Métis Strengthening Communities Across B.C - 2022 MNBC Provincial Budget Submission - Métis Nation British ...
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Strengthening
Métis
Communities
Across B.C.
2022 MNBC Provincial
Budget Submission
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 1
Dear Members of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services:
In the 2021 Speech from the Throne, the Government of British Columbia
committed to “share decision making and prosperity with the Indigenous
peoples [of B.C.]”, renewing commitments made in previous Throne Speeches.
The 2020 Throne Speech specifically mentioned the adoption of the
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) as a significant
milestone in the reconciliation efforts of the B.C. Government.
While the B.C. Government has underlined their focus on Indigenous
reconciliation in each Throne Speech since being elected, there have been few
specific mentions of reconciliation with the Métis Nation in B.C. One instance
where a specific reference was made of the Métis Nation of B.C. was in the 2018 Throne Speech, where
“Indigenous Peoples, be they title-holding First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or those living on- or off-reserve,
must be involved in the decisions, programs, and policies that affect them.” 1 [emphasis added]
Further, in his 2016 report to the Government of Canada, A Matter of National and Constitutional Import:
Report of the Minister’s Special Representative on Reconciliation with Métis, Tom Isaac, a nationally
recognized authority on Aboriginal law states regarding Métis rights:
“It is clear from the law to date that there is no hierarchy of Aboriginal rights within Section 35. Métis are a
distinct Aboriginal peoples with equal but unique Aboriginal rights as other Section 35 Aboriginal peoples.
There is no question that balancing rights within Section 35 is a challenging proposition. However, simply
because something is challenging cannot be a reason for ignoring the rights of one peoples over another and
is inconsistent with the honour of the Crown and Section 35 more generally.”2
While the Constitution is abundantly clear that the Métis Nation of B.C. holds Section 35 rights in British
Columbia, and that these rights are equal to the rights of First Nations and Inuit peoples, as clarified in
the Isaac report, this is not reflected in the actions and funding amounts that we receive from the B.C.
Government.
The 2022 Métis Nation British Columbia Budget Submission is an opportunity for the B.C. Government
to make the first concrete steps in advancing real reconciliation with the Métis of B.C. The total amount
requested in this budget submission is $100M, to support the much needed programs and services Métis
people require from their government.
Sincerely,
Daniel Fontaine,
Deputy Minister
Métis Nation BC
1
B.C. Legislature, Speech from the Throne, Third Session, Forty-first Parliament
2
Thomas Isaac, A Matter of National and Constitutional Import: A Report of the Minister’s Special Representative on
Reconciliation with Métis: Section 35 Métis Rights and the Manitoba Métis Decision (June 2016), online: Indigenous and North-
ern Affairs Canada at 32
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 2
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
2022 MNBC PROVINCIAL BUDGET SUBMISSION 5
CORPORATE REQUESTS 7
Métis Chartered Communities 7
Organizational Capacity Building 9
Métis Financial Corporation of BC 10
MINISTRY REQUESTS 11
MNBC Ministry of Children and Families 11
MNBC Ministry of Citizenship and Registration 13
MNBC Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Language 15
MNBC Ministry of Economic Development 17
MNBC Ministry of Education 18
MNBC Ministry of Employment Training/Post-Secondary Education 20
MNBC Ministry of Health | Mental Health and Addiction 22
MNBC Ministry of Housing and Homelessness | Poverty Reduction 25
MNBC Ministry of Justice 26
MNBC Ministry of Environmental Protection and Métis Rights 27
MNBC Ministry of Women and Gender Equity 29
MNBC Ministry of Youth 31
HORGAN VS. FORD: FUNDING TO MÉTIS GOVERNMENTS 33
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 3
Executive Summary
T
he 2022 Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Provincial Budget
Submission is an ambitious proposal for funding from the B.C.
Government that totals $100M in funding requests for the 2022 fiscal
year, and also includes funding requests to the 2024 fiscal year. The plans and
programs within this proposal align both with the MNBC Strategic Plan for 2021-
2024 and with the B.C. Government’s Draft Action Plan for implementing DRIPA
legislation.
The Proposal covers specific requests from twelve MNBC Ministries, as well as cross-ministerial proposals
for MNBC in general. The proposal address many overarching challenges the Métis Nation in B.C. faces,
such as:
• Overall capacity building for MNBC and our Chartered Communities, to deliver the culturally
relevant social and economic programs and services for our Citizens;
• Jurisdictional transfer of Métis children in care to MNBC;
• Increasing awareness of the benefits of MNBC citizenship;
• Enhance Métis culture and heritage in B.C. through a new Métis Culture and Language Institute,
located in Surrey;
• Supporting and promoting Métis businesses in B.C.;
• Enhancing the experience of Métis students in early years and K-12 education;
• Transforming post-secondary and skills training for Métis through the development of a Métis
controlled post-secondary institution;
• Position MNBC as a meaningful health system partner at the Provincial and Regional levels.
• Implementing the proposed changes and programs in the Métis Justice Strategy;
• Increased funding for MNBC to respond to environmental concerns, climate change, and
emergency planning;
• Supporting Métis women through funding recommended programs from the Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Action Plan; and
• Supporting Métis youth though leadership programs, ensuring that the next generation of Métis
leaders have the skills and knowledge to succeed.
