetically, and to have each
person indicate orally his/her vote. MNGA Clerk Down then conducted Roll Call and
confirmedthat35officialvotingdelegateswereinattendance.Quorumwassetat18.
7.
ACCEPTANCEOFMNGADRAFTAGENDA
RelatedmaterialsdistributedintheMNGA2014Agendapackage:DraftAgendaoftheMétis
NationBritishColumbiaGoverningAssemblyscheduledMarch8and9,2014.
ItwasMOVED(SusieHooper)andSECONDED(EldonClairmont)
That the Agenda for the Métis Nation British Columbia Métis Nation Governing Assembly
scheduled March 8 and 9, 2014 be accepted with amendment to add Item 8.2 – Interim
AppointmentofRegionalWomen’sRepresentativeforRegion7.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐01)
8.
8.1
NEWMNGAMEMBERSFORACCEPTANCE
RegionalInterimAppointments
ItwasMOVED(BruceDumont)andSECONDED(LissaSmith)
ThattheMétisNationBritishColumbia(MNBC)MétisNationGoverningAssembly,pursuant
totheprovisionsofArticle46oftheMNBCConstitution,appointDaleLamoureuxasInterim
Regional Director for Region 7 – Northeast, with full voting powers for a term effective
March8,2014untilDecember15,2014.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐02)
8.2
InterimAppointmentofRegionalWomen’sRepresentativeforRegion7
ItwasMOVED(ClaraMorin‐DalCol)andSECONDED(AnnetteMaurice)
ThattheMétisNationBritishColumbia(MNBC)MétisNationGoverningAssembly,pursuant
totheprovisionsofArticle46oftheMNBCConstitution,appointSharonPayouasInterim
Regional Women’s Representative for Region 7 – Northeast, with full voting powers for a
termeffectiveMarch8,2014untilDecember15,2014.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐03)
9.
OATHSOFOFFICE
SenatorPennersworeintheInterimRegionalDirectorforRegion7,DaleLamoureux.
RegionalDirectorLamoureuxgaveanacceptancespeechduringwhichhecommentedthat
he is looking forward to working with the MNBC Board of Directors and the senior
managementteam.
10.
REVIEWANDACCEPTANCEOF2013MNGADRAFTMINUTES
RelatedmaterialsdistributedintheMNGA2014Agendapackage:DraftMinutesoftheMétis
NationBritishColumbiaMetisNationGeneralAssemblyheldMarch9and10,2013.
DelegatesagreedthatareadingoftheminutesbyMNGAClerkDownwouldnotberequired.
Therewasdiscussionregardingthelengthoftimeprovidedtoreviewthedraftminutesin
advanceofthemeeting. Adelegateconfirmedreceiptofthe draft2013 MNGAminutesby
emailwithinareasonabletimeoftheconclusionofthemeeting.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page4of18
ItwasMOVED(BarryMooney)andSECONDED(CarolGrenier)
That the Minutes of the Métis Nation British Columbia Métis Nation Governing Assembly
held March 9 and 10, 2013 be adopted with the following corrections to the Regional
RepresentativeslistedinAttendanceonPage1:
a) Region1–replace“JuneGraham,MidIslandMétisNation”with“JuneGraham,Alberni
ClayoquotMétisNation”;
b) Region1–Correctspellingto“KenMcIvor,MIKI’SIWMétisAssociation”;
c) Region3–Correctreferenceto“DeanTrumbley,VernonandDistrictMétisAssociation”;
d) Region2–Include“LesMitchell,FraserValleyMétisAssociation”inthelistofRegion2
representatives;
e) Region 5 – Replace “Gerald Bird, Salmon Arm Métis Association” with “Gerald Bird,
PrinceGeorgeMétisCommunityAssociation”;and
f) Region6–Replace“NorthWest”with“Northwest”.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐04)
11.
