Introduction

Currently, the Métis Nation does not have a Constitution. However, Métis people from throughout the Homeland have consistently expressed their desire to have a Métis Nation Constitution in order to strengthen Métis nationalism and build a stronger and more effective national governance structure. Further, successive Métis National Council (MNC) Annual General Assemblies have provided direction for the development of a Métis Nation Constitution.

Over the past few years, the necessity for a Métis Nation Constitution has grown as our nation continues to make important gains in implementing self-government at a national, regional and community level. Successful court cases recognizing the existence of the Métis people and our Aboriginal rights, on-going political lobbying, the adoption of a national definition for citizenship within the Métis Nation and the expansion of Métis control over socio-economic programs and services delivered to our people all positively contribute to our nation's self-government agenda.

Securing a Métis Nation Constitution is a difficult process. It has been attempted many times before without success. Through these past experiences, it is well-recognized that in order to achieve a fundamental change in our national governance structure there must be widespread support for such a change throughout the Métis Nation Homeland.

Any successful constitutional process will require broad-based community consultations, a transparent process for the development and ratification of a Métis Nation Constitution, a thorough understanding of how a Métis Nation Constitution will operate by Métis citizens and leaders, as well as, extensive cooperation, collaboration and political will at a community, provincial and national level.

Even though this may seem like a daunting task, as a nation, we are committed to moving towards a Métis Nation Constitution ...

What is the Purpose of this Document?

This consultation document is a starting point for the MNC's broad-based community consultations on a Métis Nation Constitution. No proposed Constitutions have been drafted! No decisions have been made on how our Constitution should look! The only purpose of this document is to engage a nation-wide and inclusive consultation process.

This document is designed to faciliate discussions at a community, regional, provincial and national level and let everyone have there say. It provides background information on the Métis Nation and its current provincial and national governance structures, provides information on what is the purpose of a Constitution generally and a Métis Nation Constitution specifically and provides some questions to start the dialogue on a Métis Nation Constitution.

Based on the input received from these initial consultations, a 'What We Heard' document will be prepared and shared with the Métis community. It is hoped that from this preliminary process there will be emerging consensus on some issues, as well as, the identification of issues that will require more focused consultations as we move forward.