Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples
Issue 17 - Evidence
OTTAWA, Tuesday, April 23, 2002
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day at 9:12 a.m. to examine access, provision and delivery of services, policy and jurisdictional issues, employment and education, access to economic opportunities, youth participation and empowerment, and other related matters.
Senator Thelma J. Chalifoux (Chairman) in the Chair.
[English]
The Chairman: Mr. Morin, would you care to introduce your colleagues?
Mr. Gerald Morin, President, Metis National Council: With me this morning is Ms Jennifer Brown, the spokesperson of the Metis National Youth Advisory Council and Ms Pauline Huppie, the youth intervener.
The Chairman: We are here to discuss an action plan for change for urban Aboriginals, focusing on youth. In dealing with youth, we will touch on a variety of issues related to the family and how it works.
Please proceed.
Mr. Morin: I would thank the members of this committee for hearing from the Metis National Council this morning. It is a pleasure to make a presentation to you.
As you will hear throughout my presentation, Metis youth are a priority within the Metis Nation. Over the years, youth have played an ever-increasing role within our nation, including our governance structures and institutions at the community, provincial and national levels.
I can personally attest that this youth involvement has strengthened and inspired our nation, and youth will remain a priority as the Metis Nation moves forward toward implementing its self-government aspirations within Canada.
In my presentation, I will be making two specific points. First, I will discuss the need for a significant investment in Metis youth initiatives to assist them in addressing their unique issues, challenges and priorities and, second, I will highlight some successes that the Metis Nation has achieved with the youth sector over the past few years as models to build upon future investments in this area.
I know that many of you around the table are well aware of the history of the Metis people and the role of the Métis National Council. However, in undertaking this type of presentation, it is helpful and important to have a complete understanding of the Metis Nation and its governmental structures and institutions. Therefore, I will provide a cursory overview on the Metis Nation and the MNC to assist this committee in achieving an improved understanding of the two main aspects of my presentation.
Although a complete and thorough review and analysis of the history of the Metis Nation is beyond the scope of this presentation, I should like to highlight that the Metis are a distinct Aboriginal people, not just mixed-blood descendents of First Nations or a faceless percentage within the urban Aboriginal population.
The Metis, as an indigenous people, were born on the lands of north central North America prior to Canada's formation as a modern nation. The Metis Nation evolved out of the initial relations of European men and Indian women in the historic northwest of Canada, as well as part of the northern United States. While the initial offspring of these relations were individuals who possessed mixed European and Indian ancestry, these ongoing relations throughout the mid-17th century between European men and Indian women through intermarriages made the way for the birth of a distinct indigenous people — the Metis people.
The genesis of the Metis people was more than just a mixing or adaptation of two divergent cultures. It was a continual evolution that culminated in the birth of a distinct Aboriginal nation with its own unique language — the Michif language — music, dance, culture, self-government, dress and way of life. More importantly, these individuals and historic communities no longer saw themselves as Indian or European, but they identified as a distinct collective. They were also recognized and treated as distinct by outside observers, First Nations, Canadian governments, settlers and others.
The Metis self-realization of their existence as a people is confirmed throughout Canada's history. The Metis people acted as a collective entity at various times to protect our lands, rights, resources, way of life and our distinct communities. The Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816, the Red River resistance in 1869 and 1870, and the Battle of Batoche in 1885 are some of the more well-known events that have shaped the evolution of the federation.
The Metis people and our communities have also influenced Canada through events and actions that are often unknown or not recognized in the non-aboriginal historic record. The reality that the Metis people were willing to stand up and fight for that collective existence endures as one of the features that permeates through Canada's history and continues to define the current state of the Canadian federation.
Today, this Metis collective continues to exist from Ontario westward. Historic Metis communities throughout the homeland, such as Fort Frances, St. Laurent, Duck Lake, Lac Ste. Anne and Fort Nelson continue to keep the Metis nation's culture, values and traditions alive. As well, significant numbers of Metis people are now a part of urban communities within Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia. However, even within these larger areas, distinct Metis communities continue to exist.
The MNC estimates that the Metis Nation's population is between 250,000 and 300,000. An accurate count is not currently available.
The MNC continues to advocate for resources to establish a national Metis registry from the federal government through the federal interlocutor for Metis and non-status Indians. The MNC also estimates that the majority of Metis people are based within urban areas, and that the majority of the Metis population is located within the three Prairie provinces.
The Metis people and our communities throughout the Metis Nation homeland provide the mandate to the MNC and its governing members for the representation of the Metis Nation within Canada at a provincial, national and international level.
As I mentioned earlier, while an extensive review and discussion on the birth and emergence of the Metis Nation within Canada is beyond the purpose and scope of this presentation, it is important to understand some of the more recent events that have significantly shaped and influenced the Metis Nation's contemporary governance structures and institutions.
There is often a misconception that, by the end of the 1800s, Metis communities within Canada were destroyed, dispersed or assimilated. The effects of the Battle of Batoche, the hanging of Louis Riel and the persecution of other Metis leaders, the fraudulent land grant system, negative public opinion, and shameful government policy vis-à-vis Aboriginal peoples dampened the Metis Nation's public resilience and pride. The Metis as a people, however, continued to do whatever they could to keep their culture, families and communities together.
Based on its extensive research, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples concluded:
Some Canadians think that the Metis Nation's history ended on the Batoche battlefield or the Regina gallows. The bitterness of those experiences did cause the Metis to avoid the spotlight for many years, but they continued to practice and preserve their culture and to do everything that was possible to pass it on to future generations.
Even in the face of this adversity, Metis continued to gather within our communities throughout the Metis Nation homeland. For example, as early as 1909, a number of Metis patriots began to meet in St. Vital, Manitoba, to write the Metis record on the events which took place in 1870 and 1885. As well, as early as the 1920s, visible Metis political movements emerged to once again assert the rights and existence of the Metis Nation.
In 1928, a small group of Metis in the Cold Lake area began to meet. This group, led by Charles Delorme, created l'Association des Metis d'Alberta et les Territoires du Nord-Ouest. This association evolved into the Metis Association of Alberta, now the Metis Nation of Alberta, which was formed in 1932. Similarly, the Saskatchewan Metis Society, now the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, was formed in 1938. Along with others, these political movements led to a revitalization of the Metis Nation and our communities.
In addition, a new Aboriginal political awareness began to develop within Canada as early as the 1950s. The deplorable socio-economic conditions facing Aboriginal peoples were a national embarrassment, while at the same time Aboriginal individuals and communities began to seek justice through the Canadian judiciary. Similar to the Aboriginal and settler confrontations of the 1800s, the Metis were in the forefront of this new agenda, pushing to have our rights and needs addressed.
The Metis Nation joined with non-status Indians and other Aboriginal peoples in forming regional and provincial political organizations and structures to draw attention to the disgraceful socio-economic conditions facing Aboriginal peoples both on and off reserve throughout Canada. These newly formed regional and provincial associations were brought together under a national organization, the Native Council of Canada, NCC. However, even within these pan- Aboriginal organizations, the Metis Nation's distinct and identifiable existence persevered.
In 1982, these organizations realized a monumental success with the recognition and protection of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in the Canadian Constitution. In particular, this was a triumph for the Metis Nation as they were explicitly recognized as one of the three distinct Aboriginal peoples within section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Following the 1982 constitutional amendment, a series of four first ministers' conferences were held to agree to additional changes needed to implement the new Aboriginal provisions of the Constitution. Prior to the first ministers' conferences, it became apparent that the Metis Nation needed to represent itself on a national level through its own voice. The pan-aboriginal structure of the NCC, now known as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, did not allow for the Metis Nation to effectively represent itself. The Metis Nation had continuing concerns that, when the Metis were grouped into pan-aboriginal processes with non-status Indians and other Aboriginal peoples, their distinct existence and Aboriginal rights were not addressed, recognized and protected. Therefore, in March 1983, the Metis Nation separated from the NCC to form the Métis National Council, our own Metis-specific national representative body.
