Summit takes issue with NunatuKavut, Ontario Métis
A two-day summit on Indigenous identity fraud wrapped up Wednesday with a message to Canada: we’re joining forces, and we want action to curb the epidemic.
The summit, hosted by the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Chiefs of Ontario, was lauded by First Nations, Inuit and Red River Métis leaders as a historic occasion.
The leaders passed two resolutions that specifically target the Métis Nation of Ontario and the NunatuKavut Community Council — organizations they collectively say are co-opting Indigenous identities for personal gain.
They unanimously adopted a declaration condemning any person or group that “falsely claims” Indigenous identity for their own gain. The declaration says doing so furthers the marginalization of First Nations, Inuit and Red River Métis voices.
“The intent of this summit is not to pick a fight,” said Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand.
“We have every right and all responsibility to stand up for ourselves and protect our identity. The time to bring this to a head is now.”
The resolution against the NunatuKavut Community Council, passed Wednesday, calls on the federal government and Newfoundland and Labrador to “cease their actions accommodating Indigenous identity theft” by working with the organization and giving it access to benefits. It also calls for criminal law reforms to ensure funds set aside for Indigenous Peoples are not misappropriated.
Tuesday’s resolution called on Canada to cease all negotiations with the Métis Nation of Ontario and for Ontario to retract the identification of six new communities the province recognized in 2017. It also urges the federal and provincial governments to stop “accommodating Indigenous identity theft” and to take proactive steps with “legitimate rights holders.”
Tuesday’s resolution called on Canada to cease all negotiations with the Métis Nation of Ontario