CALGARY, AB, Nov. 1, 2022 /CNW/ - Voting began today for citizens of the M茅tis Nation of Alberta (MNA) on a M茅tis Constitution, the next step towards self-government, self-determination, and reconciliation. Approximately 50,000 MNA citizens (16 and over) are eligible to vote throughout November, making this the largest ratification vote for an Indigenous nation in Canadian history (
Today, hundreds of those MNA citizens gathered in the BMO Centre in Calgary to celebrate their culture and commence voting. MNA President Audrey Poitras was there to cast her ballot and deliver remarks.
By ratifying the Otipemisiwak M茅tis Government Constitution, the MNA will take the final steps towards recognition as an equal order of government within Canada, and the M茅tis will have increased authority to negotiate their rights and claims. The Otipemisiwak M茅tis Government Constitution will bring the new M茅tis government closer to its citizens and communities, and ensure they are better represented in the decisions made. District councils will be given stable funding and clear authority, and the needs and ambitions of citizens will determine the priorities of their M茅tis government.
While 25 self-government agreements or modern treaties have been implemented across Canada involving 43 Indigenous communities, none are currently finalized in Alberta (
Ratifying the Otipemisiwak M茅tis Government constitution will聽open doors with both Canada and Alberta, including:
MNA citizens can vote in-person, online, or by mail. Voting concludes on November 30
Quotes:"The M茅tis in Alberta have always been at the forefront of advancing our collective rights. I've heard stories all my life about Louis Riel's vision and the dreams of generations of Alberta M茅tis. Today, as citizens begin to cast their ballots, we are one step closer to finally realizing those dreams and safeguarding the rights of our children for generations to come. This vote is about affirming that we are the Otipemisiwak, the people who govern themselves. Our ancestors are watching; our time is now."
"The 94
About the M茅tis Nation of Alberta:Since 1928, the M茅tis Nation of Alberta (MNA) has governed the M茅tis within Alberta. Our mandate is to be a representative voice on behalf of M茅tis people within Alberta, provide M茅tis people an opportunity to participate in government policy and, most importantly, promote and facilitate the advancement of M茅tis people through the pursuit of self-reliance, self-determination, and self-management.
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SOURCE Metis Nation of Alberta
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