Latest news with #MétisNation-Saskatchewan
Hamilton Spectator
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Back to Batoche Wraps Up for Another Year
With an estimated 40,000+ people coming through the gates of the Back to Batoche celebration again, the lights turned off on Sunday for another year. The Opening Ceremonies were held on Friday, July 18, with the Grand Entry including the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan elected officials, veterans, dignitaries, representatives of the RCMP, city police forces and the Saskatchewan Marshalls Service, the Indian Community of Saskatoon, and municipal leaders from around the province. Guests to Back to Batoche came from almost all provinces and territories, and internationally from California, South Dakota, Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Dignitaries on stage for the Opening Ceremonies included MN-S President Glen McCallum and his wife Verna, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre and her husband, Rich, Premier Scott Moe, Elder Norman Fleury, Local #51 President Victor Guillet, and the 2025 Mr. and Mrs. Batoche, Leonard and Leone Neville. Jason McKay once again served as Master of Ceremonies with the assistance of Nolan Malboeuf. Elder Norman Fleury asked a blessing for all those gathered at Batoche to celebrate the Métis culture, heritage, and resiliency. In President Glen McCallum's greeting, he mentioned that a flag had been carried in during the Grand Entry for 'our foreign families', as he phrased it, noting later that the 'Métis footprint is large.' Too many times, he said, it gets forgotten that there is a relationship and closeness between the Métis, non-Indigenous, and First Nations brothers and sisters. 'Each and every one of us,' he stated, 'are all one. It may not look like that a lot of the time, but we are one. It is up to us to be able to practice, to come together to complement each other, and to move forward in a good way.' Livestreamed on , people could watch from wherever they were and still take in many of the performances as the livestream relayed some main stage activities and some taking place on the outdoor stage. Another new addition at Batoche was 106.1 Resistance Radio! Broadcasting live on the festival grounds every day, the programming featured everything from previews of the day's activities and Elders' stories to in-depth conversations with some colourful Métis characters. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with Parks Canada at the opening ceremonies, which will see the addition of 50 head of bison on Batoche land before the end of the year. In 2022, Parks Canada transferred 690 hectares of Batoche West land to MN–S. Later that same year, a bison relocation agreement was signed, and in 2023, a further agreement between the two partners resulted in the successful return of 25 young bison to the grounds at Batoche. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, said, 'Batoche National Historic Site is a powerful symbol of Métis heritage, and we're honoured to celebrate it each year at the Back to Batoche Festival, where we can come together and recognize what makes us strong. This festival is a special moment to deepen our partnership and reaffirm the Government of Canada's commitment to Indigenous stewardship and reconciliation — honouring the past and empowering the future of the Métis Nation.' In witnessing the signing of the new MOU, MN-S Minister Darcy Lepowick acknowledged the strength that partnerships such as this bring to the Nation. 'In the last eight years alone, we have made incredible inroads with Saskatchewan, Canada, industry, and institutions. We have done that through our ability to demonstrate trust, transparency, and tolerance. With our partners at Parks, we repatriated our Batoche land, re-populated it with young bison, and continue to grow the herd; some of them will eventually reclaim their home at Lebret.' ERIII Regional Director Marg Friesen said, 'When our 3-year bison farm project at Lebret is complete, it will not only bring bison back to Métis land, but eventually provide food sovereignty for the Region, stimulate farmland stewardship, and create employment opportunities for citizens in the area. This Lebret Bison Farm is a true example of the MN–S reaching back to its Métis identity, culture, and values that will be of value to our citizens and draw tourism activity in and around Lebret.' The year 2025 marks a significant election year for the Provincial Métis Youth Council (PMYC) and signifies the fourth year of youth representation at the governmental level. The official election period for the PMYC commenced on Saturday, July 19, with the nomination period concluding on July 24. Métis citizens aged 16 to 26 are eligible to run for a seat on the PMYC, with the presidential position requiring candidates to be at least 18 years of age. The PMYC is evolving to include a full-time President in a paid role, alongside two representatives from each of the twelve Métis Nation–Saskatchewan regions, who will serve in a volunteer capacity. The successful candidates will be appointed for a four-year term. Candidate packages can be found at . President Autumn Laing-LaRose had some words of encouragement for those considering participating, 'We are making history in our province with the first ever full Provincial Métis Youth Council election, and I want young people to know they have what it takes to be a leader on our Council and in our Nation. Involving youth in every step, our government will ensure the sustainability of our Nation for generations to come and helps give us a sense of pride in who we are as Métis people.' PMYC voting takes place online beginning August 5 at 2 pm and ending at 8 pm, Saturday, August 9. All PMYC election details can be found at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan declares wildfire state of emergency