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 4
2022 MNBC Provincial Budget Submission
About MNBC:
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) represents nearly
90,000 self identified Métis people in British Columbia. To
date, over 21,000 Métis Citizens are provincially registered
with MNBC. The Métis National Council, the Government of
Canada, and the B.C. Government, recognize MNBC as the governing body for the Métis people in B.C.
MNBC is mandated to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing
culturally relevant social and economic programs and services, for all self-identified Métis within B.C.,
regardless of citizenship with MNBC.
The vision, mission statement, and values of MNBC guide and define our work:
Vision Statement
Métis Nation British Columbia will build a proud, self-governing, sustainable Nation in recognition
of inherent rights for our Métis Citizens.
Mission Statement
Métis Nation British Columbia develops and enhances opportunities for our Métis Chartered
Communities and Métis people in British Columbia by providing culturally relevant social and
economic programs and services.
Values
Our values are teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
MNBC Strategic Plan 2021-2024
The MNBC Strategic Plan 2021-2024 is a comprehensive blueprint that specifies the goals and
aspirations of MNBC for the next three years. The proposals in this budget submission are the tangible
projects, programs, and services that will make the Strategic Plan successful.
A Report Card on Progress
MNBC submitted our first formal Provincial Budget Submission in 2021, with a total amount of $33M in
funding requested.3 The resulting funding commitments from the B.C. Government in the last year were
well short of the amount requested.
A MNBC report, released in fall 2020, demonstrated the historic and current imbalances in provincial
funding for MNBC, the lack of recognition of the Métis Nation in B.C., and examined the rationale given
by the B.C. Government for the current funding levels. An example of this current funding discrepancy
is seen in the First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Agreement announced in 2020, which does not
include MNBC.
A report card comparing funding levels for the Métis between B.C. and Ontario provincial governments
was released by MNBC in summer 2021, demonstrating further that the B.C. Government is not
providing sufficient funding for the Métis in B.C.4
3
https://www.mnbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/MNBC_2021_Provincial_Budget_-_Final.pdf
4
Report Card attached at end of Submission.
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 5
2022 MNBC Provincial Budget Submission Métis Nation Relationship Accord (MNRA II) The MNRA II, signed by MNBC and the B.C. Government in 2016, is intended to address concerns by MNBC that Métis people in the province do not have the same quality of life as most British Columbians, and are hindered from full participation in the B.C. economy. The MNRA II provides a framework to “strengthen relationships with Métis People and close the gap in the quality of life for Métis people in British Columbia.” 5 Exploratory and preliminary negotiations on developing the next change to Metis Nation - B.C. Government agreement have commenced. This will replace the MNRA II with a more fulsome, true government-to-government agreement that will strengthen ongoing collaboration between MNBC and the B.C. Government. While the MNRA II has been an excellent vehicle for collaboration between the B.C. Government and MNBC, it has not resulted in direct funding from the B.C. Government for our priority goals. In addition, the administrative and reporting requirements in both the MNRA I and II were not consistently executed, chiefly due to insufficient capacity funding for MNBC to provide meaningful participation in these actions. As such, MNBC proposes the following budget submission, which will allow MNBC to better fulfil our mandate and help lead to financial autonomy and self-government. 5 B .C. Government and Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Nation Relationship Accord II Annual Report – 2017-2019 (April 2020) at 4 MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 6
Corporate Requests Métis Chartered Communities Overview MNBC represents 38 Métis Chartered Communities in B.C., with an aspiration to establish further Chartered Communities. The Métis Chartered Communities are the foundation of the MNBC governance structure. Typically, a Métis Chartered Community has a Board of Directors, including a President, that is elected by the Métis Citizens residing within their catchment. Métis Chartered Communities are primarily volunteer driven and do not receive any ongoing operational funding. The Chartered Communities serve as a local organization for the Métis in B.C., and deliver most of the community level programs that MNBC offers both our Citizens and Métis who are not registered citizens. Existing B.C. Government Priorities: The B.C. Government works in partnership with First Nations, Métis, non-government organizations, and the federal government to provide services and programs to improve social outcomes for Indigenous people and communities. The B.C. Government offers skills and expertise to build capacity and goodwill with First Nations. The B.C. Government also works closely with key partners to implement services and programs to support Aboriginal people and communities The 2021 Budget commits $41M in provincial funding to continue to support First Nations, local governments, and not-for-profits in accessing community infrastructure funding. MNBC Strategic Plan Priority: Stable capacity funding for community administration assistance and volunteer co-ordination, including office space for all communities, to deliver community driven programs and services, including: Cultural workshops and education, certificate training for employment preparedness and readiness, Métis kitchen parties, Elder and Youth gatherings, community gatherings, traditional outdoor activities, such as: hunting, harvesting, and plant identification, and partnership building/cultural competency training for Aboriginal-serving organizations. Establishing new Chartered Communities throughout B.C. to ensure Métis people in all regions of the province are served at adequate levels. There are currently no Chartered Communities in the Northeast that have sufficient capacity to provide services to the large Métis population residing in the region. Also, with the sense population of the Lower Mainland, further community development is required to deliver support and programs more efficiently. MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 7
Funding request: Total $12.7M over three years 2022/23: $4.0M for 40 Chartered Communities 2023/24: $4.2M for 42 Chartered Communities 2024/25: $4.5M for 45 Chartered Communities MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 8
