Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today celebrates the strength of the Metis people. Despite the presence of the colonial powers, the churches, governments and residential schools, the Sahtu Metis have stood strong and have stood for their rights. My questions today are for the Minister of Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Can the Premier describe this government’s efforts to further strengthen Metis economic development and participation in major development projects?
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government endeavours to make sure that all Aboriginal governments can benefit from development in all parts of the region and we work very closely with the Metis governments and Metis locals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
One of the priorities of the Metis National Council is to develop the common standards for Metis Nation registers.
In his dialogue with the Harper government, has this government played a role in developing a common standards for Metis national registries?
We’ve left that up to the Metis governments to decide whether they want to participate nationally. At one time the Metis Nation was part of CAP; another time it was part of MNC. For the past 10 years or so, they haven’t been associated with any national Metis organizations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, some of the federal government’s responsibilities in jurisdictions do not include the Metis people, such as the University and College Entrance Program.
Is the Government of the Northwest Territories working with the federal government to ensure that the Metis are treated just as the Inuvialuit, Inuit or the First Nations people?
Certainly, within our own Government of the Northwest Territories programs, we treat all Aboriginal groups the same, especially when you look at Student Financial Assistance. I’ve had some discussions with the federal Metis interlocutor and I could raise Metis issues with him as well.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Premier report back to the House as to the specific issues that the Premier is going to raise with the Minister and report on an action plan, if there is one that is being developed, between the Minister and the Premier on Metis rights in the Northwest Territories?
As a government we provide $20,000 a year in core funding to Metis locals and there are a number of Metis issues that we would want to have clarified with the federal Metis interlocutor, and I would be pleased to report back.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.