The ongoing wildfire season has continued to force hundreds from their homes, with many still calling hotels in cities like Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert a safe haven for now. But with areas like Beauval and Île-à-la-Crosse under escalating threat, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has made the call to issue a state of emergency for several northern communities. 'Traditional territories are being impacted greatly, from harvesting and sustenance use and traditional medicines and so on,' said Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Self-Government and Self-Determination Minister Brennan Merasty. 'It is our constitution in Section 35 rights that are being tackled and we need to address these immediately.' Merasty said the goal of the declaration is to trigger conversations with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and the provincial government. He added traditional land use needs to be considered of value to decision makers when developing policy, and hopes the Métis Nation can be a part of the discussion. Story continues below advertisement 'How does the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan get to come in to be in this space to contribute and provide other solutions based off our traditional land users, traditional knowledge and, of course, our community relationships?' Merasty said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The opposition NDP continues to be critical of the province's response to these wildfires. Some communities have had to plan to head as far south as Swift Current or even out of the province, an issue pressed by Athabasca MLA Leroy Laliberte. 'If there was a plan in place and if this government would have supported the local initiatives that were being brought forward, I don't think we would've been in scramble mode,' said Laliberte. In a statement, the provincial government said, 'Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), like the SPSA, attempts to locate evacuees to the nearest communities where accommodations such as hotels are available. Unfortunately, hotels rooms may be sold-out in these communities, requiring evacuees to be located to other communities further away. Notably, Saskatchewan has accommodated evacuees from its neighbouring provinces in the past, including Manitoba this wildfire season. 'We understand the challenges faced by evacuees and organizations like MLTC facilitating these evacuation efforts and commend them for their ongoing work. 'The continuing hyper-politicization of these devastating wildfires by the NDP is disappointing, but not surprising.' For Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the stress of uncertainty is making these matters urgent, and that by declaring a state of emergency, talks can be pushed forward. Story continues below advertisement 'We hope to trigger the conversation with the province and see how we can work at this collaboratively and bring our knowledge and expertise to the table and make these actions a reality,' Merasty said.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Fighting uranium exploration in Canada
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT Around the world: Canada's Supreme Court allows Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to challenge uranium permits, micro-hydro power generates electricity for remote villages in the Philippines, Indigenous celebrities speak up for road safety in Australia, and Thailand deports 40 Uyghurs to China CANADA: Supreme Court allows uranium permit challenge Canada's Supreme Court has ruled that the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan may proceed with its challenge against three provincial uranium exploration permits, APTN News reported on Feb. 28. SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM.. In a unanimous ruling, the court rejected Saskatchewan's challenge to a lawsuit claiming the Métis Nation was not consulted before uranium exploration permits were granted. The decision allows the Métis Nation to move forward with legal proceedings against the province after three permits were issued in northwest Saskatchewan near Patterson Lake three years ago. The legal battle dates back to 1994, when the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan took the province to court, seeking recognition of its Aboriginal title and commercial harvesting rights in Saskatchewan's northwest. The Métis Nation filed the lawsuit in 2021, asserting that it holds Aboriginal title and rights over the land in question and that Saskatchewan 'refused to consult' before approving the uranium permits. A Court of King's Bench judge initially sided with Saskatchewan, striking parts of the lawsuit concerning those claims. However, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan appealed the decision and successfully had the entire case reinstated. PHILIPPINES: Micro-hydro power brings electricity to remote villages Micro-hydro initiatives have flourished in the Philippines, bringing electricity for the first time to remote villages in Indigenous communities, Mongabay reported on Feb. 27. Although an estimated 3.6 million Philippine households remain off the grid, work by communities and civic groups have helped build small-scale hydroelectric generators that can be used in remote areas. The first time 52-year-old Juliana Balweg-Baawa switched on the light in her home, she jumped for joy. 