Organizational Capacity Building Overview MNBC’s governance and corporate services overall responsibility is to support all MNBC ministries in delivering the programs and services to the nearly 90,000 Métis in B.C. The corporate service branch, together with MNBC’s governance structure, provides the strategic oversight, human resources, infrastructure, financial support, and data technology necessary to accomplish this objective. The MNBC governance structure includes: the annual Métis Nation Governing Assembly, which serves as a legislative body for our Nation, the MNBC Annual General Meeting, and the MNBC Senate, which serves as our judicial branch. Existing B.C. Government Priorities: The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is committed to working with Indigenous partners, including MNBC, to support services and programs that will improve social outcomes for Indigenous people and communities. In the 2019/20 – 2022/23 Service Plan, the B.C. Government has an objective to increase opportunities to support Indigenous communities in governance building and associated capacity building. The Ministry has, since 2015, committed capacity funding to MNBC of $385,000 per year to fiscal 2021/22. As the B.C. Government ensures that Indigenous governments have adequate capacity to meet the requirements of the DRIPA legislation, and as MNBC moves towards self governance and autonomy, the expansion of programs and services requires increased capacity funding. MNBC Strategic Plan Priority: MNBC is committed to making the investment to ensure there are sufficient governance and corporate resources necessary to support all the initiatives outlined in this report. Investing in core services including human resources, governance, community and culture, corporate infrastructure and services is necessary to ensure that MNBC is able to continue to meet the needs of its Citizens and move closer toward achieving self-government. Funding Request: Total $6.75M 2022/23: $2.25M 2023/24: $2.25M 2024/25: $2.25M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 9
Métis financial corporation of BC Overview The mission of the Métis Financial Corporation of British Columbia (MFCBC) is to provide trusted financial services for Métis entrepreneurs in B.C. MNBC is the sole shareholder of MFCBC. The vision of MFCBC is to be the financer of choice for Métis entrepreneurs and to position Métis entrepreneurs and businesses to be able to fully participate in new and future economic opportunities. Our mandate and structure permits us to provide loans to Métis entrepreneurs that commercial lenders such as banks and credit unions may not be able to provide. MFCBC seeks to strengthen the Métis economy through economically viable Métis owned and controlled businesses. Top Priority: Capital and Operating Funding The Federal and Provincial Governments, in conjunction with other stakeholders, have provided the required capital and operating funds to establish of fifty-seven Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI) to provide developmental loans and related business and community support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities. British Columbia has not yet supported the MFCBC. Funding Request: Total $2.91M over three years 2022/23: $0.97M 2023/24: $0.97M 2024/25: $0.97M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 10
Ministry Requests
MNBC Ministry of
Children And Families
Overview
MNBC’s Ministry of Children and Families mandate is to promote the rights of Métis children and
families. In order to assist in this facilitation, the MNBC Ministry of Children and Families should be
supporting the delivery of services to children and families in a Métis culturally specific fashion. However,
funding from the provincial and federal governments have been inadequate, incomparable to that of
First Nations, and continue to represent systemic racist practices.
In 2018 an MOU was signed between the B.C. Government and MNBC, ensuring the return of
jurisdiction of our children by 2021. To date, no forward momentum has been taken towards that goal
by the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to provide operational funding
desperately needed to assist in the deliverance of our youth.
It is critical to keep in mind that MNBC currently estimates that over 750 children in care are Métis, the
highest number in B.C. amongst Indigenous peoples. The MNBC Ministry for Children and Families is
currently operating with three mental health professionals, with no operational funding for researchers,
policy writers, human resources, directors of operation, strategy and planning, etc. Without proper
capacity funding for the Ministry, the commitment made by the B.C. Government to transfer jurisdiction
will not be realized.
Mobility has always been a unique facet of the Métis historically, and continues to this day. Because of
this, the challenges of living in urban, rural, and remote areas must be addressed. The implementation
of Métis specific centers for physical and mental health treatment are needed, as our youth do not have
access to any government funded public services through Jordan’s Principle, a child-centric, needs based
principle meant to ensure First Nations and Inuit children have equitable access to these services.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
• Recognize the right of Indigenous families and communities to retain shared responsibility
for the upbringing, training, education, and well-being of their children consistent with DRIPA
legislation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
• In collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, design and implement restorative policy, practice,
and services with cultural humility and the intention to honour traditional approaches and better
serve Indigenous children and families.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priority:
To establish an internal framework which allows for the jurisdictional transfer of our children from MCFD
to MNBC, we must properly assess the cultural and professional needs within MNBC. As this is a lengthy,
timely, and costly process, the Government of Canada has reflected this need in a capacity building
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 11grant of approximately $2M. This grant does not reflect the funding required for development of an internal framework and hiring the staff required to be adequately prepared for jurisdictional transfer. MNBC’s Ministry for Children and Families no longer sees the current strategic plan from the B.C. Government as an appropriate model moving forward. The current model has been demonstrated not to work for Métis Children and Families, as a mere 3% of families engage with MCFD. Moving forward, MNBC must create a more culturally specific framework in working with Métis families and their children while concurrently placing preventative measures in place to help families become stronger. Creating framework for both current and future measures could be viewed as an insurmountable task; however, with the proper and adequate funding we believe this to be an accomplishable task. Funding Request: Total $14.3M over two years 2022/23: $7.9M 2023/24: $6.4M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 12
MNBC Ministry of
Citizenship And Registration
Overview
MNBC is the formal Métis government in B.C. recognized by the provincial and federal governments as
the political representative of Métis people in the province.
