Future Management Plans for the Batoche National Historic Site a Step Backward for Reconciliation

(PRINCE ALBERT, SK – January 18, 2021) On December 18, 2020, Parks Canada and the Métis Nation- Saskatchewan (MN-S) signed a terms of reference concerning an agreement to explore and discuss a full range of options in relation to the future management of the Batoche National Historic Site. The Association of Métis, Non and Status Indians of Saskatchewan Inc. (AMNSIS) has written John Wilkinson, the federal Minister of the Environment and Ron Hallman, President and CEO of Parks Canada to object to the proposed arrangement. The core difficulty with the approach is that the MN-S does not carry a mandate to speak for all Métis in Saskatchewan concerning a site of such great cultural and historical significance.

“There’s no concealing the fact that the MN-S carries no mandate to speak for all Métis in Saskatchewan,” said Charlene Lavallee, President of AMNSIS. According to the 2016 Census, there are 57,000 Métis in Saskatchewan, but the total number of registered members of MN-S is only 12,000.

AMNSIS represents many members who are direct descendants of Métis who fought and died in the Fourth National Resistance. On behalf of AMNSIS and the Women of Batoche, we are objecting to this disrespectful process. The Métis women at Batoche nursed the wounded, took care of Elders and children and melted frying pans and kettles to make lead bullets. Some were involved in strategy and others supplied food to the Métis men in the trenches.

At the end of the day, the shortcomings in Parks Canada’s decision-making are a step backward in the process of building trust and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. On their website, the Agency claims that it will be managing heritage places  “…in a manner that reflects the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” The management plans for the Batoche National Historic Site are not in keeping with the minimal standards set out in the Declaration and are dividing Métis against each other.

The purpose of AMNSIS is to enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, educational, cultural, health, well-being and rights of Métis and status and non-status Indians living off reserve in Saskatchewan. Our mission is to build a strong and effective representative organization based on the governance principles of legitimacy and voice, strategic vision, responsiveness, fairness, accountability, and transparency.

For more information contact:
Charlene Lavallee, President
Association of Métis, Non and Status Indians of Saskatchewan Inc.
Tel: 306-425-8259
Email: preamnsis@gmail.com