'My children can study at night!' she said. Until her village, Mataragan, was electrified in 2003, she relied on gas lamps. Electricity changed everything—her children finished high school, and she started selling frozen meat and cold drinks. Mataragan now has two micro-hydro generators — one for homes and another for irrigating rice fields and processing crops. Across the Cordillera mountains, Indigenous villages have embraced micro-hydro as an alternative to large dams, which often displace communities. In 2002, Bubot Bagwan and neighbors from Pangued, a village near Mataragan, trekked for a week carrying cement and machine parts on horseback to build their own generator. 'The micro-hydro got here before any car or road did,' said Bagwan, according to Mongabay. Today, Pangued remains without a paved road, but it has steady electricity. Still, electrification remains a challenge in isolated areas. The government aims for 100 percent electrification by 2028, but funding falls short. Ernesto Silvano, Jr., of the National Electrification Administration, admits that many remote areas are 'too isolated' for grid expansion. Instead, the government offers a Solar Home System alternative, but budget constraints limit its reach. Communities handle construction and maintenance, keeping costs low. But the government's push for grid expansion could mean higher costs for residents. Micro-hydro users pay 5-7 pesos per kilowatt-hour, while the grid costs up to 17.6 pesos. AUSTRALIA: Indigenous voices unite for road safety Two celebrities in Australia have joined forces to encourage communities to improve their driving habits in support of the Australian government's Safer Driving Starts with You campaign, National Indigenous Times reported Feb. 28. Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung musician Troy Cassar-Daley and former professional rugby star Scott Prince, who is Kalkadoon, shared their personal experiences with dangers on the roadway. The campaign comes as the national road toll reaches its highest point in over a decade, with Indigenous Australians facing a road fatality rate more than three times higher than the rest of the population. Cassar-Daley shares that his years of touring have given him firsthand experience with reckless drivers. "I've seen worse behaviour on the roads than at any concert – and often from very experienced drivers," he said. He urged motorists to stay focused, control their emotions, and consider the consequences of their actions. "You wouldn't do dumb or inconsiderate things outside of a car, so why do them in one?" he added, according to National Indigenous Times. Prince recalled the devastating loss of his father in an accident just weeks after his 21st birthday. "I think about him every day," he said, according to National Indigenous Times. 'None of us think it can happen to us, but you just never know." The campaign message — "Don't let a car change who you are – Safer driving starts with you" — urges all road users to take responsibility behind the wheel. Indigenous Australians are 30 percent more likely to be hospitalized due to road crashes, highlighting the urgent need for safer driving practices. THAILAND: Uyghurs deported to China Four ethnic Uyghurs detained in a Thai prison broke down in tears upon hearing that 40 of their friends had been deported to China after spending more than a decade in a Thai immigration facility, a friend of the men said after a visit, Radio Free Asia reported on Feb. 28. Thailand sent 40 Uyghurs back to China on Thursday, Feb. 27, disregarding warnings from the U.S., the United Nations and human rights groups that they could face torture upon their return to Xinjiang, the region they fled more than 10 years ago. 'They were devastated,' said the friend, who gave her name only as Marzeryya while speaking to Radio Free Asia affiliate BenarNews. 'They cried, something I had never seen them do before, because they are deeply worried about their friends.' Five Uyghurs remain behind bars at Bangkok's Klong Prem prison, where they were placed after an escape attempt. Marzeryya, who visited four of them on Friday, said it remains unclear why they were not sent back to China along with the others. Defending the deportations, Thai officials said they were acting on an 'official request' from China and had been given high-level assurances regarding the men's well-being. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, addressing concerns that the move could strain diplomatic ties with the U.S., denied that Thailand had sent the men back in exchange for economic favors from China. 