Aligned with this national direction, the Metis people and their communities began to separate from the pan- aboriginal organizations and return to their own Metis-specific governance structures. These structures, the MNC and its governing members, now represent a contemporary manifestation of the Metis Nation's existence as an Aboriginal people within Canada. Through individual and collective action, these political representative structures continue the Metis Nation's struggle for the implementation of our inherent right to self-government, while continuing to evolve as governance structures for the Metis Nation.
Finally, it is important to clarify some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings commonly held by parliamentarians, bureaucrats and the public at large.
It is a myth that the Metis are nothing more than individuals who claim they have mixed Aboriginal and non- aboriginal ancestry. In reality, the Metis are an identifiable and distinct nation of people that has existed and continues to exist within Western Canada. This existence has been recognized domestically and internationally throughout the Metis Nation's history.
It is a myth that the Metis have access to and are provided assistance from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. In reality, the Metis receive no benefit from and have no access to the billions of federal dollars expended through DIAND annually.
It is a myth that Metis do not have established governance structures with the capacity to implement self- government. All of the MNC governing members hold province-wide ballot box elections for their leadership. We maintain our registries for membership, deliver Metis-specific programs and services, and are financially and politically accountable to the Metis Nation.
It is a myth that Metis are included within Aboriginal initiatives announced by the federal government. While federal ministers often use the term ``Aboriginal,'' they exclude the Metis from access to these initiatives due to a lack of understanding of the Metis Nation's unique needs and governance structures, or they use the federal government's position with respect to jurisdiction vis-à-vis the Metis to avoid addressing our needs and issues.
It is a myth that the Metis have established processes to address their outstanding claims within the Canadian federation. On the contrary, the substantive outstanding issues between the Metis Nation and the federal government are not being addressed. In many cases this has forced the Metis to seek justice through the judiciary. Current federal policy takes the position that the Government of Canada will not negotiate with the Metis, and refuses to recognize that Metis have existing constitutional rights that need to be reconciled within the Canadian federation.
I will now turn to the subject of Metis youth and their future within the Metis Nation.
I will not spend much time repeating the statistics that this committee has heard many times with respect to the urgent need for action in addressing the challenges facing the Aboriginal youth population. The business case for making a significant investment in Aboriginal youth simply makes sense. To explain the rationale for this investment, only the following facts need be highlighted:
First, the Aboriginal youth population is growing at a significant pace within Canada.
Second, Aboriginal youth face unique challenges and barriers that non-aboriginal youth are fortunate not to have to deal with to the same extent: suicide, family violence, poverty, poor health and so on.
Third, if many of these issues are left unaddressed, a large percentage of our Aboriginal nations' populations will not be able to break the cycle of social disease, poverty, economic dependence and frustration.
Finally, this up-and-coming Aboriginal population will continue to grow as a portion of Canada's overall population. If current socio-economic conditions prevail, this will mean a significant social and financial cost for our nation and all Canadians.
Therefore, the time for action is now. We need to view the efforts made over the next five to 10 years as an investment, rather than simply more government money spent on Aboriginal people. The future of our nations and our country requires this type of proactive intervention.
Metis youth are a distinct component within the Aboriginal youth demographic and face unique challenges that must be considered in developing any Aboriginal youth strategy, initiative or approach. For example, while many Metis youth face similar socio-economic realities and challenges to those of First Nations or Inuit youth, due to the current federal and provincial government positions, they are denied access to many programs and services available to other Aboriginal youth. This denial of assistance often creates additional barriers for Metis youth in achieving their full potential.
As well, the needs and priorities of Metis youth vary across the homeland. In 1998, the MNC, through the Metis National Youth Advisory Council, undertook a national consultation from Ontario westward on the Department of Canadian Heritage's Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiative. This consultation's final report incorporated the input received from over 1,500 Metis youth, as well as feedback from 28 communities across Canada, the Prairies and British Columbia. I encourage the committee to review the final report, which is included in your packages, for greater insight into the consultation's finding.
Metis youth priorities vary depending on the geographic area in question. However, employment and training were clearly main priorities across the board. Many Metis youth indicated uncertainty about their future within the labour market. Access to post-secondary education was a constant concern throughout the community meetings. In addition, many Metis youth are not cognisant of the realities of the future labour market they will face.
Finally, health and wellness, cultural awareness, social work and counselling, and anti-gang measures were high overall priorities.
Metis youth emphasize specific principles to guide the design and development of initiatives geared towards them. These include holistic approaches; recognizing social factors facing youth; promoting Metis role models; community involvement and support; and fostering healthy and successful mindsets. Part and parcel of this principle is the need to respect the Metis Nation's distinct identity, culture, heritage and current circumstances.
Participants also stressed the need for extensive flexibility in programming in order to meet the unique needs of Metis youth. A pivotal component to any initiative will be a well-thought-out and strategic information and communications plan. Youth need timely, relevant, youth-friendly information at the community level.
Metis youth supported Metis-specific programming, but they also wanted to ensure programs were operated through culturally respectful delivery mechanisms.
Metis youth identified that a strong sense of self-identity supports the self-confidence needed for future successes. The strong sense of self-identity comes from respecting the distinctiveness of the Metis rather than from a pan- Aboriginal approach. True partnerships are essential for the success of any initiative. Partnerships need to be forged between all stakeholders, including Metis youth, Metis governments, provincial and federal governments, Aboriginal organizations, as well as the private and public sectors. A clear accountability framework for grassroots Metis youth needs to be developed in any management model.
Although it may seem like a daunting task overall, beginning to address the challenges faced by the Metis youth is not an impossible mission. Within the Metis Nation over the past few years, successes have been realized through practical solutions being resourced and implemented. Through federal initiatives such as youth intervener funding provided by Canadian Heritage, the youth funding component of the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy at HRDC, and the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Initiative by Canadian Heritage, we are now witnessing measurable practical results being achieved in this area.
Some of these successes include increased Metis youth involvement in the Metis Nation, horizontal management of resources in order to better address the needs and priorities of Metis youth, and beneficial partnerships between the Metis Nation and other stakeholders to move forward on Metis youth initiatives. There is a need to continue to move forward and build on these successes. To do so, there must be a substantial increase in resources available for these initiatives, as well as a focused commitment on the part of the federal government to continue to build on what is working within its partnerships with the Metis Nation.
Over a few short years, the Metis Nation has become witness to the active involvement of Metis youth in all facets of our nation from a community, a provincial and a national level. For example, the MNC's youth secretariat, the MNYAC, is now in its seventh year of existence. From initial funding received from the Department of Canadian Heritage, Secretary of State for Children and Youth, Metis youth from across the homeland were brought together to establish a permanent youth structure within the MNC. Since that inception, the youth movement within the MNC has grown stronger and stronger. I am pleased to state that the initiative has been beneficial to all involved.
Over the years, through additional project-based resources provided by various federal departments, and primarily through the resources received from the UMAYC Initiative, the MNYAC has enhanced its capacity and role within the Metis Nation. The MNYAC, which is made up of two youth representatives from each of the governing members, now participates at all meetings of the MNC annual assemblies; has an ex-officio capacity at all meetings of the MNC Board of Governors; coordinates the MNC's national UMAYC work plan; undertakes work in specific policy areas relating to youth; coordinates an annual Metis youth conference; oversees the national Metis role model program; and publishes a Metis youth newspaper, biannually.
Based on this success model, many of the MNC's governing members and Metis community governance structures now have youth involvement within their governance structures and institutions. An example of this is the Metis Nation Saskatchewan Youth Council, which has guaranteed delegates within the Metis Nation Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly and within the Metis Nation of Ontario, MNO. The president of the Metis Nation of Ontario Youth Council is elected within the MNO's province-wide ballot box election and sits on the MNO provincial council.
