Metis definition needs work

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In almost every case, a dictionary is the tool you need to define a term. This, however, is one of those rare exceptions.

Webster's Dictionary defines "Metis" as "one of mixed blood" or a "half-breed," but it's become a lot more complicated and political than that. At a recent town hall meeting in Stony Plain, the definition of "Metis" was under the microscope.

The Metis Nation of Alberta (Parkland Local No. 71 and West Parkland Local No. 1116) hosted a round table discussion Feb. 12. The goal for the approximately 40 people who turned out was to reach consensus on what the term really means. The issue, however, remains a murky one.

"Anybody with European and Indian blood is Metis in my opinion. It doesn't matter if there is 1/1000th of Indian blood, that still makes you Metis," said West Parkland Local 1116 member Larry Lacoste.

"I thought that I knew what a Metis was and so many other people thought that they knew too," explained Marryann Stepien, president of the West Parkland local. "I feel that I was born Metis but I feel like the government is now trying to tell me who I am."

Defining "Metis" for the purpose of enrolling on the Metis Nation register is something that many Metis people have found challenging.

"I was lucky enough to get my card but it wasn't easy," explained Lacoste. "With the current rules, people have to work too hard to prove their heritage. It's really a challenge for people who live in remote areas or don't have access to this kind of information." Meeting attendees received a draft of the Metis National Council's definition of Metis for discussion.

Its three definitions include: any descendant of a Metis person who lived in the historic Metis Nation "homeland" before Dec. 8, 1869; anyone who can demonstrate a sufficient connection to the Metis Nation and is a resident in the Metis Nation homeland at their enrolment date; anyone adopted as a child under any Metis custom as well as any descendants of these adoptees.

The Metis National Council defines the Metis homeland as "the area of land in west central North America used and occupied as a traditional territory of the Metis or half-breeds, as they were then known, on or before December 8, 1869."

Muriel Stanley Venne, president of Parkland local 71, said, "This meeting certainly brought up a lot of questions about the definition. Acceptance of our own identification of our heritage and who we are continues to be a contentious issue. A lot of our members have had difficulty getting their membership cards and things need to get easier."

"There's got to be an easier way. We can't get two or three people to agree (on the definition) in this province, never mind in Canada," said Lacoste. "We are hurting ourselves by not finding some common ground.

"We need to look at existing agreements in the U.S. in states like Maine. The whole system needs more flexibility."

A follow-up to the February meeting was held March 12.

"Out of this series of meetings we're going to take forth all of the written information and present it (to the provincial government)," explains Stanley Venne. "If we can't come up with a commonality we'll put forth individual statements. We want to give our input into the considerations and are hoping to make final votes in August. But, regardless, I think it's important that our opinions are out there."