Chiefs push back on Metis

Chiefs from 16 Interior First Nations have signed a strongly worded letter expressing “grave concerns regarding any assertion of Metis rights within Secwepemculecw,” the traditional territory of the Shuswap people.

The move follows a lawsuit filed in July by the BC Metis Federation against Ottawa for an alleged refusal to recognize the organization as a representative of Metis people in B.C.

According to the BC Metis Federation, the lawsuit was filed to “protect its members’ right to equality with other Metis people in B.C. and their right to freely associate and pursue their common goals.” The organization said it would not provide any further comment due to the ongoing proceedings.

The suit challenges the federal government's refusal to recognize the organization as a representative of Metis people. The claim makes reference to historic communities in B.C. called "Pacific Northwest Metis."

The lawsuit has been met this week with serious pushback from B.C. First Nations groups — dozens of Coast Salish bands on Tuesday, the First Nations Leadership Council on Wednesday and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council on Friday.

The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council document is signed by chiefs from the Tk’emlups, Bonaparte, Adams Lake, Simpcw, Skeetchestn, Stswecem’c Xgt’tem, Neskonlith, Williams Lake, Whispering Pines, Alkali Lake, Soda Creek, Shuswap, Canim Lake, Spallumcheen, Skwlax and Pavillion bands.

“The Secwepemc Nation has grave concerns regarding any assertion of Metis rights in Secwepemculecw,” the statement reads.

“Any assertions of site-specific Metis rights within Secwepemculecw are unsubstantiated, contrary to Secwepemc and Canadian law and inconsistent with our jurisdiction over our land and water.”

The statement said the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council recognizes the right Metis people have to their own territory as identified by the Metis Nation Council.

“There is no viable legal basis to justify consultation with Metis groups or individuals regarding rights assertions, shared decision-making, governance or the harvesting of resources within Secwepemculecw,” the statement reads.

“The Secwepemc Nation opposes any consultation with Metis groups within Secwepemculecw and will take all necessary steps to protect our rights from unsubstantiated assertions of Metis rights within our homeland.”

The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council statement said the chiefs recognize the need for greater services for all Indigenous people in Canada, Metis included.

“We take no issue with federal or provincial services being provided to Metis individuals within Secwepemculecw, provided that the benefits are based upon membership in a Metis community outside Secwepemculecw and the scope of services available to Secwepemc members is not diminished in any way,” the statement reads.