MNBC’s Central Registry is the official Métis Identification Registry in B.C., responsible for issuing the
only Powley-compliant Métis identification card in B.C. As such, MNBC’s Central Registry is the sole
holder of accurate Métis specific data and demographics in B.C. Métis people in B.C. need to maintain a
connection to community through registration and connection with Métis heritage and culture.
Métis people need to maintain a connection to community through citizenship and connection with Métis
heritage and culture. Socio-economic barriers to applying for citizenship are common, with the requisite
vital statistics documents potentially costing an applicant up to $200 to acquire. The provision of support to
cover costs for applicants facing socio-economic barriers in the application process will support the MNBC
Central Registry in processing an estimated 6,500 new Citizens over the next three years.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
“The B.C. Government is deeply committed to true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
That’s why government introduced and passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
This Act recognizes and respects the human rights of Indigenous peoples and ensures they are involved
in decisions that affect them, their communities, and their territories.”6
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
To achieve the goals set out in MNRA II, the MNBC Central Registry has identified four key areas
requiring support:
• eveloping and implementing a new and secure Métis Citizenship Registration database, which
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will maximize productivity within the MNBC Central Registry. This will serve to automate and
improve our digital citizenship application and renewal process, and increase access to rural and
remote areas. This will also allow us to provide accurate reports and maintain statistical data.
• ccessibly enhancements for the Métis population, including the development of an online
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portal for Citizens, an application form designed for visually impaired applicants, developing
virtual intake sessions to assist with the application process, and providing funding to support
applicants in overcoming socio-economic barriers relating to vital statistics documentation costs.
• Increased public awareness of citizenship registration and Métis Chartered Communities in B.C.,
achieved through province-wide public awareness campaigns through an integrated marketing
program.
• Establishing a new outreach program, focused on creating remote registration workshops and
seminars, aimed at facilitating the application process, particularity in remote areas and working
with urban and rural communities throughout B.C.
6
Budget 2021 “Stronger BC For Everyone” Strategic Plan, https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2021/pdf/2021_Strategic_Plan.pdf
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 13Funding Request: Total $4.5M over three years 2022/23: $2.3M 2023/24: $1.2M 2024/25: $1.0M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 14
MNBC Ministry of
Culture, Heritage,
And Language
Overview
The Ministry of Culture, Heritage, and Language’s (MOCHL) mandate is to promote and preserve Métis
culture, heritage, and languages by offering programs and resources that educate and enhance the
visibility of Métis arts and culture, and support Métis language learners and language revitalization.
The MOCHL was established in the fall of 2020 and staffed in the spring of 2021. As a new Ministry,
MOCHL is focused on planning and building a foundation to effectively fulfill its mandate, through
building internal capacity, and developing relationships with key Métis knowledge keepers and artists as
well as experts in the field of Métis/Michif language revitalization.
The Métis language, known as Michif, is on the list of critically endangered Indigenous languages.
According to Statistics Canada, as of 2016 there were fewer than 1,200 fluent Michif speakers in Canada,
the majority of which were located in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This number may now be even lower,
as many fluent Michif speakers are Métis Elders. It is vitally important for MNBC to secure funding and
resources to support the documentation and development of new learners and language speakers.
Furthermore, MNBC and our Métis Chartered Communities are not eligible to access language
revitalization funding through the First People’s Cultural Council, as it is for First Nation languages only,
even though the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation service plan references Indigenous
Languages.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
• artner on shared initiatives that improve the quality of life of Indigenous peoples, by working
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with the First People’s Cultural Council to support preservation and revitalization of Indigenous
cultures and languages.
• upporting cultural preservation and revitalization by funding key projects designed to preserve
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and respect Indigenous cultures, advance public understanding of Indigenous history, rights,
cultures, languages, and the negative impacts of Indigenous-specific racism.
• Support creative, arts and culture organizations, and artists to help develop B.C.’s creative
economy, so the sector is vibrant, resilient, and recognized for creative excellence.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• stablish a Métis Culture and Language Institute and community gathering place that will
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provide Métis people and the general Métis public with resources and opportunities to learn
about Métis culture and languages, including a virtual museum of Métis material culture and
artifacts.
• Increase the number of Métis/Michif language speakers in B.C. by offering mentor apprentice
programs and immersive language camps.
• Support Métis Chartered Communities to host and facilitate Métis/Michif language programming.
• nhance the awareness and visibility of Métis art and culture throughout B.C., including
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developing Métis in B.C. Heritage Markers, plaques, and monuments.
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 15• cquire stable, long term funding that will allow MNBC to build internal capacity and meet
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current goals and objectives, including permanent full time staff positions.
Funding Request:
Total $5.7M over three years
2022/2023: $1.7M
2023/2024: $2.0M
2024/2025: $2.0M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 16MNBC Ministry of
Economic Development
Overview
The MNBC Ministry of Economic Development and Partnerships supports MNBC and its Citizens by driving
economic prosperity through the development of revenue stream capacity, promotion and advocacy of
Métis businesses, and maximization of employment and training opportunities for Métis Citizens.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
• upport B.C. communities and Indigenous peoples to increase participation in established and
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emerging economic sectors.
