SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Theresa 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
Ms. Theresa Stenlund (As an Individual)
  • 04:21:07 p.m.
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I'd be glad to take questions as well. Today is Hayden's day, but I'm also willing to take questions on behalf of the community and the MNO.
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Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Ms. Theresa Stenlund
  • 04:28:03 p.m.
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The Métis have been self-governing for generations. Hayden gave a quick synopsis of our history, who we are and where we come from. There's no hierarchy in the Constitution. The other indigenous peoples are self-governing. We're just asking Canada to formally recognize us on paper for what we've already been doing for generations. It's been a long time coming, and we're just asking Canada to move on that.
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Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Ms. Theresa Stenlund
  • 04:38:55 p.m.
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First, I'm going to thank Hayden. You can go and catch your school bus now, Hayden. You can disconnect and head off. Thanks. On the question of the intergenerational effects that this could have, as you heard my son say, he knows where he came from. He has been raised within a Métis community. His ancestors before him knew who they were. Canada formally recognized us. With Canada delaying this, it puts into question—as Hayden just spoke—who we are as a people. Are we a real people? We know that we are. We are recognized in the Constitution, yet Canada is delaying formally recognizing our inherent right to self-government. You need to move forward and treat us equitably.
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Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Ms. Theresa Stenlund
  • 04:46:58 p.m.
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Thank you to the two previous speakers. I just want to remind everyone that we have inherent rights, and our rights come from the communities. We will need to go out, as Jordyn mentioned, and consult with our communities and our citizens. There will be different levels of jurisdiction and authority. Within the Métis Nation of Ontario, there will be regional jurisdictions, authorities and laws, and there will also be provincial jurisdictions and authorities of different levels, on different matters. All of that is going to come from the people and our communities. They will be the ones providing us the direction in regard to the laws and the jurisdictions and authorities we set forward under our own self-government.
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