What Constitutional Process is Going to be Undertaken?

This consultation document will be widely distributed throughout the Métis Nation by the MNC and its Governing Members. It will be sent to locals, community councils and affiliates throughout the Métis Nation Homeland. It will also be available to all Métis citizens through community meetings and the MNC's website (www.metisnation.ca).

The constitutional process will be overseen by the Métis Nation Constitution Commission (MNCC) which consists of the Minister responsible for Governance in the Métis Nation Cabinet, the MNC's Métis Rights Panel and the MNC's General Counsel. The MNCC will regularly report to the MNC Board of Governors. As well, progress updates will be made to the MNC Annual General Assembly.

Throughout this process, Métis citizens will be regularly updated on meetings being held throughout the Homeland and the status of the constitutional process through the MNC's website and the Governing Members.

Phase I
Beginning in early 2003, consultation meetings will be held with the provincial governing bodies of the Métis Nation. These meetings will include members of the MNCC and will provide the leadership of the Métis Nation an opportunity to discuss the upcoming consultation process, as well as, have preliminary discussions on a Métis Nation Constitution in order to be in a position to answer questions from Métis citizens about the consultation process.

Phase II
It is anticipated that beginning in 2003, Governing Members will begin holding community consultation meetings within their respective provinces on a Métis Nation Constitution. Each Governing Member will develop their own consultation strategy (i.e. meeting locations, advertising etc.). These meetings will be attended by various members of the MNCC to hear the discussions.

As well, during Phase II, Métis citizens will be able to submit their answers and comments directly to the MNCC by completing this consultation document and sending it to the MNC or responding via the MNC's website.

Phase III
Based on the input received from Phase II, a 'What We Heard' document will be prepared and circulated throughout the Métis Nation. As well, based on this document the MNCC will draft a preliminary discussion Métis Nation Constitution that will be circulated for review, input and comments.

Phase IV
Based on the consultations from Phase III, a final Métis Nation Constitution will be prepared. It is hoped that each Governing Member will endorse the proposed Constitution at their respective Annual Assembly to be then brought to the MNC Annual General Assembly for final ratification.