Manitoba Metis Federation

Minister: Denise Thomas
TSN Committee Members:
Judy Mayer, Children, Youth & Families
Jack Park, Economic Development
Leah LaPlante, Education
Ron Chartrand, Housing
Claire Riddle, Database & Enumeration

The Tripartite Self-Government Negotiations (TSN) Department is mandated to assist the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) in its focus in the development and sustainability of Metis self-government institutions. The Tripartite process is an important mechanism in the advancement of the Metis people in Manitoba, affecting mainstream government policies and the development of policies that positively impact the quality of life of the Manitoba Metis community. This is accomplished through an effective partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the MMF. TSN will focus its work on policy, intergovernmental relationships, negotiations and emerging initiatives that provide assistance to the operations of the departments, affiliates and sectors within the MMF. It is through this process where institutions of self-government are negotiated.

Sector Goals Summary

Education, Culture and Heritage
The Education, Culture and Heritage sector focuses on the success of Metis learners in educational programs across the Province of Manitoba. More specifically, it works towards ensuring that Metis students are enrolling in and are successful in completing secondary and post-secondary education programs.

TSN will be working in collaboration with the Louis Riel Institute, the Standing Tall Program, the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba in developing a Metis Education Policy, which will span the lifelong learning continuum of Metis students from early childhood development to post-secondary and beyond. Priority areas identified in the Aboriginal Education Policy and Action Plan, as well as the Metis National Council Education Plan, will be considered in the policy.

In partnership with the Standing Tall coordinator, TSN continues to participate in events that ensure the Metis people of Manitoba are up-to-date on the governments’ positions on Metis education.

Economic Development
Since 2007, the MMF, the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have worked in partnership to create a Metis economic development strategy. The vision for this process is to foster strong, healthy and self-reliant Metis families, local communities and businesses, making Metis quality of life comparable to that of other Manitobans and Canadians.
The first stage of implementing the strategy is to formally establish an organization dedicated to assisting Metis business owners and entrepreneurs in developing or expanding their enterprises by ensuring access to necessary programs and counseling services, including aftercare and follow-up.

Over the next fiscal year, the MMF will begin negotiations with Manitoba on the establishment of a Metis Economic Development Fund, along with a payment schedule that will enable the federation to fully realize its vision for Metis economic development. TSN works closely with the Economic Development Department by providing support in the development of its Metis Economic Development Policy.

Housing
The Housing sector is mandated with providing adequate, affordable and sustainable shelter for Metis families. Currently, TSN is working with the MMF Housing sector in engaging the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada in its stimulus package discussions and in identifying new housing opportunities taking place within the Province of Manitoba.

TSN worked with the Housing Department on three initiatives: 10 House Project – Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI); the next AHI project phase in 2009-2010; and other housing initiatives such as the Ready-to-Move housing plant for major repairs and replacement of the Rural and Native Housing Program houses under the federal stimulus initiative. A partnership between Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Metis Association resulted in the allocation of five HOMEWorks! units to Metis people in 2009.

Children, Youth and Families
The Children, Youth and Families sector’s goal is to enhance Metis family life in Manitoba by promoting cultural identity and physical and emotional health and to enhance the capacities of Metis families.

TSN is working closely with the Metis Child and Family Services Authority (MCFSA) and the Metis Child, Family and Community Services Agency (MCFCS) on developing a position paper outlining the approach to Metis adoptions. TSN continues to assist with the development of a best practice position that reflects the needs of the Metis community

TSN aided in the development of the funding proposal for The Metis Spirit – Age of Majority Support Program, which was an initiative developed to support youth who have graduated out of care.

As a result of the devolution of Child and Family Services in 2006, the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed. TSN will be involved in initiating a review of the roles and responsibilities of the RAC and developing recommendations that enhance communication with the Metis community to the agency via the RAC system.

Database and Enumeration

The Database and Enumeration sector is responsible for supporting other departments and programs with statistical information and advice. Currently, the sector is cataloguing the data compiled to date to make it more accessible and expedient. Ultimately, the database will be designed to be accurate and sustainable, containing the information necessary to better attune programs to Metis needs.

TSN worked on developing a policy that would be the Self-Government Institution for Metis Membership. TSN successfully developed the policy for membership and registrar.