By virtue of having youth intricately incorporated into the Metis Nation's governance, youth involvement is ensured because the voice of youth is always heard. Particularly within the Metis Nation, this has assisted in ensuring that youth issues do not fall off the table; in having youth advice and input on issues of importance to them; in providing support, education and guidance to the Metis Nation's future leaders; and most importantly, in working together as a united nation with all segments of the Metis population.
Within the MNC's UMAYC consultations, Metis youth stressed the need to address the whole person. Participants identified the desire for programs and services to reflect a holistic approach that supports not only the individuals' economic aspirations but their social and cultural ones as well. In order to achieve this, there is a need for extensive encouragement, a continuum of support services and interventions on many fronts.
The Metis Nation and Metis service delivery organizations need the capacity to deliver a wide range of programming to meet the historic needs of Metis youth. Quite often, one organization does not have the mandate or resources to undertake such an approach. It is usually the young person who suffers because of the inefficient and splintered delivery structures that exist within the Aboriginal community. In many frustrating situations, youth confront a lack of resources, being shuffled from one office to another, and the requirement to jump through hoops to comply with program guidelines.
It is quite often a reality within the Aboriginal community that a host of organizations compete for very limited resources. This makes the ability of one organization to provide holistic programming nearly impossible. However, some current federal initiatives highlight the beneficial results that can be achieved when horizontal management is employed by ministries when rolling out new programs. For example, the UMAYC initiative designated 10 per cent of all resources to the MNC and its governing members. Therefore, rather than set up separate delivery infrastructures, the Metis Nation built on its established delivery infrastructures.
UMAYC resources were used to compliment and build on existing programs and initiatives while still adhering to UMAYC specific program guidelines. One example is the governing members' labour market program delivery infrastructures. Through Human Resources Development Canada, over $43 million is allocated annually to these structures for the delivery of labour market programming to Metis people. Building upon existing infrastructure resources is more effective and efficient rather than having separate administrations that promote discord between organizations.
The horizontal management of resources exist in the Manitoba-Metis Federation. The MMF combines the resources received through UMAYC and the youth component of the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy, AHRDS, to establish a youth department. The MMF youth department provides funding to MMF regions to enable them to implement youth-driven projects within their respective regions. Projects focus on personal development of the mental, physical, spiritual and well-being of young people; on employment projects that enable Metis youth to enhance their capacity for labour market skills and/or obtain job experience; on education projects that reinforce positive attitudes towards learning and education, and that enable them to acquire traditional, practical, or academic knowledge; on community development projects that involve youth in community service activities; and on projects that promote and instil pride in Metis culture and heritage among Metis youth.
The MMF youth department has a core staff consisting of a director and administrative assistants. Youth programs are delivered through MMF regional offices. Two youth workers have been hired in each region: one to work with youth at risk, and one to develop a youth centre network at the local and regional levels. The MMF home office is responsible for financial and personal administration, and it monitors compliance with the funding agreements. This model streamlines programming for the benefit of Metis youth and also saves resources by avoiding duplication of services and administrations.
Similar to the MMF model, other horizontal management initiatives are undertaken throughout the Metis Nation for the benefit of Metis youth programming. These models have assisted the Metis Nation in providing better support for Metis youth, as well as enhancing the Metis Nation's capacity and ability to deliver programs and services. The MNC continues to advocate other federal ministries employing a similar approach with the Metis Nation in the areas of heath, justice and corrections, economic development, et cetera.
As I indicated above, all too often Aboriginal organizations are put in positions of competing for limited resources from governmental initiatives. This usually leads to divisive politics and bickering within the communities. When a Metis-specific approach is used as outlined above, these kinds of situations may be avoided.
The Metis Nation, through its democratically elected leadership, is able design how delivery will be undertaken to Metis clients. This political body does not involve itself in the actual delivery and operation of programs and services, but has the ability to make strategic decisions in the best interests of the Metis Nation. This respects the Metis Nation's governance structures and allows for positive partnerships to be developed with other stakeholders.
Thus, a governing member is in a position to leverage or combine a Metis-specific component of a federal initiative with other programming or initiatives. This ability provides for new partnerships being developed with provincial governments, First Nations, Aboriginal service delivery organizations and the private sector. These partnerships allow various stakeholders to work effectively together rather than working against each other.
In particular, in the area of youth, partnerships have been built through the MNC's involvement in the UMAYC Initiative. For example, due to the enhanced youth capacity within the Metis Nation from the UMAYC Initiative, it is able to effectively work with the federal-provincial-territorial-Aboriginal processes on youth issues as well as partner with other stakeholders in the area.
In 1999, the MNC acted as the co-chair of the FPTA working group on the development of the National Aboriginal Youth Strategy and continues to play a central role in the implementation of this strategy.
In conclusion, I hope my presentation has given you a better understanding of the Metis Nation and our governance structures and institutions, as well as the unique challenges facing our nation and young people. I would emphasize that there is a need to increase the investment of resources to address the urgent challenges facing all Aboriginal youth within Canada. The current resources available to the Metis Nation to adequately address these priority areas are inadequate and just begin to provide some solutions to a significant problem.
Within my presentation I have highlighted some of the benefits that have been achieved through the federal government's current investment in this area. The MNC is extremely proud of the increased youth involvement within the Metis Nation, the successes achieved through horizontal management of youth resources, and the partnerships that are built with other stakeholders when the Metis Nation has the ability to strategically invest resources. There is a need to build upon what is working to address the future challenges of our young people.
I thank you very much for this opportunity to share some of the ideas and suggestions of the Metis Nation in an area that is very important for our young people.
The Chairman: Thank you very much, Mr. Morin. Your presentation was very interesting and insightful, and is very much appreciated.
Ms Jennifer Brown, Chair, Metis National Youth Advisory Council, Metis National Council: I am from Saskatchewan and nationally I represent youth as the chair of the Metis National Youth Advisory Council. As Mr. Morin mentioned, we are a body of 10 individuals, two from each of the governing member organizations. We have an elected executive consisting of three.
Mr. Morin referred to some of the initiatives we undertake. These initiatives allow our youth greater exposure to our own government and to the federal government through our national youth conferences. These provide safe fora for youth to come together and explore our limited initiatives and opportunities. This is something we need to build upon.
Our new director of youth initiatives, Pauline Huppie, has been a great resource to us. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding the youth initiatives and our role within the Métis National Council.
Senator Cochrane: Thank you. You have given us some insight into the Metis Nation in general.
Ms Brown, when you attend national conferences, do you attend as a Metis or as part of the Aboriginal group?
Ms Brown: Are you referring to our national youth conferences or UMAYC youth conferences?
Senator Cochrane: I am asking about the national conferences.
Ms Brown: We attend as Metis youth specifically, because the conferences are geared toward our youth, but we do not exclude other Aboriginal groups. We like them to come and see what we are doing, because we are the only national organization that has youth conferences. We have invited ITK and the National Association of Friendship Centres to participate because we are working toward developing a better relationship with them.
Our youth attend to learn more about our culture. This year, from April 26 to 28, in Vancouver, we will hold our fifth national Metis youth conference with a focus on the environment. However, we also have a large component of cultural and heritage activities to provide an opportunity for exploration. Youth growing up in urban centres are not exposed to the Red River dance. Square dancing and jigging is just not done in urban centres. We provide that for them.
When we attend the UMAYC national conferences with other partners, we are there to represent the Metis view, and that is always at the forefront of our mind because we have limited resources compared to the other organizations.
Senator Cochrane: Do Metis youth from all three provinces attend?
