MNO President Froh keeps key election commitment
MNO President Margaret Froh delivering the State of the
Nation address. Click here to view a larger version.
Today, during her State of the Nation address during the 2016 Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assembly (AGA) in North Bay, MNO President Margaret Froh announced the formation of the MNO Commission on Métis Rights and Self-Government (the Commission). Establishing the Commission was one of President Froh’s major commitments during the recent MNO general election.
President Froh announced the names of seven MNO citizens from across Ontario who will serve on the Commission. “Our Commissioners – four women and three men — come from across the province,” explained President Froh, “and represent a good cross section of our citizens including our youth, elders, harvesters, as well as French and Michif language speakers. Their job is to help lead a forward-looking dialogue with our citizens on some key issues—Métis rights and self-government – to listen to citizens’ voices and report back.”
Click here for information on the Commissioners.
The Commissioners will consult and engage with MNO citizens in all 29 MNO communities across Ontario. They will encourage citizens to share their thoughts on the MNO’s governance structures, including how these can better reflect Métis community, identity and culture, and how the MNO can move forward on harvesting mobility and self-government.
“This is the ideal time for our Commission to undertake its work,” stated President Froh, “the stars are indeed aligning for the Métis Nation – especially with the April 2016 Supreme Court decision in Daniels v. Canada and the recent report from Tom Isaac, The Ministerial Special Representative on Métis Section 35 Rights. This is an important time for the Métis Nation. Working together, we will build on these opportunities to create an even stronger, healthier future for our people.”
The Commission will begin its engagement sessions in the late fall of 2016, which will be complete by May 2017. The Commissioners will issue a report of their findings and, working with the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario, present findings and recommendations to the 2017 AGA.
Posted: August 27, 2016