'This is about people, not goods. People are not merchandise. We definitely did not trade them,' she told reporters, according to Radio Free Asia. Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group in China's Xinjiang region, have faced serious allegations of human rights abuses, including mass detentions in large internment camps. While Beijing denies these accusations, U.N. experts warned on Jan. 21 that the Uyghurs detained in Thailand would likely face torture if sent back and urged Thai authorities to halt their deportation. My final thoughts My final thoughts are in Canada where the Supreme Court's decision to let the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan move forward with its legal challenge is a big win for Indigenous rights. By rejecting Saskatchewan's attempt to shut down the case, the court made clear that governments can't hand out resource permits without consulting the people whose land is at stake. This ruling sends a strong message: Indigenous voices matter, and their rights deserve legal protection. The duty to consult isn't just a formality — it's a crucial safeguard against governments and corporations making decisions that could harm Indigenous communities. The Supreme Court's ruling reinforces that Indigenous groups have a right to be heard when projects like uranium exploration threaten their land and way of life. Ignoring this not only disregards legal obligations but also deepens historical injustices. Looking ahead, courts need to take Indigenous legal traditions seriously. Indigenous laws and governance systems should be respected alongside Canadian law, ensuring a fairer approach to land disputes. When Indigenous perspectives are included in legal decisions, it strengthens reconciliation efforts and acknowledges their long-standing connection to the land. Fighting for land rights shouldn't be an uphill battle. Indigenous communities deserve better access to legal support so they can navigate the court system without unnecessary obstacles. Financial barriers, legal red tape, and lengthy court delays often make justice feel out of reach. By addressing these issues, courts can help create a system where Indigenous people have a real chance to protect their land and their future. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
CBC
28-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Supreme Court sides with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan in land consultation battle with Sask. government
Canada's highest court has unanimously dismissed an appeal from the Saskatchewan government concerning a dispute with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) over whether the province properly consulted on a uranium project in northwestern Saskatchewan. The legal battle was sparked when NexGen Energy Ltd., based in Vancouver, applied to the Government of Saskatchewan for permits for a field mineral exploration project in March 2021. The project is located near Patterson Lake, which is about 636 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. According to court documents, the Saskatchewan government and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) met and discussed the project, knowing it affected the rights of Métis people in the area. Saskatchewan later issued mineral exploration permits to the company in July the same year. MN-S said the provincial Ministry of Environment failed to properly consult the nation and sought a judicial review of the Ministry's actions. The criteria for that review are what was under dispute at the Supreme Court. After Friday's ruling, that review will now proceed through the court as it was originally filed. The question before the Supreme Court was whether the judicial review should have to consider whether the province has a duty to consult on land that MN-S has previously made claims on, even if those claim were stayed and never resolved. The Saskatchewan government argued that because MN-S and the province are already embroiled in a separate case about consultation on asserted land claims, the judicial review should not also consider that duty. The province alleged it was an abuse of process because multiple cases would be centred on the same issue. A full panel of nine Supreme Court judges heard the case in November 2024. In their decision, issued Friday, Justice Malcolm Rowe wrote that having two or more ongoing legal cases that involve similar issues does not necessarily meet the bar for an abuse of process. The Supreme Court decision said there is a potential that two of the cases brought forward by MN-S could conclude with different rulings on the province's duty to consult, but that it could be addressed through case management. Rowe also wrote that Indigenous litigants can be at fault for an abuse of process, but legal cases about vindicating Aboriginal rights have to be approached within its "unique context." "Court procedures should facilitate, not impede, the just resolution of Aboriginal claims," the decision read, in part. While speaking at a news conference Friday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said the required engagement needs to happen with Indigenous communities and Indigenous people. "I think we've come a long way in that space, but there's always more work to do. So we commit to doing that and working alongside [MN-S] President McCallum, whom I talk to often," he