Ms Brown: They attend from five provinces. This year, we are sponsoring five youth from each province. The Metis Nation of Ontario is bringing in an extra five, I believe, and the Metis Nation of Alberta is bringing in an extra 20. We are waiving the registration fee in Vancouver in order that the grassroots youth can attend at no cost to them. It is an open forum. We are anticipating the attendance of between 80 and 120 people. It should be very exciting.
Senator Cochrane: Do you know how many youth there are in the Metis Nation?
Mr. Morin: It is very difficult for the Metis Nation to access Metis-specific data. One of the reasons for that, as I mentioned in our presentation, is that there is no Metis Nation registry. There is no count done of how many Metis people there are in Canada, where they are, and so on. As a result, we cannot get the necessary demographic data to do proper planning for programming and so on.
There are statistics on Aboriginal people in general. They say that about 55 per cent of the Aboriginal youth population in Canada is 26 years old or younger, and I think that our statistics would be roughly the same.
Senator Cochrane: I am pleased happy to see that you have the National Metis Youth Role Model Program. I think that is crucial. All too often there is a tendency to focus on the negative rather than the positive.
Would you give us a couple of examples of Metis youth success stories and their impact on their communities?
Ms Brown: I will make specific reference to our youth recipients from last year. Dr. Gilles Pinette, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, runs his own practice. He also does a lot of volunteer work and has produced two books on Metis health issues. Jill LaPlante, from Brandon, Manitoba, is visually impaired, but that does not stop her from volunteering in her community. Krystle Pederson, from the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, excelled in the area of educational achievement through voice and piano. She sang at the National Aboriginal Day celebrations here in Ottawa and has had great exposure throughout the country.
We have a selection process for recognizing Metis youth. We do not say that the recipients we choose are the best. We recognize certain people, but we do not leave out the other nominees. They also receive recognition for their contributions.
Part of the role model program is the keeping of a Metis youth database of all the success stories. In my province, the recipient this year is Jason Mercredi from La Ronge. La Ronge is a small community in northern Saskatchewan where there are limited opportunities. The educational system in the North is not up to par, in my opinion. Yet, Jason managed to overcome all the obstacles faced in Northern Saskatchewan where there is a high rate of drug and alcohol abuse. Jason is an extraordinary individual.
Another Metis youth role model, who was not a recipient, is Jason Madden, who is present here today. Jason is an extraordinary individual. He recently graduated from law school and has passed the bar. He is a dynamic person and a past chair of the Metis National Youth Advisory Council. Many youth from across the homeland look up to him because he is an inspiration due to all that he has accomplished.
The Metis youth do not often have the opportunity to say, ``These are our people and this is what they have contributed to society.'' That is what we want to do.
We hold these award ceremonies in conjunction with our national youth conference so that all of the youth get the opportunity to interact and meet with the recipients. Kim Mueller, who is a past recipient, went on to receive her facilitation in the medicine wheel to promote holistic training. She will be doing presentation at our conference at the end of the month.
You are more than welcome to attend.
Senator Cochrane: This is so positive that I hope that you all go out to the various Aboriginal groups and tell your stories. Have you done that?
Ms Pauline Huppie, Director, Youth Initiatives, Metis National Youth Advisory Council, Metis National Council: An individual at ITK has approached me to learn more about the structure of our national youth role model program because they would like to use it to start their own Inuit role model program.
I want to mention something unique about our role model program. We had recipients in the year 2001 and there will be new recipients this year. Although these young people are about 20 years old now, their work in the program will carry on until he or she is no longer a youth. Each recipient does not have a one-year reign, so that he or she could be involved in the program for 10 years. We like to continue to utilize our role models and build on the base that they create.
Senator Cochrane: As a result of all that you are doing, have you found a decrease in alcohol abuse or drug abuse?
Ms Huppie: We are in second year of the program. It is a little premature at this point to draw conclusions. We are still in the developmental stages of critiquing all the crinkles of the program. We are learning as we go.
Although we have not done much promotion we have frequent calls from people requesting role models to attend functions or workshops. It is very exciting that people are hearing about our program without us having to promote it. It's the ``moccasin telegraph'' means of communication.
Senator Cochrane: Those fine young people would make good role models not only for the Metis but also for other young people in Canada. I am impressed.
Senator Pearson: Ms Brown, I am interested in the educational system. Obviously, education is a major issue for young people. As I understand it, you do not usually have a separate education system. You deal with the educational system of wherever you live. Have you been able to discover any way in which you could have influence on the particular schools in which you are studying?
You are presumably a little older than high school students. One of the major challenges is the time that people spend at school and how to influence the school board or the school structure, so that it is more culturally aware of its population. Could you elaborate a bit on your experience at school and how you managed to become such a positive role model yourself?
Ms Brown: I went to a Catholic private school with only seven Aboriginal students. There were only two Metis, my sister and myself. That is odd, considering that there is a high Metis population in the community of Prince Albert, but most of them went to public school.
We are trying to make a change to the educational institutions. Speaking specifically for my province, part of the mandate for the provincial youth council is to get involved in the school districts. I sit on the Prince Albert school district board and Chris Brown represents the Saskatchewan Metis youth on the school district boards. Those give us the opportunity to voice our concerns where we feel that there needs to be a change to the curriculum.
The social studies program for Grades 7 to 9 teach that Louis Riel was a traitor and that his actions were not justified. They teach that he was a detrimental individual to Canadian society. That is not true. Some of our effort was aimed at having that removed from the school curriculum. We wanted it to not be taught to our Metis children. They did respect our view, and that textbook is no longer used.
There is an after school program in LaRonge, Saskatchewan that is run under the UMAYC Initiative. Teachers work with the school and provide tutoring to students who need it after school.
We also have the Gabriel Dumont Institute in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan also has the Dumont Technical Institute as well as the Louis Riel Institute.
The MNS caused the University of Saskatchewan to implement a program that teaches the Red River jig, the Michif language and historical facts and figures of the Metis people for university credits. It is run through the Gabriel Dumont Institute. It gives those students greater pride in who they are.
SUNTEP, the Saskatchewan Urban Natives Teacher Education Program, has a high population of Metis students attending school to receive their teaching degrees. They are being hired into the school systems more and more regularly. Having Metis teachers teach Metis children brings a greater awareness of our issues and the problems. A high percentage of the teachers in Saskatchewan are under the age of 29 years and are Aboriginal.
There are many better opportunities now as opposed to when I, and those before me, went to school.
Senator Pearson: That is encouraging news. It provides other role models to share with other groups.
Senator Hubley: Your presentation has been a real learning experience.
Ms Brown, I hope that you do not mind if we direct many questions to you this morning. We are very interested in young people, and certainly Aboriginal young people. We feel that there is much hope within the youth of this nation.
I was surprised that the presentation indicated that many times the Metis are not able to access programs that would be designated as Aboriginal. Could you elaborate on that for me? Is that just a fact of life, or are there reasons for this?
Ms Brown: I personally do not think that there is a fair reason for that. We are designated in the Constitution as one of the three Aboriginal peoples, but the funds we receive are less than those that First Nations and Inuit receive.
In my province, the Metis Employment and Training Institute, receives very limited funds. When we do receive our funds, we are able to push a lot of students through training and educational programs. However, our dollars are less than what they should be considering the high population of Metis youth and Metis people in general who do utilize the service.
Mr. Morin might know the reason the funding is less than adequate. I am not sure.
The pamphlets and promotional material for the National Native Role Model Program ask that First Nation or Inuit youth be nominated. It totally excludes the Metis, which is one of the reasons that we developed our own National Metis Youth Role Model Program. For the other program, a nominee must provide proof of band or registry.
Senator Hubley: That does not seem fair. Are there avenues open to you to make your feelings known to these people that perhaps they were shortsighted in establishing the program criteria?