MNBCREPORTS
On‐tablepackageofMetisNationBritishColumbiaReports,submittedtothe2014MNGA:
 MNGA 2014 Ministerial and Executive Reports, submitted by Vice President
AnnetteMaurice;
 ReportoftheTreasurertotheMNGA;
 MNGA 2014 Regional Director’s Report – Vancouver Island/Powell River Region,
submittedbyRegionDirectorLissaSmith;
 MNGA 2014 Interim Regional Director’s Report – Lower Mainland Region, submitted by
RegionDirectorGlenOhs;
 MNGA2014InterimRegionalDirector’sReport–ThompsonOkanaganRegion,submitted
byRegionDirectorDanielPitman;
 MNGA2014RegionalDirector’sReport–KootenaysRegion,submittedbyRegionDirector
MarilynnTaylor;
 MNGA2014InterimRegionDirector’sReport–NorthCentralRegion,submittedbyRegion
DirectorBrendaNome;
 MNGA2014InterimRegionalDirector’sReport–NorthwestRegion,submittedbyRegion
DirectorSusieHooper;
 MNGA2014InterimRegionalDirector’sReport–NortheastRegion,submittedbyRegion
DirectorDaleLamoureux;
 Métis Nation BC – MNGA 2014 Central Registry Report, submitted by Laurel Katernick,
DirectorofRegistry;
 MNGA 2014 Ministerial and Executive Reports, submitted by Minister of Children and
FamiliesandMinisterofCulture,HeritageandLanguageDanielPitman;
 Ministerial Report for the Ministry of Employment and Training, dated March 8, 2014,
submittedbyMinisterofEmploymentandTrainingGlenOhs;
 Presentationtitled“ASETS,MétisNationGoverningAssembly,March8,2014–Richmond,
BC”;
 MNGA 2014 Ministerial and Executive Reports, submitted by Minister of Industry
EngagementandPartnershipsGlenOhs;
 VeteransReport,submittedbyMinisterResponsibleforVeteransLissaSmith;
 HealthReport,submittedbyMinisterResponsibleforHealthLissaSmith;
 MNGA2014MinistryofNaturalResourcesReport,submittedbyBruceDumont,Minister;
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page5of18
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11.1
MNGA 2014 Ministry of Natural Resources Report 2/2, submitted by Bruce Dumont,
Minister;
SportReport,submittedbyMinisterResponsibleforSportKateElliott;
MNGA 2014 Ministerial and Executive Reports, submitted by Minister of Women Clara
Marin‐DalCol;
MinistryofYouth,MNGAReport,submittedbyMinisterResponsibleforYouthKateElliott
andDirectorofYouth,ColletteTrudeau;
MNGAReportfromtheSenate;and
Presentation titled “MNBC Senate, Métis Nation Governing Assembly, March 7 – 9, 2014,
Richmond,BC”.
Executive
PresidentDumontreportedthatsincethe2013MNGA,theExecutivehasbeenfocusedon
industry engagement and developing partnerships and joint venture agreements with the
privatesector.FederalfundingofallAboriginalorganizationsdeclinedduringtheprevious
fiscal year and funding to MNBC specifically has been reduced by $600,000. President
DumontintroducedColleenHodgson,DirectorofIndustryEngagementandPartnerships.
PresidentDumontcommentedontheincreasinglevelofactivityinthenorthwestpartofBC
and on Vancouver Island. Energy sector developments provide opportunities to build
meaningfulrelationshipswithindustryandgovernment.ItisencouragingtoseetheMétis,
inadditiontoFirstNations,includedinMemorandumsofUnderstandingandjointventure
agreements.TheMétismustobtainashareinthewealthderivedfromenergydevelopment
inBC.
President Dumont noted the importance of energy development being undertaken in an
environmentallyfriendlyandsustainablemanner.TheMétismusthaveaplaceatthetable
so that its concerns can be expressed and addressed. Industry has acknowledged that the
Métishaveaconstitutionalrighttobeconsulted.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 ConcernthattheconsultationprocessindicatedthattheCharterCommunitieswerein
supportoftheNorthernGatewaypipeline;
 Concern that an opportunity was not provided during the Enbridge pipeline
consultation for the 22 communities to indicate their approval or disapproval and
therefore, it is uncertain how the assertion can be made that the 22 communities
approvedoftheproject;
 Concern that Métis support for the Enbridge pipeline will not build relationships with
FirstNations;
 Douglas Eyeford’s report titled “Forging Partnerships, Building Relationships –
AboriginalCanadiansandEnergyDevelopment”isinclusiveofMétisandrecognizesthat
the environmental and economic aspects of industry development are equally
important;
 TheEnbridgeconsultationwasaninformationsessionslantedtowardEnbridge;
 ThereisastrongrelationshipwiththeFirstNationsthatsupporttheEnbridgeNorthern
Gatewaypipeline;
 Those in the Northwest Region, where the majority of the impacts of the Enbridge
pipelinewillbe,shouldhaveagreatersay;
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page6of18
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Communitiesdonothavethecapacitytodealwithindustryontheproposedprojects;
supportfromMNBCisrequiredtohandlethevolumeofwork;
A capacity issue exists and MNBC is working to obtain funding to ensure that
communitiesareadequatelyrepresented;
AjointconsultationandmeetingwithKinderMorganCanada(KMC)hasbeenheldwith
fivecommunitiesrepresented;
ThereisneedtoensurethattheMétisarereadywhentheprojectedjobsfromtheKMC
projectarecreated;
Theissueofjobreadinessisaddressedthroughrelationshipbuildingwithindustryand
MNBCisworkingwithKMCtodeveloptheworkforcestrategyandprocurementpolicy;
WhethercontractorscanberequiredtoincludeastipulatedpercentageofMétisintheir
workforce;
DiscussionswithindustryandgovernmentsonAboriginalworkforcestrategies;
The Northwest Region is accustomed to a boom and bust cycle of employment;
however,thereisneedforsustainableemployment,long‐termjobsandsocialprograms
andeducationinfrastructuretostabilizethetransientworkforce;
Whetherthereareguidelinesregardingtheoptimalexpenditureoffundsreceivedfrom
industry;and
Aportionofthefundsfromindustryshouldbedirectedtoaddressthecapacityissuein
industryengagementratherthanbeingdistributedtocommunities.
