MNLA happens for first time in years
- EFN Staff | April 16, 2018
The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan recently held their first Métis Nation Legislative Assembly in several years. Greetings from Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand, Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark and Provincial Minister of Government Relations Warren Kaeding opened the Assembly.
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum followed with his state of the union address. He stressed the importance of working on a government to government level with the federal and provincial governments and that those meetings have been taking place and the relationships are improving.
Senator Jim Favel and his wife Marie were honoured by the MN-S executive and a touching speech by Jimmy Durocher. This is to be the Senator’s last official assembly in his role, as he has chosen to retire after a long and industrious political career and look after his health.
The Assembly was held at Prairie Land Park in Saskatoon. The cavernous room had a few people complaining about not being able to hear or see people who were speaking, but the high tec cameras around the room beamed to TV sets that made it easier to follow. The Assembly was also live streamed by the MN-S. Day two with the Annual General Meeting was left to Facebook Live on Saskatchewan Métis News and other individuals online.
Each Minister gave their reports on their portfolio. Earl Cook was voted in as Treasurer to replace Mary Ann Morin, who, depending on who you ask, either resigned or was run out of her position. Morin had a silent protest at the start of the Assembly where she stood up front, symbolizing that she didn’t have a chair at the assembly.
At the AGA, several people pointed out that the yelling, booing an lateral violence that has been a persistent problem at MN-S functions was still happening and really holding back the political process. At one time during the AGA, the police arrived to bring some calm and respect to the process.
A banquet with entertainment by the Creeland Dancers and Donny Parenteau after the first day of the Assembly was a highlight for many.