Métis Nation of BC and BC Métis Federation Respond to UBCIC Resolution Denouncing “Métis Colonialism” in BC

Two of BC’s largest Métis organizations have responded to a Union of BC Indian Chiefs resolution denouncing what they call Métis colonialism.

Passed unanimously on Tuesday, the resolution states that Métis have no inherent or constitutionally protected land and water based rights in BC.

It also accuses Métis groups of using tactics reminiscent of the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius to claim rights over First Nations land.

But the BC Métis Federation calls those assertions ridiculous, and say they support an anti-Métis rhetoric.

They point to a long history of Métis kinship communities in the northwest, and call the UBCIC contradictory for not reconciling with them.

Both the Federation and the Métis Nation of BC point to Métis having protected rights under Section 35 of the Constitution.

Despite that, the MNBC says they recognize that First Nations rights differ from Métis rights, and that they respect First Nations rights in BC.

UBCIC’s resolution came following the release of an MNBC report claiming Métis have rights to harvest everywhere the fur trade was conducted.