Metis sign provincial agreement

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The signing of a seven-year framework agreement between the Metis Nation of Alberta and the provincial government took place on April 20 at Government House.

Audrey Poitras, president of the Metis Nation of Alberta, along with representatives of the provinces six Metis zone regional councils were part of the ceremonial signing with Premier Ralph Klein and the minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Dave Hancock.

The latest framework agreement is the longest one to be signed in the past 12 years. The agreement will run until March 31, 2006.

The first framework agreement was signed in 1987 for a one-year period.

"The framework agreement constitutes a substantial commitment to Metis people from government," said Poitras in her speech at the signing. The agreement between the government and Metis Nation will allow the MNA to design and implement programs for Metis people, said Poitras.

The Metis Nation of Alberta represents the interests of Metis people who are not living on the eight settlements in Alberta.

"The agreement will provide a link with government a process in which we will be able to negotiate in the various departments in the provincial government," said Ken Bourque, vice-president of MNA.

More importantly, it is the recognition by government of the Metis people and that their needs are specifically addressed in program delivery and service, said Bourque.

Some of the past programs and services that have been designed and delivered under the framework agreement include; establishment of regional authorities to provide services to Metis children and families, the publishing of an Aboriginal business directory listing Metis owned and operated business and the life works of Cree linguist Dr. Anne Anderson.

In the newly-signed agreement, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs will provide an annual $1.5 million in core funding to MNA administration and staff costs. That funding will also be divided between the MNA head office and the six regional offices in the province.

Researchers at the MNA develop the resource material needed to develop projects and services specifically for Metis people, said Bourque. They then report to the zone representatives, who have access to the research done by the MNA that will enable them to achieve whatever initiatives they are pursuing, said Bourque.