said. Arriving at the Supreme Court Saskatchewan has a policy stating it does not consult on asserted land claims. Saskatchewan agrees that the Métis people have rights to hunt, trap and fish for food on the land, which led to the consultation, but argues the MN-S does not have commercial rights to the land. A judge at the Court of Queen's Bench (now called Court of King's Bench) sided with the Saskatchewan government in its decision, but that decision was overturned by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court of Canada granted the provincial government a leave to appeal the case in December 2023 and the case was heard in November 2024. MN-S says it's not seeking to prove its land claim, but that the judicial review should still look at whether the province failed to consult on the land MN-S sought to claim. A landmark ruling in 2004 found that governments have a legal duty to consult Aboriginal communities, even if a land claim is unproven. The Saskatchewan government is arguing to the Supreme Court that the MN-S is bringing multiple actions against the government about the same legal issue, calling it an abuse of process. MN-S disagrees, arguing the judicial review is distinct from past cases. In the background In 1994, MN-S brought a statement of claim against Saskatchewan and Canada, seeking rights to "large areas" of the province, according to court documents. Those lands include the place where NexGen applied to explore. That action was stayed in 2005 because of a dispute about document disclosure. The judge said MN-S could lift the stay in the future, but MN-S has not applied to do so. In 2020, MN-S challenged a government policy from 2010 that, according to court documents, "reiterated that claims to Aboriginal title and commercial rights would not be 'accepted' by the provincial government," and would not be subject to the Crown's duty to consult. That case is still ongoing.
CBC
28-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Sask. government, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan await Supreme Court decision Friday in land consultation battle
The Saskatchewan government and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan are expecting a decision from Canada's highest court on Friday. It stems from an ongoing duel over consultation on a uranium project in northwestern Saskatchewan. The legal battle was sparked when NexGen Energy Ltd., based in Vancouver, applied to the Government of Saskatchewan for permits for a field mineral exploration project in March 2021. The project is located near Patterson Lake, about 636 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. According to court documents, the Saskatchewan government and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) met and discussed the project, knowing it affected the rights of Métis people in the area. Saskatchewan later issued mineral exploration permits to the company in July the same year. MN-S said the meeting that happened were not sufficient consultation and sought a judicial review of the provincial Ministry of Environment's actions. That review has not yet happened, as the two parties have been arguing over what should be included. The question before the Supreme Court is whether the judicial review should have to consider whether the province has a duty to consult on land that MN-S has previously made on claim on, even though that claim was stayed and has not been decided. Saskatchewan has a policy stating it does not consult on asserted land claims. Saskatchewan agrees that the Métis people have rights to hunt, trap and fish for food on the land, which led to the consultation, but argues the MN-S does not have commercial rights to the land. A judge at the Court of Queen's Bench (now called Court of King's Bench) sided with the Saskatchewan government in its decision, but that decision was overturned by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court of Canada granted the provincial government a leave to appeal the case in December 2023 and the case was heard in November 2024. MN-S says it's not seeking to prove its land claim, but that the judicial review should still look at whether the province failed to consult on the land MN-S sought to claim. A landmark ruling in 2004 found that governments have a legal duty to consult Aboriginal communities, even if a land claim is unproven. The Saskatchewan government is arguing to the Supreme Court that the MN-S is bringing multiple actions against the government about the same legal issue, calling it an abuse of process. MN-S disagrees, arguing the judicial review is distinct from past cases. In the background In 1994, MN-S brought a statement of claim against Saskatchewan and Canada, seeking rights to "large areas" of the province, according to court documents. Those lands include the place where NexGen applied to explore. That action was stayed in 2005 because of a dispute about document disclosure. The judge said MN-S could lift the stay in the future, but MN-S has not applied to do so. In 2020, MN-S challenged a government policy from 2010 that, according to court documents, "reiterated that claims to Aboriginal title and commercial rights would not be 'accepted' by the provincial government," and would not be subject to the Crown's duty to consult. That case is still ongoing.