VicePresidentMauricereadfromtheVicePresident’sReportsubmittedtotheMNGA.
PointofInformation
SpeakerGoodonadvisedthatthreeMNGAmembershadjoinedthemeetingsubsequenttotheRoll
Call;however,quorumwouldremainatthepreviouslyestablishednumberof18.
Treasurer Daniel Pitman welcomed Elders, veterans, women and members of the MNGA
andnotedthatayouthrepresentationisstillrequiredtobeappointedtotheMNBCBoard
ofDirectors.DirectorPitmanintroducedKarenNagra,ChiefFinancialOfficer,andreadfrom
hisreport,datedMarch8,2014.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 PurchaseranddateofsaleoftheschoollocatedonSimpsonRoadinAbbotsford;
 NetlossincurredbyMNBConthesaleoftheSimpsonRoadpropertyis$998,000;and
 How the $4 million debt on the property was permitted to accumulate and why it
remainsonthebooksfollowingthesaleoftheproperty.
ItwasMOVED(LissaSmith)andSECONDED(SusieHooper)
That the Métis Nation British Columbia Métis Nation Governing Assembly accept the
Executivereports,aspresented.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐05)
(1delegateabstainingfromthevote)
CHANGEINCHAIR
SpeakerGoodonturnedtheChairovertoDeputySpeakerBresser.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page7of18
11.2
Regional
Delegateswereadvisedthathardcopiesoftheregionalreportswouldbeprovidedlaterin
theday.MNGAClerkDrownconfirmedthatallRegionalDirectorshadsubmittedreports.
11.3 Ministerial
11.3.1 CentralRegistry
DirectorTaylorintroducedLaurelKaternick,DirectorofRegistry,andreadfromtheCentral
RegistryReport.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 Whether the 9,500 members that have been issued citizenship cards comply with the
nationalrequirementforcommunityacceptance;
 ConcernthatsomeMétishavebeennotifiedoftheneedtoreapplyfortheircitizenships;
 Clarificationthatapplicantsarerequiredtorenewcitizenshipeveryfiveyears;
 WhethertheCentralRegistryismakingpreparationsforaninfluxofapplicationsinthe
event of a favourable decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Daniels appeal;
and
 Requestforabreakdownofthemembershipapplicationsreceivedforeachregion.
11.3.2 ChildrenandFamilies
Director Pitman introduced Cole McGillivary, Director of Children and Families, and
highlightedtheMinisterofChildrenandFamiliesreport.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 WhatistheAboriginalEarlyYearsAdvisoryCircleanditsmembership;
 NeedfordirectiononhowtorespondtoquestionsfromtheBritishColumbiaMinistry
of Children and Family Development (MCFD) on how to best support Métis in their
communities;
 Whether the Aboriginal Early Years Advisory Circle is associated with the Head Start
Program, and how Métis children can be provided with equal opportunity as First
Nationschildrenundertheprogram;
 HowtheMNBCengageswiththepeopleatthelocallevel;
 WhetherthenumberofMétischildrenincareisincludedinthestatisticprovidedbythe
MCFD;and
 TheNorthIslandMétisAssociationhasdoneacommendablejobwithMétischildrenon
theHeadStartprogram.
11.3.3 Culture,HeritageandLanguage
Director Pitman introduced Leona Shaw, Director of Culture, Heritage and Language, and
highlightedtheMinisterofCulture,HeritageandLanguagereport.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 What is being done to clarify the confusion that exists in the general public regarding
thedefinitionof“Aboriginal”’;
 Need to ensure that Métis is identified as unique within the Aboriginal community
duringdialoguewithgovernmentandindustry;and
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page8of18
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NeedforcommitmenttoeducatemainstreamsocietyontheuniquenessoftheMétis.
11.3.4 Education
DirectorSusieHooperintroducedColleenHodgson,whoservesasDirectorofEducationin
additiontoherroleasDirectorofIndustryEngagementandPartnerships.DirectorHooper
readfromtheMinisterofEducationreport.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 NovaHeritageMetisAssociationrecentlysignedanAboriginalEducationEnhancement
AgreementwithSchoolDistrictNo.36;
 ConcernthatMNBCisunderminingtheroleoftheNovaHeritageMetisAssociationwith
respecttoitsinteractionswithSchoolDistrictNo.36;
 Rationale for MNBC being given a seat on the Surrey School District and not on other
schooldistrictsinBC;and
 Region 1 has been successful in retaining a seat on the Education Committee of the
NanaimoandLadysmithSchoolDistricts.
