The federal government and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) have signed a "historic" framework agreement at Batoche Friday, meant to advance Métis reconciliation and extend Métis self-government and self-determination.
Just a few months earlier, at the end of February, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding to begin talks on reconciliation.
The framework agreement entails a "government-to-government, nation-to-nation," relationship, where the government of Canada, for the first time, recognizes responsibility for Métis people — not just the provinces and territories.
"The work has been ongoing," said Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett. Métis governments have asked for an oversight body and changes in the law that would ensure Métis rights, under section 35 of the constitution, are implemented fairly.
The president of MN-S said it was a "tough road" to getting this agreement with the federal government. The Métis governments, though, trekked on and worked to establish programs and address specific issues rather than sitting idle, he said.
The agreement was signed at the weekend kickoff of Back to Batoche, an annual festival where Métis from all over the country gather and indulge in cultural festivities. Batoche holds historical significance for the Métis people, as it was one of their first settlements. Many present-day Métis can trace their lineage back to the national historic site.
At the opening ceremonies, two other significant documents were signed: a memorandum of understanding between the MN-S and Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) and a memorandum of understanding between MN-S and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
The SSBA and MN-S will work together to ensure the Métis community is represented positively in the school system, both in the curriculum and staff. They will also work to ensure knowledge and history is shared.
The SHA and MN-S will work together on integrated health and recognizing the needs of Métis people, collecting proper data, understanding traditional medicine and providing Métis-specific services.
To have the working relationship helps bring pride to her heritage, she said as she wiped away a few tears. She spoke about how being Métis was something to be ashamed of not too long ago. Her grandparents wouldn't talk about their culture and as a result, her mother didn't even know she was Métis until later in life.
Tom Isaac, a lawyer in Aboriginal law who consulted with the Canadian government on working towards reconciliation, said there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as improving living standards, education and child welfare.