Ms Huppie: I do not believe that we have been in contact with them. I know that we have tried to nominate people.
Mr. Morin: Perhaps I should add that this is a pattern that has been well established and entrenched within the federal government. It has a historical base.
Ms Brown and Ms Huppie are quite correct. There are three Aboriginal peoples that are recognized in The Constitution Act, 1982 — the Indian people, the Inuit people and the Metis people. Our Aboriginal and treaty rights are affirmed in section 35.
However, since Confederation, in 1867, with Canada's first Constitution, the federal government has held that it only has responsibility for First Nations and Inuit people, not Metis. That has been the established practice. That affects us on two tracks. First, no process is in place for Metis people in Canada to implement their rights to self- government, land rights and other rights we are asserting as a people. Second, when it comes to the provision of programs and services, the practice is well entrenched that federal departments do not deal with Metis. Because of the well-established jurisdictional position of the federal government, that is not their concern.
Since ``Gathering Strength,'' the federal government's response to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, there has been an attempt by various federal departments to make their programs accessible to Metis. We have not always been successful.
As an example, Health Canada funds issues dealing with AIDS and hepatitis C. These are diseases afflicting the youth population in Aboriginal communities such as ours. Sometimes we do not have access to the Aboriginal programs, or if we do there is only marginal involvement and the rate of funding does not compare to what is available to other Aboriginal people. It makes it very difficult for our young people to deal with those issues. To address this, the federal government must accept its responsibility for Metis people as it does with First Nations and Inuit people, and give firm instructions to all federal departments that they must deal with us on a fair and equitable basis.
I will mention one of the political issues we are currently working on with the federal government. The Prime Minister has created the Reference Group of Ministers on Aboriginal Issues. Minister Ralph Goodale, the Federal Interlocuter for Metis and Non-Status Indians, along with the Minister of Justice, will be making a representation to the group before the end of June of this year. The reference group will be deciding on three options: first, remain with the status quo, which shuts out the Metis people completely and denies us any kind of fairness; second, the federal government can change its policy, recognizing the Metis and dealing with us fairly; and third, deal with us on a combination of those on specific issues. We are hoping that the reference group will choose option two and make that recommendation to the Prime Minister.
As they are the most senior ministers, and are nearly the majority of cabinet, whatever recommendation they adopt will carry the day. If you have influence with the ministers, you would certainly be doing us a tremendous favour in convincing those ministers there should be a change. It is time to deal fairly with the Metis reality in Canada.
Senator Cochrane: Perhaps, Madam Chair, you and members of this committee could write a letter to these two ministers in support of their request.
The Chairman: That is a good suggestion. We will make a note of that.
Senator Christensen: As you pointed out, Aboriginal people have the highest birth rate in Canada at the present time. We also know that alcohol remains a major problem in the communities. The resulting problem of fetal alcohol syndrome is a major concern and certainly affects all areas of a community, health, social, education and justice. Would you say that a similar problem exists in the Metis communities?
Mr. Morin: I would think so. Generally speaking, many of the socio-economic conditions are similar in the Metis communities to what they are in other Aboriginal communities.
Any information I have seen points out the problems of fetal alcohol syndrome, and fetal alcohol effects which is a milder form, in our communities. It all has to do with our circumstances, the cycle of poverty and people being addicted to drugs and alcohol. By virtue of that, and all the other problems and challenges we face in our community, those problems will occur and reoccur. It is startling, when you travel to communities, to see mothers who are pregnant consuming alcohol and so on.
To answer your question, I would say we face the same problems.
Senator Christensen: What resources do you have in your communities to deal with these problems?
Mr. Morin: I do not believe that the Metis in Canada have been able to access any resources to deal with that particular issue.
Senator Christensen: Do you not have programs within your community?
Mr. Morin: Not at the moment. Health Canada is probably the most challenging department we have had to deal with within the federal government.
The Department of Justice has been more willing to work with us, in terms of putting programs in place dealing with Metis concerns in Canada. As a result of federal policies, Justice is charged with the mandate of preserving the status quo and not setting a precedent in terms of dealing with our people by taking an adversarial position against us.
We have had more success in dealing with Justice than with Health Canada. Health Canada has resisted any kind of change in dealing with Metis people. That is in regard to fetal alcohol syndrome, or issues such as AIDS, hepatitis C or even diabetes. In the older Metis population, the diabetes rate is just as high as it is in other Aboriginal communities and populations.
We have had a very difficult time changing mindsets in Health Canada, to allow us access to programs in order to deal with those very serious issues.
Senator Christensen: This committee focuses on the priorities for action in areas affecting urban Aboriginal youth, such as poverty, crime, and gang violence. Our motto is an action plan for change. What strategic priorities do you think ought to be considered? What importance would they have?
Ms Brown: If you want to look at an action plan to help Metis youth, promotion of education in general as to who we are as a people, who the federal government is and who other Canadian citizens are must be undertaken. Without effective measures, I do not think we are going to be able to work cooperatively with other Canadians in mainstream society.
There also must be an emphasis of the importance of culture and heritage. The Metis people need to be proud of who we are and where we come from. This past weekend, the Manitoba Metis Federation held the Michif language conference. One of those elements was the preservation of that language. In the past, our people have been ashamed to speak our language. When everyone gathered in the room, there was an extraordinary number of older individuals. I was one of only four youth. It was stressed that in order for us to develop and overcome our social problems we have to be proud of who we are and where we come from. We have to reclaim and revitalize our language and restore our traditional values.
If you are going to consider an action plan for change, you do have to address the problems of alcohol and drug abuse. It is a rapidly growing problem. The number of Metis youth who drink continues to increase, as does the number of those who use marijuana. It is a sad fact that they turn to these substances for a source of comfort that they do not find living in urban centres. The comfort that they seek is just not there for them, and there is no support mechanism in place.
At the National Aboriginal Health Organization Metis Resource Conference that we held in Saskatoon last month, the issue of a support structure being put in place for Metis elders was raised. If we trained our Metis youth to work for the Metis elders and address their health problems, such as diabetes, it would provide a safe structure. If we had more interaction with our elders, that would create greater pride and unity as a people. We would also be able to grow from their experiences, and that is currently lacking for us.
The residential school system effect is not greatly talked about. If we had a better understanding about the backgrounds and experiences of the residents, it would help us to know what we need to change so that it does not happen again.
If we are to develop, there must be recognition of who is accountable to the Metis people: Is it the provincial governments or the federal government? It should be the federal government, but no one wants to take ownership. That issue needs to be addressed.
I work with the Privy Council Office through the tripartite aspect of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan. Mr. Bob Brault stresses upon us that we must take ownership. If a strategy is to be implemented, there has to be Metis youth participation so that we can demonstrate what needs to be changed and what needs to be addressed.
Senator Léger: My question for you concerns the identity of the Metis. I am familiar with the name, but I am not familiar with the reality of the name. Who are the Metis? They are not just a mixture of European and Indian peoples. The young people know exactly who they are. Do other Canadians know the differences between the identities of Inuit, First Nations, on-reserve and off-reserve Aboriginals?
In any event, it seems that all young people are headed to the cities.
Ms Brown: As a Metis youth, I do not think that Canadian people know what it is to be Metis. I spend a great deal of time in Nova Scotia, where they had a festival of Aboriginal and ethnic groups. There was a group that claimed to be Metis. When I went to their booth, although they said ``Metis,'' they did not connect to the same historical recognition of the Red River cart or Louis Riel or Buffalo jumps. They do not relate to what we do and to what is culturally important to us.
Senator Léger: Are they Metis?
Ms Brown: If they view themselves as Metis, and I will not take away that right from them.
Senator Léger: How do we know?