11.3.5 EmploymentandTraining
Regional Director Glen Ohs provided a presentation on the Aboriginal Skills and
EmploymentTrainingStrategy(ASETS)programduringwhichhehighlighted:
 Missionstatement;
 Clientnumbersbyregion;
 ThefocusoftheASETSprogramhasbeenchangedtoemploymentfromeducation;
 Clientinterventioncategories;
 Clientagerange;
 Applicationsdeniedduringthepreviousfiscalyear;
 Successstories;
 AdvertisementsandpromotionalactivitiesundertakenbyMNBCstaff;
 Programmenu;
 NewEmploymentSupportsProgram;and
 ASETSregionalandprovincialteams.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 ConcernswithdelaysappointingmembersoftheRegionalTrainingCommittee(RTC);
 HowtheRTCaccountsfortheexpenditureofConsolidatedRevenueFunds;and
 Whetherthereisanappealprocessforindividualswhoseapplicationsaredenied.
11.3.6 Veterans
Director Lissa Smith introduced the staff serving in the Ministry of Veterans British
Columbia(MVBC)andhighlightedtheMinisterofVeteransreport.
TherearecurrentlythreevacanciesoftheMVBCRegionalRepresentatives.Delegateswere
requestedtoencourageindividualstovolunteertoserveasregionalrepresentatives.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 Whetherregionalveteranmembershiplistscanbeprovidedtotheregions;
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page9of18
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NotificationthataMétiscitizenwillbereceivingaLegionofHonourMedal;and
Notification that the entrance fee to the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria is
waivedfortheholdersofMétiscitizenshipcards.
11.3.7 Health
Director Smith introduced Tanya Davoren, Director of Health, and Tracey Thornhill, and
highlightedtheMinisterofHealthreport.
Discussionensuedduringwhichcommentwasofferedthatsomecommunitymembershave
beenoffendedbythewordingintheself‐identificationportionofInteriorHealthAuthority
(IHA)surveys.
11.3.8 NaturalResources
President Dumont introduced staff members serving in the Ministry of Natural Resources
andCaptainspresentatthemeeting.PresidentDumonthighlightedtheMinisterofNatural
Resourcesreport.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 Whether campground fees in national parks are also waived for MNBC harvester
cardholdersinnationalparks;and
 Clarification that only Jasper National Park waives the park entrance fees for MNBC
harvestercardholders.
In response to a request, President Dumont provided an update on the Métis National
Council(MNC):
 PresidentClémentChartierpresentedthedraftConstitutionatthe2013MNGA;
 PresidentDumontholdstheMNCportfoliosofHealthandCulture,LanguageandSport;
 The MNBC and Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) held a joint Métis Economic Forum in
VancouverinMarch2013;
 TheMNChelditsAnnualGeneralAssembly(AGA)inVancouverinMarch2013;
 The Governance and Finance Accountability Accord was signed on behalf of the
Government of Canada by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal
AffairsandNorthernDevelopment,inApril2013;
 ThetermoftheMNCPresidentexpiredonDecember12,2013;
 PresidentChartierdelayedtheAGAtoholdtheelectionofthePresident;
 TheMNCbylawsareambiguousandantiquatedandrequireamendment;
 TheBoardofGovernors hasnot met sinceJune2013andtheonlyitemofbusinessat
thatmeetingwastheapprovaloftheauditedfinancialstatements;
 ThereisaneedforaPresidenttobedulyelected;
 The majority of the Board of Governors does not support the proposed draft
Constitution.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 ConcernthattheMNCPresidentisabletodelaytheelectionofanewPresident;
 Whethertherearemechanisms,otherthanlitigation,toforcetheelectiontobecalled;
 TheMNChastoldtheMétisRightsPanelthattheBoardofGovernorshasfullauthority
tomakedecisionsandyethasactedinacontrarymanner;
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page10of18
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PrairieMétishavedeniedMetisinBCrepresentationbypopulation;
TheBoardofGovernorshasthesoleauthoritytoextendthetermofthePresidency;and
Timing of the Court’s consideration of the case initiated against the MNC in
Saskatchewan.
11.3.9 EconomicDevelopment
PresidentDumontprovidedtheMinisterofEconomicDevelopmentreportunderItem11.1.
11.3.10Sport
Tanya Davoren, Director of Sport, provided the Minister of Sport report on behalf of Kate
Elliott,MinisterofYouthandSport.
11.4
Discussion ensued during which comment was offered that the Aboriginal Youth Sport
Legacy Fund provides grants for sports equipment and fitness, and the applications are
simpletocomplete.
MétisWomenofBritishColumbia
Director Morin‐Dal Col provided the Minister of Women report and noted that Regional
Women’sRepresentativesforRegions3,6and7weresworninduringtheMarch7,2014
MétisWomenofBC(MWBC)Meeting.
