Ambassador Chartier Intervention at PFII

April 22, 2024

The Manitoba Métis Federation, the National Government of the Red River Métis, the sole and legitimate representative of the Métis Nation is alarmed at the explosion of Indigenous identity fraud in Canada. We see this phenomenon as a threat and detriment to our legitimate rights and existence as the Red River Métis, as well as for First Nations and Inuit peoples.

While we encourage governments to move quickly on the recognition and accommodation of our rights, this must occur in a manner that respects the homelands, histories, cultures, institutions, and beliefs of our respective peoples, acting through open, transparent, fair, cooperative, and accountable processes.

There are current legal actions in Canada against the federal government in places like Labrador and Ontario where governmental action recognizing fraudulent organizations threaten legitimate First Nations and Inuit peoples and governments. Legislative, policy and constitutional governmental recognition must stop or at least paused, to enable a re-evaluation of this misguided governmental action.

At the Americas-level, my Red River Métis government stands with the American Council of Indigenous Peoples in condemning the government of Nicaragua for its repressive action against YATAMA leader Brooklyn Rivera stemming from his intervention in this very building a year ago. Following his statement Rivera was barred from returning home.

Undeterred, Rivera eventually re-entered Nicaragua and on September 29, 2023 he was arrested by the Sandinista security forces and has never been seen nor heard from again.

His alternate in the National Assembly, Nancy Henriquez was arrested two days later. In December, in a secret trial, she was sentenced to eight years in prison on a trumped-up charge of subversive action against the Nicaraguan state.

We urge the United Nations to continue its efforts to force the Sandinista Government to demonstrate "proof of life" for Mr. Rivera, followed by his release, along with the release of Ms. Henriquez.

Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Marsii.

Clément (Clem) Chartier
Ambassador, MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis, and
President of the American Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP)

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