Métis Nation offers sympathy and support to the people of Haiti

Ottawa, ON (January 15, 2010)– Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier, on behalf of the Board of Governors and the Métis Nation, is offering sympathy to the people of Haiti as they cope with the devastating results of this week’s earthquake.

“All Métis Nation citizens are deeply saddened by this tragedy and the horrible toll it is taking on a nation already struggling with poverty,” said President Chartier. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Métis Nation are with the people of Haiti.”

President Chartier is encouraging all Métis Nation citizens who are able to make a donation or offer any other assistance they can.

“Thousands of injured, hungry and homeless people are in need of urgent assistance,” said Chartier. “Every donation, no matter how large or small, will go a long way to easing their suffering, and bring some measure of hope in the face of this tragedy.”

To support the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts, donations can be made by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111 or online at www.redcross.ca.

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View registered Canadian charitable organizations accepting donations for Haiti relief efforts

Métis Nation Leaders, Minister Strahl and Provincial Ministers Meet to Discuss Métis Economic Development

Calgary, AB (December 18, 2009)– The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians and Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier, together with the MNC Board of Governors, the Métis Settlements General Council and Aboriginal Affairs Ministers from the five western-most provinces met this week to discuss Métis Nation economic development.

On December 15, 2009 in Calgary, Alberta, the Ministers and Métis leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities of fostering Métis-specific economic development initiatives and programs. It was agreed they would meet again next year and report back on tangible results achieved.

Read Complete Joint – Communiqué

MNC General Assembly Proclaims 2010 “Year of the Métis Nation”

Ottawa, ON (November 27, 2009) - Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is calling the MNC General Assembly a success, and is thanking the Assembly delegates for their insight and hard work during the 2 day session.

“The Governing Member delegates must be commended for their thoughtful and respectful debate,” said President Chartier. “The General Assembly once again shows how committed our democratically elected governments are to strengthening the Métis Nation.”

Read the complete press release

Read President Chartier’s State of the Nation address

Read President Chartier’s Governance Report

View photo gallery of the Opening Day

View photo gallery of the Second Day

View photo gallery of the banquet

MPs pledge support for 2010 Year of the Métis Nation

Ottawa, ON (December 10, 2009) - Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is applauding Members of Parliament for recognizing 2010 as Year of the Métis Nation. With unanimous support from all parties, the House of Commons passed a motion calling on the Government of Canada to use next year to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Métis Nation which have enriched the lives of all Canadians.

Read the complete press release

Read House of Commons Motion

Métis Nation Veterans Memorial Unveiled at Juno Beach

Courseulles-sur-Mer, France (November 11, 2009) - A memorial to the thousands of Métis Nation citizens who served in the World Wars was dedicated today at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France.

“On behalf of all Métis, I express my joy and pride in being here today to commemorate and celebrate the service and sacrifice of the Métis Nation’s greatest heroes; our veterans of the world wars,” said President Clément Chartier. “This memorial is a reminder of the debt we all owe to those Métis who fought, were wounded or died protecting world freedom, giving us and future generations the means to strive for a prosperous and strong Métis Nation.”

The memorial features a Red River Cart, one of the most recognized symbols of the Métis Nation. It also includes artifacts from Métis culture and history, and exhibits highlighting the contributions of Métis soldiers, sailors and aircrew during the World Wars and in the Canadian landing in Juno Beach as part of the 1945 liberation of Europe.

Read the complete press release

Read President Chartier’s Speech at the November 11, 2008 Juno Beach Centre ceremony

Read “Remembering Veterans at Juno Beach” by the Hon. Chuck Strahl

Click here for the latest information, photo galleries and videos from this momentous event