SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Hayden Stenlund

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 31, 2023
Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Mr. Hayden Stenlund (Student, As an Individual)
  • 04:05:50 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Read Aloud
[Witness spoke in Michif] [English] I am 17 years old. I have cerebral palsy. I am in grade 12 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. I am a descendant of the half-breed adhesion to Treaty 3. My ancestors are from the northwestern Ontario Métis community in the traditional territory of Treaty 3—Rainy Lake, Rainy River, Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul. The Métis are a distinct people with our own way of life and language, which is Michif. My family has strong roots in the northwestern Ontario Métis community. My ancestors were present in the area prior to Canada being Canada. The Métis in region 1 are grounded in our identity with regard to who we are and where we come from as people. I've known my roots and Métis identity since birth. I have become a strong advocate for Métis rights and interests. I was raised within a Métis community, and I've been constantly surrounded by strong regional Métis leaders who've advocated and defended our Métis community. My older sister Katelyne and I have been lucky enough to grow up in our Métis community since birth. My Métis family ensured we knew, understood and protected our Métis identity and way of life. From an infant, I was brought onto the lands and waters of my traditional territory to receive teachings regarding my way of life. Because of this, I am proud of, grounded in and aware of where I come from, who I am and my very Métis roots, as I know them. My mother Regional Councillor Stenlund has always fought for the rights of the citizens in our area. She taught me that my community is rooted in the facts of history: where our ancestors come from, and our rights, interests and claims. We have these inherent rights. The Crown knew we were a distinct people in 1871, when the Dawson Route came through my territory. Canada acknowledged the Métis in the community via the 1871 half-breeds of Fort Frances Dawson pay list, on which one of my own ancestors is listed. In 1875, Canada again formally acknowledged the Métis community in northwestern Ontario by signing a treaty with us—a half-breed treaty, a Métis treaty. Canada made promises to our Métis community with our Métis treaty adhesion in 1875. Bill C-53 is a way for Canada to be honourable and to treat our Métis communities the same way as first nation communities with regard to our being able to govern ourselves. The passing of Bill C-53 is more than just a legislative bill on paper. It’s a way for Canada to treat us equitably and to acknowledge that Métis already govern ourselves. The passing of Bill C-53 is an opportunity for Canada to finally and formerly acknowledge our right to internal governance and authority over our citizenship, election processes and Métis child and family services. I shared my story because I personally believe it's important for Canada to acknowledge and respect us. Our communities will have this legislation acknowledging us. How I was raised should not be compromised. My mom and the MNO should not have to continually stand up for and defend the citizens and our communities. I strongly believe Métis self-government will help us maintain our way of life and allow us to govern ourselves in the Métis way, for all of our future descendants. This is reconciliation in action. I implore you all to realize the significance of what you are voting on. Think of how you can impact Métis families, communities and our way of life. Our citizens and future generations should not have to turn to the courts to defend our people and communities. Canada needs to act swiftly. This is your opportunity to pass this legislation to acknowledge our right to self-government. Thank you all. Kawapamitin.
701 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Mr. Hayden Stenlund
  • 04:29:57 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Read Aloud
We can practise our way of life, show people that and be proud of who we are. We can tell people who we are. We shouldn't be afraid to show our Métis identity. We should be involved in our communities. We should proudly speak our language of Michif. We shouldn't be afraid to show our personalities. We shouldn't be afraid to show our identity. We shouldn't be afraid to practise our very way of life, which we practised for centuries without formal recognition by the Crown. I think we deserve that.
97 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Mr. Hayden Stenlund
  • 04:31:22 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Read Aloud
One of my fears is that we're treated differently than first nations. We are not given the resources that are given to first nations. We aren't really considered as first nations. We're sort of cast aside when we shouldn't be. If we say we're indigenous—and this is my personal opinion—we are telling the truth. It's not like we're a minority group. We've been around for centuries, decades and multiple generations. We're not going to go away anytime soon. I think we need to be considered.
98 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Mr. Hayden Stenlund
  • 04:37:32 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Read Aloud
I am concerned that some people don't think we are an actual indigenous group and that some people don't believe us when we say we are Métis. We should be proud of who we are. We should be able to say, without repercussion, that we are indigenous, that we have an identity, that we have a way of life and that we are strong, proud Métis people who have a culture and a language, which is Michif. We have jigging, fiddling and ways that should be recognized. We shouldn't be cast aside. We should have a voice at the table.
107 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border