The organization of southern chiefs and the Métisa du Manitoba federation signed a 5 -year agreement to carry out major infrastructure and development projects.
This agreement comes as the federal government seeks to accelerate the implementation of projects across the country.
It underlines their common commitment to ensure that the votes of the First Nations and the Métis of the Red River are taken into account in the approval of any project proposed by the Government of Manitoba and supported by federal legislation.
A new federal law gives Ottawa extended powers to accelerate the issuance of permits for what it calls national construction projects
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This law, which received the royal sanction at the end of June concerns indigenous organizations which claim that some of its elements could be used to undermine their rights.
The organization of southern chiefs and the Métisa federation of Manitoba claim that they work together to pursue developments carried out by Aboriginal people in fields, such as forestry, harvesting and traditional economies.
This agreement sends a message to all governments, partners and industries: First Nations and Métis de la Rivre Rouge work together to shape a future led by Aboriginal nations
said Jerry Daniels, the great chief of the organization of southern chiefs at a press conference at the fork, in Winnipeg on Wednesday.
We open the way to economic independence and sustainability, ensuring that the voices of the First Nations and the Métis de la Rouge are taken into account in the design, approval and implementation of national construction projects throughout the province.
The understanding protocol signed on Wednesday includes a request for the Manitobain government. He underlines the importance of creating a provincial Couronne-Autochton company which would serve to approve the major infrastructure projects in the province.
Two important groups unite, important historical groups unite and with them, they bring their forces, their leadership, and we bring our resources. Believe me, we don’t come empty-handed. No one asks for money here
underlines the president of the Métis Federation of Manitoba, David Chartrand.
Mark Carney’s priority
Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, said in the last months that the law to build Canada was necessary to support the Canadian economy during the trade war with the United States.
Ottawa has also promised to develop infrastructure in the north of the country, in part to achieve the target of expenses set by theTake in critical infrastructure.
It is not clear what projects could be accelerated, but the federal government mentioned the ports, the railways and the pipelines.
Mark Carney recently met First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups to discuss the best way to carry out projects in partnership with Aboriginal peoples.
Mark Carney wanted to be reassuring by appearing in front of the indigenous chiefs to approach his law aimed at building Canada, during a meeting last July in Gatineau. (Archives photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Marie-Laure Josselin
The Métis de Manitoba Federation refused Mr. Carney’s invitation to discuss the legislation, after Ottawa invited another Métis group. According to the MMFthis group has no reason to be.
Other Métis and First Nations groups claim that the communities represented by the Métis Nation of Ontario have no right on the Métis inheritance and that Ontario and Ontario have the right to recognize them.
The president of the Métis de Manitoba Federation David Chartrand supports the recent law of the Carney government because Canada is faced with constant threats from US President Donald Trump.
He adds that any national construction project approved in Manitoba must be carried out in collaboration with the Aboriginal peoples of the province.
The danger that Trump weighs on all of us is very scary. It is an economic war, and people should not take it lightly
said David Chartrand on Wednesday.
With information from the Canadian press and Maggie Wilcox