Ms Brown: The MNC recognizes Metis people. However, I do not think that particular group would be considered Metis because they do not have the cultural link to Louis Riel or the Battle of Batoche. They do not celebrate the same culture, which is an important part of the Metis people. As well, we have our heritage and our unique language.
When you travel outside of your Metis community, people look at you. If you are darker skinned, they think that you are an Indian or First Nations, and they are not sure what to call you. If you tell them that you are Metis, they look at you as if you are a little bit odd. There is a low level of education about who the Metis people are. Once we decide on a good definition for us as a nation, then Canadian society will be able to understand who we are.
Senator Léger: How can we know who the Metis you met in Nova Scotia are? Are there several Metis identities? Perhaps you cannot provide that information today.
Mr. Morin: I will take a stab at your question, senator.
For us, the Metis Nation was formed in Western Canada. Not only are we a distinct Aboriginal nation, but we are also a distinctly Western Canadian phenomenon. The people in the Maritimes, who are claiming Metis status, are not Metis in our eyes. This is an offshoot of section 35 of the Constitution where the word ``Metis'' is included. People who do not have recognition may attempt to slot themselves as Metis to legitimize their Aboriginality or some kind of rights. We do not know who they are and certainly, in our eyes, they are not Metis.
We are a distinctly Western Canadian phenomenon. Our people developed a collective identity in the Red River area in Western Canada. We have a Metis homeland that encompasses the Prairie provinces, parts of Ontario, British Columbia, southern areas of the Northwest Territories, and the northern United States. We refer to those areas as the Metis homeland.
We can give you many examples. With our Red River carts, we chased the Buffalo that provided much to the Metis Nation in the Metis homeland. That allowed us to make pemmican, which is one of the main staples of the fur industry. Sometimes there would be 1,000 Red River carts in large hunting parties chasing down the Buffalo to provide food, clothing and pemmican. With these Red River carts, we literally carved out the Metis homeland. Today, when you fly over some areas you can still see the Red River cart ruts. With satellite imaging, you could probably see all of the cart ruts.
If we examine the historical geography of the Metis homeland, we will see that the western boundary starts in Montana. Louis Riel lived for many years at St. Peter's Mission before he moved back to Batoche where he taught school children. The western boundary of the Metis homeland begins in that southwestern corner and reaches all the way up into Alberta and into northeastern British Columbia. That is because the Buffalo did not climb over the mountains and went only as far as the foothills of the mountains. We literally chased the Buffalo with our Red River carts to the foothills. That is the western boundary of the Metis homeland.
The southeastern boundary would be around the area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, which was a historical trading centre where we went to sell our furs.
As a matter of fact, in the Sayer trial in 1849, the Hudson's Bay Company, which had a monopoly over the sale of furs and for all intents and purposes was the government and held sovereignty in Western Canada and in Rupert's Land, had a rule that everyone who lived in that territory had to sell their furs to the Hudson's Bay Company and to no one else. They had a monopoly and they did not give our people a fair price for furs. Therefore, we started selling our furs to American free traders. Sometimes we would go to Minneapolis-St. Paul. In order to go east, you would sometimes have to go through Minneapolis-St. Paul as well, just as Riel did. As a result of that history, that became the southeastern corner of the Metis homeland.
Going back to the Sayer case, Mr. Sayer, a Metis, was charged under this Hudson's Bay monopoly for selling his furs to American free traders. A trial was held in the Red River area. Technically, Mr. Sayer was guilty under the monopoly rule that was granted by an English king to the Hudson's Bay Company. Mr. Sayer was found guilty because, technically, he had violated that rule. However, due to the fact that more than 100 Metis people surrounded the courthouse with their rifles, the judge gave him an absolute discharge. When our people heard the verdict, they were very happy. It was seen as a victory for our way of life and also for free trade for our people.
Our entire struggle for rights is also a struggle for our identity. That really defines the characteristics of the Metis Nation and Metis individuals. We are a very passionate lot, because we have always had to fight for recognition and respect for our rights.
Much work needs to be done in order that other Canadians will understand that we are not only a First Nation, leftover Indians or non-status Indians, but that we are a distinct and proud nation of people who have contributed immensely to Canada.
Unfortunately, the mass media has simply not done enough to promote that, or has done damage by covering negative stories. When the press perceives that something negative is happening in our community, they go into a feeding frenzy and cover those events. The only information the Canadian public receives is from the mass media. Therefore, they form negative opinions of our people. Our success stories are not told. Much more work must be done to educate Canadians about the Metis and the incredible contributions that our people have made to confederation.
Senator Léger: I understand that the Metis are in the West. I also understand why we use the word ``Metis.'' The word ``métissage'' means ``mixed.'' Therefore, anyone of mixed culture will say they are Metis, which is not the case. Perhaps you could make that distinction very clear. You need to stress points of identity such as culture, language and so on that make you different from other Aboriginals.
Senator Sibbeston: I wish to thank you all for appearing here today. I recognise the Metis distinction in the way you speak.
I am from the Northwest Territories, where the Metis have a very proud history. In the early years, the Metis were the go-between between the settlers and the Aboriginal peoples in the North. We have a proud history of being interpreters, riverboat pilots, dog runners, mail carriers, and so forth in that society. As government came upon the scene and modern society evolved, Metis people were very involved. They were, again, the go-between between the government and the people. We have Metis people involved in all aspects of northern society.
One of the attributes of Metis people is their very proud and independent spirit. In some ways, this may be the reason government has not recognized and responded to Metis people. Government, as a whole, generally tends to deal with the peoples who need the most help. Historically, the Inuit people and the Indian people have had the most trouble integrating into society. The Metis have been successful in integrating and making their own way because of their independent and proud spirit. I should like to hear from you on that subject.
In some respects, we do not receive government support because we are independent. We want to do things ourselves and make our own way in society and in our lives. Yet I recognize that there are many Metis people who are not as fortunate and are experiencing difficult times. I am interested to hear from you on that aspect.
Mr. Morin: You are quite right, senator. As I was saying in my remarks, and I often mention this when I give speeches throughout the homeland, the entire history of the Metis Nation has been one of denial of recognition of our people. We have always been put in circumstances of adversity. We carved out not only an identity but a way of life in Western Canada when we opened up the western frontier through the fur trade with our the buffalo hunts and so on. The government has had a policy of non-recognition, and we have had to assert ourselves as a distinct nation of people. It is a struggle not only for rights but also for recognition as a distinct nation.
Throughout our entire existence, we have had to stand up and assert ourselves as a people. We have not had anything to fall back on. Many of the measures that federal and provincial governments have established have not applied to our people.
We have no one to rely on but ourselves — our families, our communities, our fighting spirit. We are the only people who went to war with Canada twice. In 1869-70 at Red River and at Batoche in 1885 we actually picked up guns and fought. Canadian troops had to be sent to the West to crush that resistance. That is a matter of historical record. That sad history culminated in the execution of our great leader, Louis Riel, in Regina on November 16, 1885. Since that time, our people have been persecuted and ostracized. Ms Brown spoke about how many of our people would not admit their identity or speak our language. We dispersed, but we still exist.
In the 1930s, there was development of political movements in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In the 1960s, with the Aboriginal renaissance, our people once again began to strongly assert themselves. In the 1980s, there was a revitalization of ``Metis-ness.'' People were very proud to be Metis and exhibited the fierce and independent spirit to which Senator Sibbeston referred.
With the formation of the Metis National Council in the early 1980s, the Metis flag began to fly in Metis communities everywhere. The Metis sash and the Red River cart, very important cultural symbols to our people, began to emerge.
We have a very strong Metis National Council with five organizations based in the Metis homeland that have provincial, regional and local infrastructures. People were proudly self-identifying as Metis again.
As president of the Metis National Council since the age of 27 — and I am now 40 — I have long had the privilege of serving my people. I have gone to many meetings, and I have travelled to many communities. I have talked one-on- one with many of our people. I not only hear them, but I see the expressions on their faces. I see the children and that there is a very strong, powerful youth movement within the Metis Nation. We are not only saying it; it is happening.
