Federal government to sign first-ever modern treaty with Métis

The federal government will sign its first-ever modern treaty with a Métis government on Saturday, CBC News has learned.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree will be in Winnipeg to finalize the agreement, which formally recognizes the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) as the government of the Red River Métis.

"This is a turning point for our country," said MMF president David Chartrand. "We can't change history but we can change the future."

The Red River Métis actually negotiated a treaty with Canada back in 1870 — the Manitoba Act — which led to Manitoba joining Confederation. It was supposed to provide Métis with land and economic opportunities, but the federal government didn't follow through on those commitments.

At the time, the federal government didn't want to recognize the existence of a provisional government under Métis leader Louis Riel. Ottawa saw Riel as a traitor.

Riel, who led the Red River Resistance, was executed by hanging at the Northwest Mounted Police barracks in Regina in 1885. The government of Manitoba named him the province's honorary first premier this past February.

On Saturday, Métis citizens will enter into the type of agreement with the Crown that they had sought 154 years ago.

Chartrand said the treaty is about restoring the rightful place of Métis in Confederation. He's calling on all political parties to support and respect the new treaty.

"Our people take this to heart so much," he said. "It's a win-win for all of Canada … to understand the true importance of the Red River Métis."

MMF president, minister hope all governments respect treaty

The treaty commits Canada to working with the Manitoba Métis Federation on a government-to-government basis — no matter which party holds power in Ottawa.

"This is a historical day … a monumental day for reconciliation," Anandasangaree said.

The MMF began discussions with Ottawa on the agreement in 2021. An estimated 4,000 MMF delegates unanimously approved the treaty in a June 2023 vote.

"Any government that wants to undo the work that we have done … I think will pay a very steep price,"  Anandasangaree said.

The agreement doesn't come with a list of benefits for the Red River Métis. Anandasangaree said it opens the door to future agreements with the federal government on fishing and harvesting rights, education, child welfare, land claims and health coverage.

The Métis are the only distinct Indigenous people excluded from the federal health benefits provided to Inuit and First Nations. Chartrand said he wants to see that change soon.