Discussion ensued during which the following questions were raised and comments
offered:
 Whether the MWBC have provided input into the report of the Special Committee on
ViolenceAgainstIndigenousWomen;
 WhethertheMWBChasexploredtheavailabilityoffundingtoinvestigatetheimpactof
residentialschoolsonMétis;
 AmajorityoftheMNGAmembersandtheMNBCBoardofDirectorsarewomen;
 WhetherthereisanyprotectionforMétischildrenwhoareinfostercare;and
 RequestforthenamesofMWBCRepresentativesineachregion.
Director Morin‐Dal Col reported that Lee Fraser, Region 2 WMBC was elected as the Vice
ChairattheMWBCAnnualGeneralMeetingonMarch7,2014.
SpeakerGoodoncommentedontherolestrongrolethatwomenplayintheMétissociety.
11.5
11.6
MétisYouthofBritishColumbia
TanyaDavoren,DirectorofSport,providedthereportoftheMétisYouthBritishColumbia
(MYBC)onbehalfofKateElliott,MinsterofYouthandSport.Itwasnotedthatthedeadline
forproposalsforMétisHealthandYouthFundinghasbeenextendedtoMarch10,2014.
Discussion ensued during which it was requested that the youth funding proposal
applicationformbesenttoallcommunities.
Senate
The Senate report was included in the on‐table package of Metis Nation British Columbia
Reports,submittedtothe2014MNGA.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page11of18
CHANGEINCHAIR
DeputySpeakerBresserturnedtheChairovertoSpeakerGoodon.
12.
OTHERREPORTS
CHANGEINCLERK
DeputyClerkKaternickassumedtheresponsibilitiesoftheMNGAClerk.
CEODaleDrownprovidedaverbalreportregarding:
 ThechangeintheformattingandpresentationofreportsfromMNBCBoardmembers
andMinistersareintendedtoprovideinformationandstimulatedialogueattheMNGA;
 AcknowledgementoftheeffortsandexpertiseoftheMNBCstaff;
 DiscussionsduringtheMarch7,2014President’sWorkshop;
 NeedtocontactMembersofParliamenttorequestsupportfortherenewaltheASETS
program;
 Need to engage Members of the Legislative Assembly regarding the important role of
women;and
 PartnershipswithFirstNationsandtheprivatesector.
Speaker Goodon offered reminder that the rules of conduct of the MNGA requires that
questionsandcommentsbemadethroughtheChair.
ThemeetingdelegatesstatedtheirsupportfortheChair.
KenFisher,NovaHeritageMetisAssociation,departedthemeetingat3:56p.m.inprotestof
therequirementtoaddresstheCEOthroughtheSpeaker.
ItwasMOVED(BarryMooney)andSECONDED(BillFoy)
ThattheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssemblyprovideavoteof
confidenceintheSpeaker.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐06)
(1delegateabstainingfromthevote)
It was questioned whether there are any activities and funds available with respect to
CulturalConnectionsforAboriginalYouthforthe2014/15fiscalyear.
CHANGEINCLERK
MNGAClerkDrownreassumedtheresponsibilitiesoftheMNGAClerk.
PointofOrder
Inresponsetoapointoforder,theSpeakerruledthatthereisnolegalimpedimenttoamemberof
theMNBCBoardofDirectorstomoveacceptanceofMinisterialandotherreports.However,itwas
suggestedthatitmightbemoreappropriateforanotherMNGAmembertomakethemotion.
ItwasMOVED(MichaelDumont)andSECONDED(LesMitchell)
ThattheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssemblyacceptMinisterial
andallotherreports,aspresented.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐07)
(1delegateabstainingfromthevote)
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page12of18
13.
PROPOSEDRESOLUTIONS
RelatedmaterialsdistributedintheMNGA2014Agendapackage:
 MetisNationBritishColumbiaConstitution,revisedSeptember30,2012;and
 Metis Nation British Columbia Metis Nation Governing Assembly Act, revised
September30,2012.
SpeakerGoodoncommentedthattheproposedresolutionshadbeendistributedinadvance
inordertoprovidesufficienttimetoconsidertheproposedresolutionspriortotheMNGA.
13.1
Resolution01–MNBCConstitutionProposedAmendment–CommunityGovernance
RelatedmaterialsdistributedintheMNGA2014Agendapackage:Resolution01submittedto
the2014MétisNationGeneralAssemblyforFirstReadingsubjectMotion:MNBCConstitution,
submittedDecember16,2013.