• dvance equality of social and economic outcomes between Indigenous peoples and other
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British Columbians.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• ull and equal partner in consultation and negotiation with the B.C. Government and its
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Community Benefits Office.
• Develop organizational capacity in infrastructure and programming to support economic
development activities, including, but not limited to: support, promotion and advocacy for Métis
businesses, and employment and training resources.
• Foster and increase cooperation amongst the businesses of the Métis Nation.
• Identifying revenue opportunities via joint ventures and various investment opportunities.
NBC seeks to fund capacity-building and program delivery to support job
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growth and successful business ventures:
• upporting, promoting, and advocating for a strong Métis business community throughout
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Chartered Communities across B.C.;
• Business development activities that will bring more sustainable revenue streams for MNBC;
• ecruit Business Development Officers who can work with Métis entrepreneurs and venture
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capitalists to increase the likelihood of establishing successful businesses;
• reate a Métis Business Network, which will facilitate cooperation between the business of the
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Nation, allowing businesses to grow and prosper together though mutual support; and
• ssist with funding to develop robust and effective business and operating plans for new Métis
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owned business ventures.
Funding Request:
Total $3M over three years
2022/23: $1.0M
2023/24: $1.0M
2024/25: $1.0M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 17MNBC Ministry of
Education
Overview
The mandate of the MNBC Ministry of Education is to advance Métis education policy, research, pedagogy,
projects, programs, and services in early years, kindergarten to grade 12, and post-secondary education.
The B.C. Ministry of Education states that “Indigenous Education seeks to improve success and supports
for Indigenous students, and increase the presence of Indigenous culture, languages, and history for all
students. It also aims to help teachers bring Indigenous knowledge into their teaching practice”. It is the
responsibility of the Métis Nation and the B.C. Government to make these improvements, provide these
supports, and ensure that Métis learners see themselves reflected in the education system.
Background:
• Métis Education Kindergarten to Grade 12
o In 2015, 62,000 Aboriginal were enrolled in public schools in B.C., generating over 500
million in funding to education boards (An Audit of the Education of Aboriginal Students in
the B.C. Public School System).
o he 2016 Statistics Canada Census identifies Métis as 33% of the Indigenous population in
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B.C.
o In 2019, the Progress Audit: The Education of Aboriginal Students in the B.C. Public School
System reported 67,616 students self-identified as Indigenous in 2017/18.
o In 2020/21 MNBC received $90,000 in education funding from the B.C. Government – a
reduction in funding compared to 2019/20.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
• In partnership with First Nations rights holders, Métis and Inuit partners, and sector partners,
work to decolonize the education system and close the equity gap for First Nations, Métis, and
Inuit learners through fully implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Act, with specific attention to building system capacity and enabling government to government
relationships.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• Métis Early Years Program Core Operations: MNBC requests operational capacity to continue
providing a provincial connection and referral network for Métis families with children birth to 8,
develop partnerships with early years agencies and service providers, and develop programs and
services for Métis families.
• NBC/B.C. Métis Education Commitment Agreement: This commitment will be developed
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in conjunction with the B.C. Government, to support and strengthen the government to
government relationship on core education operations, including:
o High-level cooperation with the B.C. Ministry of Education;
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 18o Data collection and information sharing;
o K-12 targeted Indigenous Funding;
o Métis Chartered Community engagement/research;
o Local education agreements;
o Children in care;
o K-12 Indigenous languages;
o Métis cultural resources and curriculum; and
o Teacher professional development.
Funding Request:
Total $12.7M over three years
2022/23: $2.8M
2023/24: $3.8M
2024/25: $6.1M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 19MNBC Ministry of
Employment Training /
Post-Secondary Education
Overview
MNBC administers the Métis Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary (STEPS) support program
to improve economic prosperity of Métis in B.C. through skills training and education upgrades.
This client-centric, goal-oriented program offers labour market targeted foundational skills training,
individualized interventions, as well as education support to position each MNBC client for success with
increased earning capacity and sustained employment.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASET) provides leadership and direction for
post-secondary education and skills training systems in B.C., as well as labour market information and
programs. The current ASET service plan identifies the following goals:
• ritish Columbians have access to inclusive, responsive, and relevant post-secondary education
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to reach their full potential;
• ritish Columbians have workforce information, connections and supports to prepare for
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opportunities in B.C.’s economy; and
• L asting and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in B.C. through post-secondary
education and skills training.
ASET has continued to allocate funding from its skills training programs to MNBC, however, the funding
allocation model does not follow a distinctions-based approach, and the funding allocated to MNBC is
not proportional to the number of Métis in B.C.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• elivery of program funding value that addresses the skills training, employment and post-
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secondary education needs of nearly 90,000 Métis in B.C., distributed across the B.C.
• stablishing and operating the Métis controlled post-secondary institution, MNBC Institute,
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which produces and delivers Métis culturally-appropriate skills training and post-secondary
education programming that meets the needs of Métis in B.C.
Funding Request:
Total $67M over three years
Community based skills training:
2022/23: $15M
2023/24: $18M
2024/25: $22M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 20Core funding for MNBC Institute: 2022/23: $3.0M 2023/24: $4.0M 2024/25: $5.0M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 21
MNBC Ministry of
Health | Mental Health
and Addiction
Overview
MNBC is provided with a base allocation of $200K per year to represent and reflect the health care
needs of over 90,000 self-identified Métis people, who comprise approximately one-third of the
Indigenous population in B.C. Currently, MNBC lacks meaningful input in the B.C. Government’s
programming or policies that affect the health outcomes of our Métis Citizens. By not naming Métis
people, the system actively harms our community members, which leads to culturally unsafe care and
poorer health outcomes due to decreased uptake in services.
