Manitoba Metis Federation

For immediate release
July 13, 2010

WINNIPEG- The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) announced a ground breaking agreement today at the MMF Home Office. The signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation will develop and promote best practices relating to conservation and wildlife management..

John Williams, President of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation said that he is proud be a part of this partnership agreement, "We are very pleased to be signing this memorandum with the Manitoba Metis Federation; there is no other agreement like this in Canada between a wildlife group and the Metis Nation." Williams added, "Working together with the MMF will do far more good for our Natural Resources, their laws are tougher than the provinces' are on conservation."

At a time when wildlife groups and Aboriginal Governments are at odds in other provinces, this first of its kind agreement will assist in addressing Natural Resource concerns of all stakeholders and for future generations of Manitobans..

The President of the Manitoba Metis Federation, David Chartrand is also optimistic about the benefits of this agreement. "We are signing this memorandum with the hopes of having a long running partnership with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation," the President continued, "The MMF is proud to have a hand in this historic agreement, we are going to show the other Metis provinces the memorandum at our conferences in Saskatchewan next week."

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Metis.

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Metis Nation’s Manitoba Metis Community.

For more information, please contact:
Frank Coyle, Director of Communications
Phone: (204) 586-8474 ext. 374
Cell: (204) 232-5737
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION

BETWEEN:

MANITOBA WILDLIFE FEDERATION

And

MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION

WHEREAS:

1. The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) was established in 1944 and is Manitoba’s oldest and largest conservation organization representing the interests of Manitoba’s anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, with about 14,000 members in over 100 affiliate clubs;

2. The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) was created in 1967, bringing together Metis organizations with roots into the 1880s, and is the democratically-controlled self-government representative of the Metis Nation’s Manitoba Metis Community with over 40,000 adult voting members in over 130 Local Associations;

3. The Metis Nation is one of the Aboriginal Peoples named under Section 35 of the Canada Constitution Act 1982;

4. The MMF following the direction received during extensive consultation of the Metis Community, and Elders Conference, developed the Metis Harvesting Initiative including the Metis Harvester Identification Registry, an objective and verifiable application process including a genealogy; the Metis Laws of the Harvest with seasons and limits; the Metis Management System with big game tags and reporting surveys; and, the Metis Conservation Trust Fund;

5. The MWF and MMF (the Parties) have held joint discussions towards developing a common understanding since the 2003 Supreme Court Powley Decision and continuing since the 2009 Provincial Court Goodon Decision, both of which recognized Metis harvesting rights;

6. The Parties believe the Metis Harvesting Initiative is a responsible and reliable made-in-Manitoba initiative that recognizes Metis harvesting rights.

7. The Parties wish to develop joint approaches in promoting safety, and fish and wildlife conservation including: species management; habitat management; fishing and hunting promotion; education; and, communications;

8. The Parties believe building partnerships is essential to protect the future of our wildlife and fisheries resources for the current and future benefit of all citizens of Manitoba;

NOW THEREFORE:

The Parties agree to work together in promoting safety, and fish and wildlife conservation including: species management; habitat management; fishing and hunting promotion; education; and, communications, and other areas agreed as being of mutual benefit resulting in activities meeting the goals and objectives of their respective mandates, and in accordance to the following working principles;

1. Keep a continued open dialogue and communicate regularly on safety and conservation, issues towards creating a common understanding and, when appropriate, prepare jointly coordinated positions, statements, agreements, and actions;

2. Use a cooperative approach for planning and decision-making in the development of joint projects and initiatives, and in identifying and making application for funding, that will meet common needs, goals and objectives as well as shared values and beliefs;

3. While implementing a cooperative approach, recognize the independence of the parties and differing mandates of each may lead to divergent approaches and goals on issues.

To facilitate working together the Parties hereby establish a Committee that will meet, on a regular basis as deemed necessary by the Committee. The working principles will make up the Committee Terms of Reference.

The Memorandum of Cooperation is made by the Parties as a good faith expression of their common understanding and intention to work together. This Memorandum does not create any legally binding rights or obligations between the Parties, nor affect any Aboriginal or Treaty Rights, or any claims to lands or resources, or any other legal entitlements of the MMF and its Members, or the MWF and its Members.

In witness whereof the Parties have executed this Memorandum of Cooperation,