InconsiderationofResolution01,discussionensuedon:
 Theproposedarticle59and59.1currentlyexistsintheSocietyAct;
 Importance of Métis Communities to notify all Community members of a Community
annualgeneralmeeting;
 Whether there are other mechanisms to eliminate or reduce the additional costs to
CommunitiesassociatedwithArticle59.1;
 Whatconstitutesappropriatewrittennotice;
 WhetherMNBCwouldbewillingtoassistCommunitiestoprovidewrittennoticetoits
members;
 Supportforthespiritoftheproposedamendmentbutconcernwithitsimplementation;
 ResponsibilityoftheCommunity,notMNBC,toensurethatitisingoodstandingunder
theSocietyAct;
 Use of the MNBC website to notify Community members of the Community annual
generalmeetingwillnotreachallCommunitymembers;
 SuggestiontoamendtheresolutiontorequireallMétisCommunitiestobearegistered
societyingoodstandingundertheSocietyAct;
 TheconstitutionsandthegovernanceofMétisCommunitiesshouldbelefttotheMétis
Communities;
 Suggestion that the cost of providing written notice could be addressed by amending
theresolutiontoallowfornoticeviaemailorbypostingonwebsites;
 TheCharteredCommunitiesAgreementrequiresthattheCharteredCommunitiesbein
goodstandingundertheSocietyAct;
 Theterm“writtennotice”includesnotificationbyemail;
 TheneedforstrictadherencebyallMétisCommunitiestotheSocietyActstandards;
 Theproposedresolutionisaduplicationgiventhattherequirementsareincludedinthe
MNBCConstitutionandtheCharteredCommunitiesAgreement;and
 Concern with the capacity of Métis Communities to meet the requirements of the
proposedresolution.
MainMotion:
ItwasMOVED(LissaSmith)andSECONDED(VinceVanWieringen)
WHEREAS:
A. Metis governance includes vibrant and active Communities as defined in the Metis
NationBritishColumbia(MNBC)Constitution.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page13of18
B. TheConstitutionrequiresMetisCommunitiestoenactaConstitutionthatisconsistent
withtheMNBCConstitution.
C. It is beneficial to Metis governance that Metis Communities maintain their status in
accordancewiththeprovisionsoftheBritishColumbiaSocietyActandtheCommunity
members have an opportunity to consider matters that arise from time to time in
Communityaffairs.
D. The Society Act requires British Columbia registered societies to hold annual general
meetings(AGM)yearlyandnolessthan15monthsfromthedateofthepreviousAGM
and regular AGM’s will provide an opportunity for Community members to meet and
discussthoseaffairsthataffecttheircommunity.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDTHAT:
1. TheMNBCConstitutionbeamendedasfollows:
a) ToaddtheArticlesfollowingArticle58tobeincludedintheMNBCConstitutionas
Articlesnumbered59and59.1andtoprovideasfollows:
i) “59.AllCommunitiesshallholdanAnnualGeneralMeetingofthemembersof
the Community at least once in every calendar year and not more than 15
months after the date of the adjournment of the previous Annual General
Meeting;and
ii) “59.1 Notice of a Community Annual General Meeting or general meeting shall
be provided by written notice to all Community members entitled to receive
noticenolessthan14dayspriortothedateoftheAnnualGeneralMeetingor
generalmeeting.
b) To renumber the subsequent articles of the Articles of the Constitution to
accommodate the above and to follow the appropriate constitutional Article as
follows:
i) CurrentArticlenumber59.1shallbeArticle57.1;
ii) CurrentArticlenumber59.2shallbeArticle60;
iii) CurrentArticlenumber60shallbeArticle61;and
iv) Current Article number 61 shall be Article 62 and current Articles 61.1; 61.2;
61.3and61.4tobe62.1;62.2;62.3;and62.4withthefollowingArticlesinthe
MNBCConstitutionrenumberedaccordingly.
MotiontoTabletheMainMotion:
ItwasMOVED(BruceDumont)andSECONDED(GregStirling)
ThattheMainMotionofResolution01betabledforconsiderationtothenextMétisNation
GeneralAssembly.
DEFEATED
QuestionwasthencalledontheMainMotionanditwas:
DEFEATED
(2delegatesvotingintheaffirmative;1delegateabstainingfromthevote)
It was noted that vote on Resolution 01 was not conducted by a roll call vote. The MNGA
agreedtowaivetherequirementforarollcallvoteonResolution01.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page14of18
13.2
Resolution02–MNBCConstitutionProposedAmendment–Housekeeping
RelatedmaterialsdistributedintheMNGA2013Agendapackage:Resolution02submittedto
the2014MétisNationGeneralAssemblyforFirstReadingsubjectMotion:MNBCConstitution,
submittedDecember16,2013.
InconsiderationofResolution02,discussionensuedon:
 Clarification that the proposed resolution deals with the change of one word to the
MNBCconstitution;and
 The contextual definition of the proposed word “consider” allows for a decision to be
madeduringelectronicortelephonecommunication.
