Dr. Adam Browning raises concerns about the Metis Nation of Alberta Constitution, November 15, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta

Alberta Métis groups call for moratorium on constitution vote

Nov 18, 2022 | 5:13 PM

Some Métis groups in Alberta say they will not recognize a new Métis constitution if it is approved.

Voting is underway for what the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) says is the largest ratification vote for an Indigenous nation in Canadian history. Approximately 50,000 MNA people are eligible to vote on the potential establishment of a provincial Métis government.

Lethbridge Local Métis President Dr. Adam Browning and Grande Cache Local Métis President Alvin Findlay have written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon to address their concerns with the proposed MNA constitution. Browning says he has attempted to contact Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller on numerous occasions but has yet to hear back.

Browning says he has issues with how the process to establish the constitution has played out so far.

“We want a moratorium on this because of the process that it was so flawed. It doesn’t follow the United Nations Declaration on [the Rights of] Indigenous Peoples, it doesn’t honour our Section 35 rights, it’s not reflective of a basic democratic process that’s fair to Indigenous groups,” says Browning.

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Browning continues, “I want to be entirely clear here, Métis unequivocally want to aspire towards a constitution. We want to aspire towards a nation. My community and our elected council has been clear that this process with the constitution [th] at the Métis Nation of Alberta leadership has carried out is not reflective of who we are.”

The letter from Browning and Findlay claims that the MNA Constitution is “an unlawful power grab by a provincially incorporated society.” They say it would establish the MNA Provincial Council as the only recognized government representing Métis people in Alberta, erasing local associations and their collective rights in the process.

Browning also raised concerns about what he believes is a lack of meaningful consultations. He says he was informed that the draft constitution was already in its final form during a consultation event in Calgary on August 5, 2022, and that feedback from those in attendance would not be taken under consideration.

Browning says he would like to cease the constitution ratification process and ensure that there are meaningful consultations with representatives of Métis local collectives.

A spokesperson for minister Miller has sent the following statement to LNN in regards to the MNA Constitution:

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with Métis partners to advance self-determination, promote reconciliation and build renewed government to government relationships. This includes our ongoing collaborative work toward self-government.

We are aware that the Métis Nation of Alberta is currently undertaking an internal ratification process on their draft Constitution.

An Indigenous constitution is an internal matter between the Indigenous government and their citizens. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

As Canada does not have a role in developing or approving Indigenous constitutions, further questions on these matters are best addressed to the Métis Nation of Alberta.”

Voting on the MNA Constitution kicked off on November 1, 2022, and continues until November 30.