NEWS RELEASE

“Canada’s international reputation is being tarnished by its non- recognition of our rights.” Metis Nation Tables Submission to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

February 25, 2003 (Washington, D.C.) - Today, Tony Belcourt, Minister Responsible International Affairs for the Metis National Council and President of the Metis Nation of Ontario tabled a submission, on behalf of the Metis Nation, at a general hearing of the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The submission criticized Canada’s on-going policy of denying the existence and rights of the Metis Nation within Canada.

President Belcourt stated, “Although Canada is often regarded internationally as a leader in the area of the rights of Indigenous peoples, we want the IACHR to know that this is not true when it comes to the Metis people. Instead of protecting the rights of the Metis people - Canada has ignored its own Constitution and denied the very existence of our Aboriginal rights. ”

This is the first presentation by the MNC to the commission. The OAS is world's oldest regional organization and is the principal forum in the hemisphere for dialogue on political, economic, and social issues. “The MNC continues to exercise a strong international voice for the Metis Nation,” stated President Belcourt. “We have participated in the United Nations and other international bodies and we will continue to speak up about our rights and to reflect the Metis vision to the world.”

It is also within that international community that Canada is most sensitive. “Canada enjoys a relatively good international reputation in the field of human rights. That reputation is being tarnished by its non-recognition of our rights.” President Belcourt stated to the commission. “Canada fails to respect the international standards expected by the Organization of American States and the international community by failing to respect and to protect our rights as an Indigenous people.”

To view full presentation visit our website at www.metisnation.ca

For further information please contact:

Tony Belcourt
International Affairs
Métis National Council
Cell_ 613- 791-5056

Miles Morrisseau
Director of Communications
Métis National Council
Work: (613) 232-3216 ext. 110
Cell: (613) 612-575