Madam Speaker, some of that is a question of what is constitutionally the responsibility of the federal government, and I am not certain that we are going to be angrily or strongly demanding that the federal government accept this responsibility at this time. We have left it dormant for some time, hoping that, through constitutional talks and claims negotiations, some of these questions will be answered. It is my view that the Metis are first and foremost an aboriginal people, just as aboriginal as the treaty First Nations of this country, just as aboriginal as the Inuvialuit and the Inuit of this country, and, unfortunately, they are treated differently and they are accorded different types of treatment in the eyes of the federal government. It has been long the fight of Metis leaders across this country to try to get a definable, acceptable type of respect and recognition that they think they deserve. I think the process and commitment for the federal government to negotiate with them is a substantial start to address those. I think those will be self-defining as progress is made on this question. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 344-12(5): Impact Of Recognition Of Metis By Federal Government
In the Legislative Assembly on March 21st, 1994. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 344-12(5): Impact Of Recognition Of Metis By Federal Government
Question 344-12(5): Impact Of Recognition Of Metis By Federal Government
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 20th, 1994
Page 732
See context to find out what was said next.