In comparison, First Nations health needs in B.C. are served by the First Nations Health Authority
(FNHA). FNHA is provided with an annual budget of $600M, with $60M provided directly by the B.C.
Government. The FHNA does not have a mandate to represent the interests of Métis people, yet
has received funding from the B.C. Government to provide services on behalf of First Nations and
Indigenous people. This funding does not benefit or support the Métis Nation.
MNBC’s current staffing capacity and subsequent participation is extremely hindered in research
consultation and provincially mandated projects such as the Primary Care Networks, which are part of the
province’s primary care model for comprehensive, coordinated, and integrated team-based care.7 This
lack of capacity leads to a First Nations-focused approach in the health care setting.
The MNBC Ministry of Health advocates on behalf of the Nation for health programs and services that
acknowledge and support Métis people’s distinct culture, identity, health needs, and health outcomes.
This year’s publication of Kaa-wiichitoyaahk “we take care of each other”, a Métis cultural wellness
curriculum resource, has laid a foundation and path forward for Métis engagement and health in B.C.
Mental Health and Addictions
MNBC Ministry of Health and the Provincial Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (MMHA) have been
working together to improve mental health and wellness outcomes for Métis people in B.C. The MMHA
and MNBC collaborated in the development of Pathway to Hope (A roadmap for making mental health
and addictions care better for people in British Columbia) and a commitment was made for enhanced
capacity for MNBC for priority setting and planning.
MNBC, MMHA, and the Ministry of Health are committed to continuing to explore a long-term health
and wellness partnership that recognizes the unique priorities, interests, and perspectives of Métis
peoples in B.C.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
• ontinue to work and collaborate with FNHA, MNBC, and other Indigenous partners to support
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the integration of Indigenous primary health care services.
• Continue to support true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by fully adopting
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B.C. Government, 2018/19 – 2020/21 Service Plan, Ministry of Health, (February 2018) online at BC Budget, at 6and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and the Métis Nation
Relationship Accord II.
• artner with Indigenous government, leaders, and organizations to identify, implement, and
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increase access to culturally safe wellness and substance use services, including the construction
of healing centres, and harm reduction services and strategies to reduce the disproportionate
impact of overdose on Indigenous peoples.
• artner with Indigenous peoples to support Indigenous-led service delivery models for mental
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health and wellness, respond to overdose public health emergency, and advance cultural safety
and humility across the provincial system.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• ork with the B.C. Ministry of Health on identified key strategies within the Ministry Service Plan,
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and collaboratively support the integration of Indigenous primary health care services.
• Position MNBC as a meaningful health system partner at the Provincial and Regional levels:
o Establish a MNBC, Provincial Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Mental Health and
Addictions table for future planning, dialogue, and collaboration to meet shared
objectives.
o Increase Métis representation on all five Regional Health Authority Boards in addition to
the Provincial Health Services Authority.
o Increase MNBC staffing capacity and Métis Chartered Community participation in
provincial and regional health initiatives (i.e. Primary Care Networks).
o Build staffing capacity and partnerships to advance Métis-led initiatives related to Métis
cultural safety, harm reduction and an anti-stigma campaign.
• ddress key recommendations where Métis people are directly named within the In Plain Sight
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Report (specifically recommendations 3, 4, and 7) to support the end of systemic racism toward
Métis and other Indigenous peoples in our healthcare system. This includes but is not limited to
legislation and the development of a complaints process.
• stablish programs and support systems to increase the number of Métis who are in senior
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management roles within the B.C. health care system to increase awareness, visibility, and
culturally safe care; along with increasing the overall number of Métis who are choosing health
care as a future career path.
• ontinue to work with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer on the data matching of the
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Métis client file with provincially held datasets under the direction of the Métis Data Governance
Committee.
• Utilizing available Métis Citizen health data through information sharing agreements to provide
targeted and relevant regional health programs and services.
• Identify funding and resources for emergent health issues and non-insurable health supports.
• Identify provincial and federal funding to support Métis people with health emergencies that
are not covered by Pharmacare, including medical transport/repatriation within B.C., and non-
insurable health benefits (i.e. vision and dental).
• Identify resources for Métis people with respect to the cumulative impacts of the pandemic,
Residential School gravesites, heatwaves, wildfires, and the overdose crisis.
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 23Funding Request: Total $13.7M over three years 2022/23: $3.8M 2023/24: $4.5M 2024/25: $5.4M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 24
MNBC Ministry of
Housing And Homelessness
| Poverty Reduction
Overview
Ensuring that Métis people have access to affordable housing and can ‘age in place’ are key components
of our housing strategy. Furthermore, we aim to implement programs that will assist reduce the impact
of homelessness within our citizenry.
Unlike First Nations in B.C., the Métis Nation is not land-based. Our Citizens are spread across the
province, and require housing and homelessness programs and services in all areas of the province. It
is a critical priority for MNBC to begin acquiring land, as has been the case for other Métis Governing
Members across Canada.