ItwasMOVED(LissaSmith)andSECONDED(GregStirling)
WHEREAS:
A. The Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Constitution is the supreme governing
documentofandfortheMetisCitizensofBritishColumbia.
B. ThewordingoftheMNBCConstitutionmust be reviewed fromtimetotimeto ensure
thattheintendedmeaningoftheConstitutionalArticlesareandcontinuetobeaccurate,
unambiguousorclearlystatedasthecasemaybe.
C. A recent review of the Constitutional Articles reveals certain ambiguities that invite
amendment.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDTHAT:
1. TheMNBCConstitutionbeamendedasfollows
a) ToaddorchangethewordingofcertainConstitutionalArticlesasfollows:
i) Article 32.1 to change the clause that reads “…including but not limited to
electronic or telephone communication, to discuss motions that may have, as
theireffect,theresolveofmattersthatareurgent…”toread“…includingbutnot
limitedtoelectronicortelephonecommunication,toconsidermotionsthatmay
have,astheireffect,theresolveofmattersthatareurgent…”
ii) Tochangethereferenceto“Article52”inArticle53.4toArticle51;
iii) Toremovethesemi‐colonattheendofArticle55;
iv) InArticle55.1‐toaddthewords“…andsuchmotiontobe…”afterthewords
“…Applicable Regional Governance Council members…” so that the closing
clause of Article 55.1 shall read “…Applicable Regional Governance Council
membersandsuchmotiontobesubmittedtotheMNGA”;
v) AttheendofArticle55.2‐toaddthewords“…shallbesubmittedaspartofthe
motion to the MNGA.” so that the closing words of Article 55.2 shall read
“…seeking Community Governance Charter shall be submitted as part of the
motiontotheMNGA”;
vi) To add the words “…isrequired.” to Article 55.3 so that Article 55.3 shall read
“Ratificationbyseventyfive(75)percentoftheMNGAisrequired”;and
vii)ToamendArticle62toreplacetheword“maintained”intheclause“Thesecards
are numbered and maintained in the central registry…” with the words “…the
numbers recorded…” so that clause shall read “These cards are numbered and
thenumbersrecordedinthecentralregistry…”.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐08)
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page15of18
13.3
Resolution03–MNBCMNGAActProposedAmendment–Housekeeping
RelatedmaterialsdistributedintheMNGA2014Agendapackage:Resolution03submittedto
the 2014 Métis Nation General Assembly for First Reading subject Motion: MNBC Act,
submittedDecember16,2013.
ItwasMOVED(LissaSmith)andSECONDED(GregStirling)
WHEREAS:
A. The Metis Nation General Assembly (MNGA) Act provides for the Metis Nation British
Columbia (MNBC) Communities and the MNBC directors to meet and discuss
governance matters and to discuss, consider and attend to motions and proposed
resolutions to introduce new legislation, amend or change existing legislation and to
considerrequestsforCommunityacceptance.
B. The wording of MNBC legislation is reviewed from time to time to ensure that the
intended meaning of the legislative provisions continue to be and are accurate,
unambiguousorclearlystatedasthecasemaybe.
C. A recent review of the MNGA Act provisions reveals certain ambiguities that invite
amendment.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDTHAT:
1. TheMNGAActbeamendedasfollows:
a) To add or change the wording of Article 4.4 to add the words “Annual General
Meeting or Special General Meeting at the end of that Article so that the closing
words of Article 4.4 shall read “…and presentation to the MNBC at an Annual
GeneralMeetingorSpecialGeneralMeeting.”
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐09)
ASSEMBLYADJOURNED
Day1–March8,2014oftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssemblyheld
March 8 and 9, 2014 adjourned at 5:00 p.m. and set the time to reconvene on Day 2 –
March9,2014at8:30a.m.orassoonthereafterasquorumisachieved.
DAY2–MARCH9,2014
ASSEMBLYRECONVENED
SpeakerGoodonreconvenedtheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014onDay2–March9,2014at8:35a.m.
14.
ROLLCALL–MNGACLERK(QUORUMANNOUNCED)
Following a Roll Call, MNGA Clerk Down acknowledged that there was a quorum of
delegatespresent.
15.
