2010 Named "The Year of The Métis" by Province of Saskatchewan
MN-S Applauds Historical Announcement Made During Saskatchewan’s Speech from the Throne
October 22, 2009 (Saskatoon, SK) – During his speech from the throne, The Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan made the announcement the Province would be designating 2010, as “The Year of The Métis”. There has never been a dedication of this magnitude made to Métis Citizens by the province on record. The year 2010 marks a milestone anniversary for the Métis citizens of Canada, as it marks the 125th Anniversary of the North West Resistance.
2010 will be a year of commemoration, a year of celebrations and a year of reconciliation for all Métis citizens and non Métis across North America. “We are expecting thousands of Métis citizens from across the country to join us as we turn a new historic chapter in the lives of Métis Citizens, Canadians, and Citizens of the great province of Saskatchewan. Reconciliation is important to this chapter in history, “says MN-S President Robert Doucette. “The designation of 2010 being The Year of the Métis, by the Province of Saskatchewan in yesterday’s throne speech marks a great chapter in moving forward for the Métis Nation as well as The Province.”
Prior to Canada's configuration as a nation in west central North America, the Métis people emerged out of the relations of First Nations women and European men. While the initial offspring of these First Nation and European unions were individuals who possessed mixed ancestry, the gradual establishment of distinct Métis communities, outside of First Nation and European cultures and settlements, as well as, the subsequent intermarriages between Métis women and Métis men, resulted in the genesis of a new Aboriginal people - the Métis Nation.
The Métis Nation, as a distinct Aboriginal people, fundamentally shaped Canada's expansion westward through on-going declaration of our collective identity and rights. From the Red River Resistance to the Battle of Batoche to other notable collective actions undertaken throughout the Métis Nation Homeland, the history and identity of Métis citizens will forever be a part of Canada's existence.
Today, Métis citizens are alive and well within Canada however, each year thousands return to Saskatchewan to pay respects to those who fought for us 124 years ago, and celebrate the rich culture that has made Saskatchewan the heart of the Nation and home to all.
The official ceremony will take place on November 4, 2009 at the Saskatchewan Legislature.
For more information Contact:
Gaylene Poulin
Manager of Communications
Métis Nation – Saskatchewan
219 Robin Crescent
Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M8
(306) 667-0428 (direct)
(306) 343-8285
gpoulin@mn-s.ca