As such, to support our housing and homelessness initiatives we request the following:
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• L aunch a ‘HomeStart’ program, providing start-up funds for Métis people moving into new
accommodations to avoid or exit poverty by covering necessary expenses to furnish their new
housing This program would support all vulnerable demographics, focusing on women, single
parents, youth aging out of care, and seniors.
• onstruction of a Provincial Métis Community and Gathering Center in Surrey, which would
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include a Métis cultural facility, office space, and affordable housing for Citizens.
• Establish a Métis Housing Authority, to administrate Métis housing developments.
• unding to purchase land for Métis housing developments, building the capacity of MNBC, with
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the ultimate goal attaining eligibility for BC Housing and CMHC funding.
o Surplus Crown lands can also be allocated to MNBC for these developments.
• unds to support environmental remediation and zero impact construction for MNBC housing
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and cultural development projects.
Funding Request:
$50.5M for 2022/23
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 25MNBC Ministry of
Justice
Overview
MNBC created a Justice Council (MNBCJC) and with the B.C. Government, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding in the summer of 2019, committing to the development and implementation of a joint
Métis justice strategy.
Joint B.C. Government/MNBC Priorities:
• Reconciliation with Indigenous people;
• Decreasing the over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system;
• Improving the experience of Indigenous people within the justice system;
• Addressing violence against Indigenous people, especially women and girls;
• ngagement and organization with Indigenous communities in a respectful and culturally
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appropriate manner;
• Improved access to justice services by Indigenous people; and
• esigning services that provide Indigenous people with culturally relevant, flexible and user-
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focused processes.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• ecure funding to establish the MNBCJC Secretariat and begin to address joint Métis|B.C.
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Government objectives.
• Ensure Métis people are better able to navigate through the B.C. justice system.
• evelop Métis specific programs designed to create more positive interactions within the justice
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system – including reducing the overall incarceration rate.
Funding Request:
Total $3M over three years
2022/23: $0.75M
2023/24: $1.0M
2024/25: $1.25M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 26MNBC Ministry of
Environmental Protection
and Métis Rights
Overview
MNBC’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Métis Rights is mandated to promote the conservation
and protection of the land, environment, and natural resources in B.C. through responsible stewardship
guided by Métis values and traditional knowledge. The Ministry is responsible for overseeing initiatives
related to natural resources, land, and Métis traditional knowledge throughout MNBC. Current priorities
include: Climate change, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Species at Risk.
The B.C. Government is responsible for ensuring that CleanBC’s goals are met, by ensuring that B.C.
is on the path to a cleaner, better future by building a low-carbon economy with new clean energy
jobs and opportunities, protecting our air, land, and water, and supporting communities to prepare for
climate impacts. Métis communities are eager to see these goals be accomplished; the unique and
knowledgeable Métis perspectives on this important topic will only be heard by engagement through
MNBC.
MNBC has collaborated with the B.C. Government on climate preparedness and adaptation, climate
action, and spill response and preparedness. We have participated in numerous workshops and
webinars, and have reviewed various provincial strategies and reports. This work is important to MNBC
and our Citizens, and we want to build the capacity and programming to better support and reach our
shared goals and visions when it comes to climate change adaptation, preparedness, resiliency, and
response.
MNBC also has implemented numerous plans to support Chartered Communities through the COVID-19
pandemic in the last year. As we transition into a recovery phase, MNBC would like to ensure that our
communities strengthen their resiliency, and are able to recover from some of the negative impacts
(including unintended consequences) of the pandemic.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• Increase internal capacity for the Ministry:
o Continue to engage with the B.C. Government on climate change policies, Emergency
Preparedness, and various programs and initiatives.
o Hire Métis consultants to assist in technical reviews of Environmental Assessments,
Provincial reports, and strategies.
• Build community capacity within Chartered Communities for Emergency Preparedness
• upport for stewardship and climate change related programs (Clean BC, Emergency
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Preparedness, Food Security, Harvesting, and others).
• upports for the MNBC Cabinet Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Environmental
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Advisory Committee.
o Develop a framework on emergency preparedness, response, and management for
Métis Chartered Communities in B.C., and maintain an emergency response plan.
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 27• pdating the MNBC Natural Resources Guidebook: The current guidebook is over 10 years
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old. This guidebook emphasises the importance of the land to Métis in B.C., including
Métis Traditional Knowledge, and will be shared with the B.C. Government to be used as an
educational tool.
• urchase surplus Crown or private land to establish a Métis Land Conservatory, to be used for
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harvesting and cultural purposes, through the use of carbon tax credits and/or other funds.
COVID-19 Recovery Plan:
• upport the Chartered Communities recovery plans, by increasing their resiliency, to the
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negative impacts of COVID-19 that could lead to long term systemic issues (for example: food
security programs, mental health and wellness supports, etc.).
Funding Request:
Total $4.35M over three years
2022/23: $1.95M
2023/24: $1.2M
2024/25: $1.2M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 28MNBC Ministry of
Women AND Gender Equity
Overview
The MNBC Ministry of Women and Gender Equity (MOWGE), works on the goals and priorities as set
out by the Métis Women British Columbia (MWBC) Committee. The MWBC Provincial Governance
Council consists of seven elected regional representatives, and a Provincial Chairperson, who is a
member of the MNBC Board of Directors. The main purpose of MWBC is to ensure that Métis Women’s
voices are heard, and to impact policy and governance within MNBC.