MNBCCHARTEREDCOMMUNITYUPDATES
Delegates from each community were invited to share information on activities in their
communities.Thefollowingcommentswereoffered:
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page16of18
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A Métis exhibit will be held at the Duncan museum from early April until early May
2014;aculturecampwillberunbytheSchoolDistrictinconnectionwiththeexhibit;
ParticipationinannualRemembranceDayceremonies;
Clothingswapswherelocalartistsareutilizedtorenewandalterdonatedclothing;
Cultural activities include Louis Riel Day celebrations, community potlucks, beading
classes, promotion of growth and healing through Métis culture, participation in
Aboriginal family nights with hosts providing traditional foods, moccasin‐making
classes, jigging lessons, caribou and moose hair‐tufting lessons, beading in leather
classes, smudging, jigging spoon contest, drum making, leatherworking, snowshoeing,
Métiscrafts,herbgathering,leathermaskmakingandMichiflessons;
PartnershipsforAboriginalDaycelebrationsandculturaleventswithlocalFirstNations
Bands,NativeFriendshipCentresandregionaldistrictgovernments;
FundsraisedattheLouisRielDaycelebrationsareusedtopurchasefoodhampersfor
familiesinneed;
MétisflagraisingatvariousmunicipalhallsduringLouisRielandAboriginalDays;
K–12AboriginalstudentshonouredannuallyinMaywhereMétisstudentsaresashed;
Delivery of Métis education initiatives to primary, secondary and post‐secondary
students;
CemeterytourswheretherestingplacesofvariousMétiscitizensarehighlighted;
Grantfundingreceivedforatrailertoallowthevoyageurcanoetobemovedtovarious
locationstoencourageparticipationintheMétisculture;
InvolvementinElder’sactivities;
Community participation and engagement in the North Fraser Métis Association
continuestobeanissueandoftenresultsintheinabilitytofulfiltheobligationsofgrant
fundingthathasbeenreceived;
Conversation focusing on youth with Maria Campbell to be held in the South Bonson
CommunityCentreonMarch29,2014;
JiggingcompetitiononMarch30,2014tobeheldatSouthBonsonCommunityCentre;
Annualfishingderbytoraisefundsforyouthactivities;
Participation on the Grand Forks Deer Committee for the cultural use of hides and
carcassesfromthedeercull;
Provincialpermitgrantedinmid‐November2013foraccesstodeerandmoosetakenby
vehicles;
Participationinlocalcommunityfairsandcelebrations;
VernonDistrictMétisAssociationisdevelopingCCAYfundingproposals;
MétisgatheringinFalklandtobeconductedbytheNewHorizonsProgramfromJuly14
to16,2014;
Buffaloburgersaresoldatvariouseventstoraisefunds;
Involvement in the Adopt‐a‐Highway program with the Trail Métis Association
acceptingresponsibilityforcleaning1.8kmofthehighway;
MétisdisplaytobeheldintheFernieRailwayStationMuseuminNovember2014;
Operationofathriftstoretoraisefundsinadditiontothefreestore;
Donationof50boxesofgoodstoassistthePhilippinecommunity;
SigningofAboriginalEducationEnhancementAgreements;
Stonesoupgatheringscontinuetogainpopularity;and
Establishment of the Métis Centre to teach cultural activities at the Northern Lights
College.
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page17of18
RequestforAction(01)
Delegates were requested to prepare and email written reports for future MNGAs to
TraceyThornhilltobeincludedinthematerialprovidedtodelegatesinordertoreduce
theamountoftimerequiredtoprovideverbalCommunityReports.
16.
OTHERBUSINESS
MNGAClerkDowncommentedonMNBCinitiativesthatwillassistinaddressingchallenges
andbuildingonthesuccessesreportedduringtheMNBCCharteredCommunityupdates:
 Pilotprojecttoassistcommunitiesinmembermaintenance;
 MNBCwillconsiderhowtoassistcommunitieswiththecostofdirectors’insurance;and
 Development of best practices resource manual to allow for information sharing of
communityexperiences.
17.
CLOSINGCOMMENTS
PresidentDumontexpressedappreciationtoSpeakerGoodonandDeputySpeakerBresson
formaintainingrespectfuldialogueattheMNGA.Heexpressedprideatthesuccessesofthe
communities and the depth of the reports provided. PresidentDumont thanked the Clerk,
DeputyClerkandMNBCstafffortheireffortsduringtheMNGA.
PresidentDumontnotedthatthefailuretoconductarollcallvoteonResolution01onDay
1 of the March 8 – 9, 2014 MNGA was in contravention of the MNBC Constitution. He
commented that care must be taken in the future to ensure strict compliance with the
Constitution.
President Dumont presented Speaker Goodon and Deputy Speaker Bresson with Métis
sashes.
In response to a question, President Dumont advised that the election for the Speaker for
thenextMNGAwouldbeconductedduringtheMNBCAnnualGeneralMeeting.
18.
ADJOURNMENTANDCLOSINGPRAYER
ItwasMOVED
The Métis Nation British Columbia Métis Nation Governing Assembly held
March8and9,2014concludedonDay2–March9,2014at11:10a.m.
CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY(MNGA1401‐10)
VicePresidentMauriceofferedaClosingPrayer.
*****
This is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Métis Nation British Columbia Métis Nation
GoverningAssemblyheldMarch8and9,2014,andincorporatesanyandallcorrectionsmadeat
thetimeofadoption.
SusieHooper,Secretary
BruceDumont,President
MinutesoftheMétisNationBritishColumbiaMétisNationGoverningAssembly
heldMarch8and9,2014Page18of18