I go to assemblies in B.C, Manitoba and many of our provinces. After I address the main assembly, I must walk elsewhere to address 150 to 200 youth who are part of the governing structure of any one of those member organizations. The pride of youth is increasing. They are becoming better educated.
I do not mind saying that, from my personal perspective, they are smarter than we were. They have access to more information, given the computer age and technological development. They are outstanding young individuals.
You also see the sense of Metis identity. It is there. No longer do they feel part of this and part of that. They feel that we are the Metis Nation.
I often tell people at these assemblies that I am confident that we will be victorious in what we are seeking as a people. We will make gains from the struggles in which we have engaged for well over 200 years in Western Canada. I know that because I see such tremendous pride and a sense of fighting spirit and independence. I also see a sense of strong resolve in the hearts, souls and minds of our people that I have had the opportunity to meet over many years in carrying out my work.
You cannot get a membership card in our organizations until you are 16 years or 18 years old, which entitles you to vote. Seven- and eight-year-olds are yanking our chain, demanding that they be allowed to have a membership card. They are right. They have a point. At some point when we have the Metis Nation registry, we could have citizenship cards for even young people. It would be a symbol and it would give young people empowerment.
I know that many of the things that we have been seeking will come about because our spirit is so strong. I have never seen the light as bright as it is now. It is a wonderful thing.
Senator Sibbeston: I would agree that independent spirit and determination is characteristic of the Metis people. I have raised my kids to be independent, to make their own way, and to build their own houses. So far, they have all done so.
That is part of our legacy and part of who we are. However, at the same time, because we are so successful in a sense, government wants to ignore us because governments tend to want to help those that need the most help. Unfortunately, in our country, the Indian people and the Inuit people have needed the most help.
The focus in our study and our committee is Aboriginal people, particularly the young people in the urban centres. A tremendous number of Metis live in the urban centres, possibly more than the First Nations people. Is that not the case?
How can our committee identify and deal with problems in the urban centres? Do you have organizations with which we could deal?
Mr. Morin: Perhaps Ms Brown and Ms Huppie would like to say something, but I will comment before I turn it over to them.
Again, one distinctive feature that your committee has to bear in mind is that there is no such thing as the on- reserve, off-reserve dichotomy within the Metis Nation. The Metis National Council is made up of five member organizations that are based in the Prairie provinces, Ontario and British Columbia. Each of those organizations is province wide. We have ballot box elections. Every Metis person has the right to vote. If they want to run for office, they can. In elections, they have the right to elect their leadership. We are a very democratic nation.
We have been delivering more and more programs and services to all Metis people in our respective provinces, whether they are northern, remote, urban or rural. Our infrastructures are consistent across the board in terms of representing people in the respective province and the delivery of programs and services. It is all-inclusive. There are no barriers. No one has greater access because he or she is rural or urban or northern. You must bear that in mind when you are dealing with the Metis Nation.
We have a record of and capacity for delivering to all Metis people within our respective provinces and jurisdictions as member organizations. We are able to reach them. We have locals and community councils in every one of the urban centres in Western Canada.
Hopefully, that goes some way towards answering your question.
I also strongly encourage you to keep in mind that any programming should be fashioned for a Metis-specific constituency, bearing in mind that we are a distinct nation of people. We have political infrastructures that represent and deliver to our people, regardless of where they live in the Metis homeland. Those programs must be tailored for Metis people.
Ms Brown: There are Metis locals, and there are also Metis youth organizations in many of the urban centres. In Saskatchewan, there are Metis youth groups in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and North Battleford. Provincial youth organizations have connections to the urban youth and are familiar with the issues that they face, specifically through the UMAYC. Kim Mueller, our provincial UMAYC coordinator, lives in Edmonton and deals with the youth issues of Alberta.
If you plan to work towards identifying Metis-specific youth issues, it would be best to utilize our national body, which represents our province's unique situation. That would be an ideal choice. However, you could go through the provincial youth councils.
All of our governing member organizations have provincial youth councils that are either secretariats or affiliates to the governing members, with the exception of the Manitoba Metis Federation. They do have a youth department that would be able assist you in any information gathering that you may need to do.
Ms Huppie: I would add something to stress the fact that as a Metis people we do not totally fit within the First Nations society or within the non-Aboriginal society. We take the gifts of both the First Nation people and the Europeans and create one beautiful people or one beautiful nation.
We are unique. The ways in which you deal with the First Nation people and the ways in which you deal with the European people are not the same as the ways you would deal with the Metis. We are a mix of both peoples.
We have been successful with what we have been given as Metis people. We have taken the approach of getting ``the best bang for our buck.'' We make it stretch a long way. We have some successful institutions and companies that are run by Metis people. To have something Metis-specific would be best for our Metis youth.
The Chairman: Thank you very much. Before we go into the second round, I have a couple of comments and questions for you.
Mr. Morin, you talked about census and data issues. I know that that has been an issue which has concerned you for many years. Do you have any funding to do a census in order to help define needs, especially for the youth?
Mr. Morin: No, we do not have funding to do a census. We have been working on an agreement with Statistics Canada in relation to the census where post-census surveys would be done to take a sampling of Metis households or Metis people to compile a demographic profile of the Metis Nation. Through such a sampling, we would hope to learn the demographics of the Metis Nation. Based on that, we would be able to work with the federal government in being able to do some programming that will deal with the issues that are identified in the post-census survey.
Beyond that, I am not aware of any funding that we get to do a census. Again, I reiterate that we have been pushing the federal government. In one of the red books there was a commitment to work with the Metis to undertake an enumeration. We want to establish a Metis Nation registry that is controlled by the Metis Nation and supported by the federal government. Based on such a Metis Nation registry, we could enumerate the citizens of the Metis Nation in that registry.
We know who we are. However, people outside the Metis Nation have pushed us to try to get a greater grip on what the Metis Nation is, as has been raised by other senators. One of the things we are doing is developing one Metis Nation definition that would apply to the entire Metis Nation.
At our MNC assembly in Vancouver last year, we adopted a draft definition of the Metis Nation. That draft definition will be coming forward this summer or fall to our next assembly for final ratification. We are hopeful that we will have one Metis Nation definition.
Once that is established, we can begin the Metis national registry and enumeration process. We will then be able to enumerate the citizens of the Metis Nation into that registry, based on that Metis Nation definition.
I should like to drive home the fact that, if the federal government, based on their prior commitment, works with us in supporting that kind of process — and it will take resources to do that — it is not something that would be owned, controlled and maintained by the federal government. That process would be conducted by us and supported by the federal government.
It is not only important to find out how many Metis people there are in Canada, but it is also important to get essential and accurate information. A sampling will not always hit its mark but, if you have that information, then you can collect any kind of information that would particularly allow us to effectively and efficiently plan programming for our people, so that their needs are being addressed effectively. Such a process will accomplish other things, but I wish to underscore that that is something that needs to be done. It is critical that we do that.
The Chairman: In the meantime, we have some serious social problems with our Metis youth in urban centres, especially, as well as in the rural centres. We have gangs, prostitution, and many other serious issues such as FAS, FAE and early pregnancy.
What supports are available to Metis youth when they arrive in the city to help them to make some adjustments so that they do not get into that trap of corruption? These youth are being recruited. I hear that children are being recruited by other children into the sex trade in Saskatoon. Do you have any supports that you can utilize? Do you have any funding for supports?
Mr. Morin: Ms Brown has mentioned that, with the limited youth-specific programming we have within the MNC and member organizations, we have tried to stretch that dollar as far as we can in addressing those kinds of issues. The urbanization process is similar in our communities, as it is for other people. People are migrating to urban centres.
