SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 31, 2023
Context: Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments (INAN) - Oct/31/23
Chief Greg Desjarlais
  • 05:19:56 p.m.
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I believe this is going to open the door for more division.
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Mr. Jaime Battiste
  • 05:20:04 p.m.
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There is nothing within the current legislation, but what could happen after the legislation is passed is your concern. Is that correct?
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Chief Greg Desjarlais
  • 05:20:12 p.m.
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When you look at Alberta and the Métis nation, and all the offices across the province, we're confined to our reserves and to our traditional territory, but we're going after the same land now. When my treaty territory and land is in question, then we're very concerned.
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Mr. Jaime Battiste
  • 05:20:40 p.m.
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Okay. Under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, they have several clauses about identity and self-determination. Do you believe that UNDRIP should apply to the Métis of Canada?
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Mr. David Paul Achneepineskum
  • 05:20:56 p.m.
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Can I answer? I didn't get a chance to answer your previous question there.
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Mr. Jaime Battiste
  • 05:21:01 p.m.
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I don't have much time, so—
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Mr. David Paul Achneepineskum
  • 05:21:04 p.m.
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As far as I am concerned, this legislation, Bill C-53, does not define who the Métis are. It seems to me that the Métis Nation of Ontario defined who their own members are. Whereas, as indigenous status people, we are defined within the legislation under the Indian Act. That defines us, so it's a free-for-all as far as I can see in this Bill C-53. Anybody can claim to be a Métis.
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Mr. Jaime Battiste
  • 05:21:37 p.m.
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Okay, so your concern is around possibly opening up to a lot of different Métis who don't have the proper ancestral lineage. Is that the concern?
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Mr. David Paul Achneepineskum
  • 05:21:52 p.m.
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It is happening right now with the Métis Nation of Ontario. Pretty well anyone who declares, “I am a Métis” can be a member, and clearly there is no real definition. I'm sure that happens across Alberta as well, so it's self-determination. Métis themselves define who they are.
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The Chair
  • 05:22:21 p.m.
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Mr. Battiste, we're out of time, and I do need to move to my next member. Ms. Bérubé, you may go ahead for six minutes.
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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé
  • 05:22:30 p.m.
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Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the witnesses for being here today. My question is for both witnesses. The passage of Bill C‑53 could undermine current efforts to advance reconciliation with first nations. What do you make of that?
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Mr. David Paul Achneepineskum
  • 05:23:13 p.m.
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I'm sorry. I have issues with the sound here.
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The Chair
  • 05:23:13 p.m.
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Madame Bérubé, would you repeat the question?
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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé
  • 05:23:51 p.m.
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It's sometimes said that the passage of Bill C‑53 would undermine current efforts to advance reconciliation with first nations. What are your thoughts on that?
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Mr. David Paul Achneepineskum
  • 05:24:13 p.m.
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I certainly agree with that. Reconciliation is being set back under this legislation, and trust is going to be lost. It's so unfortunate, but it seems to me that it's underhanded of the Liberal government to try to force this upon us as first nations. Certainly reconciliation, as far as I am concerned, is dead because of the introduction of Bill C-53.
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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé
  • 05:25:02 p.m.
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Do you have anything to add, Mr. Desjarlais?
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Chief Greg Desjarlais
  • 05:25:07 p.m.
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Short and sweet, I agree with his statements, for sure.
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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé
  • 05:25:13 p.m.
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My question is for the CEO of Matawa First Nations. You passed Resolution 17-28-07-2022, which stipulates that Matawa member first nations reject Métis assertions in the Matawa homelands and territories. The resolution also rejects Ontario's recognition of the Métis claims as an indigenous people group constitutionally equal to the first nations people of the Matawa member first nations. Can you elaborate on those assertions?
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Mr. David Paul Achneepineskum
  • 05:25:45 p.m.
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As far as our position, first nations indigenous peoples are the only rightful owners within our treaty territories.
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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé
  • 05:26:00 p.m.
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About two weeks ago, Mr. Desjarlais, you met with Minister Anandasangaree to express your opposition to Bill C‑53, among other things. You urged the minister to go back to the drawing board and carry out proper consultations. What should those consultations look like?
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