MWBC is focused on empowering Métis women to fulfill their potentials in all aspects of their lives:
physical health and well-being, cultural connection, community involvement, family well-being,
education, and economic security. MWBC is entrusted to enhance and empower the rights of Métis
women and to ensure that Métis women’s voices and political representation are prioritized at the
community, regional, provincial, and national level.
The MWBC, through their 2020-2026 strategic plan, identified that increased education and training
in governance and leadership for our women is imperative to strengthen the presence of Métis
women’s voice and ensure strong governance. The MWBC Strategic Plan has four guiding principles:
Gathering, Learning, Support, and Engagement, and is supported through the Four Strands of activity:
Communication, Governance, Culture, and Advocacy.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
• rovide more affordable, accessible, and high-quality childcare to support families and help
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parents - particularly women - to participate in the workforce.
• Improve market supply and provide more housing options for growing families, seniors, women,
and children fleeing violence, students, and Indigenous peoples.
• upport timely and equitable access to justice, particularly for: women, single parents,
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Indigenous peoples, those with low incomes or who live in poverty, and members of the
2SLGBTQQAI+ community, all who tend to have greater unmet legal needs.
• Ensure gender equality is reflected in all B.C. Government budgets, policies, and programs.
• lose the gender pay gap by continuing to address systemic discrimination in the workplace and
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moving closer to equal pay for equal work through new pay transparency legislation.
• evelop an action plan to end gender-based violence, including: minimum standards for sexual
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assault response, more training for police, crown council and justices, and establishing core
funding for sexual assault centers.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• Increased capacity for staff specialized in:
o Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Action Plan;
o Women’s Health and Perinatal Care;
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 29o Women’s Employment and Skills Development;
o Women’s Justice; and
o Women’s Housing and Homelessness
• rovincial support for the Violence Prevention and Sashing Our Warriors Programs, currently
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funded through CFO grants, to ensure that these successful programs can continue and are not
subject to annual grant approval.
• upport and integration of MNBC into B.C.’s Path Forward addressing Missing and Murdered
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Indigenous Women and Girls and Calls for Justice in British Columbia.
• rovincial Support for MOWGE to implement the MWBC Strategic Plan that seeks to increase
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Communication, Governance, Culture, and Advocacy over the next five years.
• Training and supports to increase Métis women in governance and leadership positions, both
within MNBC and in other orders of government.
Funding Request:
Total $3.3M over three years
2022/23: $0.95M
2023/24: $1.1M
2024/25: $1.25M
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 30MNBC Ministry of
youth
Overview
The MNBC Ministry of Youth (MOY), works on the goals and priorities as set out by the Métis Youth
British Columbia (MYBC) Committee. The MOY mandate is to provide B.C. Métis youth 15-30 years
old with culturally relevant programs and events, to revitalize and ensure the longevity of Métis culture
and community. The MOY facilitates open discussions about Métis youth issues and challenges to find
solutions through governance and policies.
The MYBC Committee is a democratically elected and volunteer-driven governing body that represents
and advocates on behalf of Métis youth at the community, provincial, and national level. MYBC has
established a governance structure that is unique and exceptional in its nature which includes eight
democratically elected members, including a Provincial Youth Minister/chairperson and seven Regional
Youth Representatives. The provincial chairperson is a member of the MNBC Board of Directors. The
MYBC committee focuses on the development, nourishment, growth, and success of Métis Youth in the
Province.
Existing B.C. Government Priorities:
Indigenous youth between 15 and 30 have immense potential to contribute to their communities.
They’re finding opportunities to be involved and make a difference – by joining a youth council,
attending conferences, pursuing new educational opportunities, or taking time to learn from Elders.
The B.C. Government creates relationships with youth from several First Nation communities to:
• Help youth find ways to create their own opportunities.
• Initiate projects related to leadership development.
• Work with outside partners to focus on youth-identified priorities and traditional arts and culture.
MNBC Strategic Plan Priorities:
• Increase capacity for MNBC to host an annual Provincial Youth Leadership Forum and to increase
access for Métis Youth to participate in provincial and federal leadership programs, training, and
workshops.
• Introduce On The Land Camps, where Métis youth will learn about land stewardship, participate
in traditional harvesting workshops, and learn about Métis culture from Elders and Knowledge
Keepers.
• Increased capacity for MNBC to host an annual Métis Youth Parliamentary Forum, providing
youth with the opportunity to receive governance training, examine and learn about Indigenous
governing practices, experience the atmosphere of a parliament, learn parliamentary etiquette,
procedures, and protocols, and debate policies, resolutions, and legislation.
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 31Funding Request: Total $2.5M over three years 2022/23: $0.7M 2023/24: $0.9M 2024/25: $0.9M MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 32
HORGAN VS. FORD
funding to Métis governments
Horgan’s
Ministry Horgan Ford
Grade
Ministry of Advanced
Education and Skills Training $5.2 million $380k A+
Ministry of Attorney General $95k $666K C-
Ministry of Children and
Families $1.2 million $5 million D+
Ministry of Education $50k $800k D-
Ministry of Indigenous
Relations and Reconciliation $474k $3 million F
Ministry of Health/Mental
Health/Seniors $575k $12 million F-
*All numbers are rough estimates*
MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 33MNBC 2021 Provincial Budget Submission Page | 34
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