The last census that was done paints a picture of Canada being very much an urban society. The vast majority of Canadians now live in the major urban centres in Canada. Your points are well made. We have spoken many times in the past about how people are disillusioned in the Metis communities and in the Indian reserves.
In the hopes of finding a better life, people move to the urban centres, but they are often disappointed and frustrated because of the discrimination that takes place. There is neither proper education nor training. It is not easy for people to get jobs. The result is the things that you talk about, Madam Chair: People go to the street and become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, gangs and prostitution. This situation can also be seen in the smaller communities.
Ms Brown mentioned the affiliates, programs and services that we have been able to establish in our provinces through federal and provincial funding. Through these programs and services, attempts are being made to address this situation, but that is simply not enough.
Returning to our comments regarding not accepting jurisdictional responsibility for our people, there is not anywhere near any kind of fairness or equity when it comes to the delivery of programs and services from the federal government. We are not even stemming the tide. Not enough is being done to address these issues. We are talking about real people and situations, and about real people being hurt. When a young person commits suicide it is real. It is not a Hollywood scene. Suicide affects families and communities. It causes pain, misery and hurt. It takes many years for a family and a community to overcome a suicide. These are serious issues.
We must take into consideration the last census and the urbanization process that we all know has taken place. We have the largest birth rate in Canada and a huge youth population. I would say 55 per cent of our people are 26 and under. That is a lot of young people.
Our people are put in situations due to the lack of opportunity and the lack of fairness from government. The problems you mention are characteristic of this situation. Ways must be found to address these issues. We are not just talking about statistics or about negotiations to implement rights; we are talking about peoples' lives. We are talking about living, breathing people who are hurting. Governments cannot turn their back on those issues. These are real, human needs and circumstances. They urgently require to be addressed.
Any recommendations that you could include in your action plan that that will keep all of that in mind and treat our people fairly would not only be much appreciated on our behalf, but it would also be helpful in breaking down the barriers we face in dealing with some of these issues in urban centres.
The Chairman: As a very proud grandmother, my granddaughter, Rheanna Coulter Sand, is graduating on June 5 with honours with distinction in the sciences from the University of Alberta. She is also the treasurer of a newly formed youth group in Edmonton and I am told that she is their role model.
Mr. Morin: Congratulations, that is wonderful. That is a great success story.
The Chairman: That is a positive note. She struggled in attending university without the funding for which she do not qualify. That is another issue that must be addressed.
I have a Metis flag outside my Ottawa office which I very proudly fly.
Senator Pearson: Before I came to this meeting, I was at a meeting to discuss comprehensive community initiatives. There are programs throughout Canada around the model that has been developed, and one of them is in Saskatchewan. You will not be surprised to hear that, since many progressive things go on in Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon.
In regard to partnership, you face the challenge of identity. Your presentation has helped us to understand more about that and about the Metis people.
You also told us that your problems are shared with other peoples. That is, when you are looking at the issue of suicide, it is not only Metis youth who are committing suicide, it is youth from all Aboriginal groups.
When considering the issue of employment, you are not contemplating Metis businesses that will employ only Metis, you are thinking about how to access the business community in general.
On the question of partnership, it is one thing to define your distinctiveness; it is another to make it work in the broader community. I was happy to hear that, in the particular program in Saskatoon, the Aboriginal community is working with less fortunate people, voluntary sector groups, and with some government input. While the governments are important partners, they are by no means the only partners. Jennifer, would you comment on partnerships?
Ms Brown: Within my city, I know that our local and regional councils have made every effort to start partnerships. In fact, one of the main partnerships is with the Saskatchewan penitentiary. In Prince Albert, with a population of some 30,000, we have a federal penitentiary, a provincial jail, a city jail, a youth corrections facility and a women's facility. What the local Metis people did was work through their urban councils. We have a tripartite agreement through the Privy Council Office, and urban governance is one aspect of that. The urban governance committee for the city of Prince Albert put together an employment and training program to train Metis youth to go into the field of corrections. They did a practicum with the federal penitentiary and then they were employed. Thirty-five Metis youth from my community ended up getting jobs through this partnership that the Metis locals had with the federal jail.
You also raised the issue of Saskatoon and prostitution. The Saskatoon Metis Youth Council ran a program to deter prostitution among Metis youth. They are working towards buying a facility in which to that program year round. Prince Albert has a high rate of child prostitution.
There is no real Metis-specific resource where these youth can come to get help when they come in from the rural regions surrounding the city. The only thing that they can hope for is social or family support and they do not often get that because of substance abuse.
More dollars must be allocated for Metis resource centres to help our people. As a Metis person, I personally would not feel comfortable going to a Caucasian organization for help because they would not understand where I am coming from. I think that is how our youth feel as well. While many private organizations in Saskatchewan do aid and assist Metis people, they do not have an understanding of who we are or of our specific needs. We often get ``pan- Aboriginalized,'' which does not benefit our people.
However, there are some venues that we can and do use. For example, the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan, which is an affiliate to the Metis Nation — Saskatchewan, has a treatment house in Prince Albert that is run by Metis people for Metis people. Essentially, we are helping ourselves to improve our own quality of living. There needs to be greater focus and importance attached to that.
Partnerships are a large reality of what we must do, since there is no core funding for Metis youth. Nationally, we have relationships with the Aboriginal Relations Office of Human Resources Development Canada, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Privy Council Office and Environment Canada. We also have a seat on the Canadian Environmental Network's capacity building project. We must form partnerships because we do not have the resources to better assist ourselves.
I think that some of this is due to the fact that there are no proper statistics on the Metis population. If the government had an accurate count of how many Metis people there are, they would have to increase our funding, because we do not get adequate funding to help the number of Metis people we have in Canada.
Senator Pearson: Do you not think partnerships are a good concept on their own — not just something that you must go into because you cannot get funding from somewhere else?
Ms Brown: Partnerships are a good resource but it would be better if there were a Metis focus for specific topics.
Senator Pearson: I understand that.
The Chairman: I should like to thank all three of you very much. This morning's session has been very enlightening and, in my opinion, you have assisted us greatly in developing an action plan for change. We want our action plan to assist you so that, when you enter into negotiations, you will have a document outlining your requirements.
Would you care to make some concluding comments?
Mr. Morin: Thank you once again for giving us this opportunity. It has been wonderful to be able to have this exchange, dialogue and understanding, in the course of which we, hopefully, have assisted you in putting a good action plan in place, which will help our people and address Metis youth in particular. This has also been an excellent opportuniny to have a genuine, face-to-face discussion with parliamentarians to help you understand who we are and what our aspirations are all about.
Your work on Parliament Hill is multi-faceted and you get to talk to many people. With that understanding of who we are, you will be able to bear in mind our situation and perhaps help us in trying to achieve what we have been fighting for for many years, that is, recognition for our people, our rights and our aspirations. The bottom line is that we have been trying to get fair treatment from the federal government, which has a responsibility to do that under Canada's Constitution.
We have really enjoyed the discussion we have had with you this morning. It is nice to see so many new faces as well as some of our friends who are members of this committee. I especially mention the Chair, Senator Chalifoux, who has been very active in the Metis movement for many years. She has distinguished herself by being involved as a proud Metis nationalist in the Metis movement and as a person who represents our communities.
Whenever the Prime Minister appoints someone from our community, especially someone who has distinguished himself or herself in Metis public service, it is not only an honour to that person, which it is to Senator Chalifoux and her family, but it is also a recognition of and an honour for the Metis nation. We were very proud when Prime Minister Chrétien appointed you, Senator Chalifoux, as a senator to the Senate of Canada from our community. It is very nice to see you and to have you involved in what is happening here. Thank you very much. It was nice to see you all.
The Chairman: Thank you very much.
The committee adjourned.