Métis Locals in the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Region 1 have approved a Regional Protocol Agreement.
In the Wood Buffalo region, the McMurray Métis and Willow Lake Métis have signed the agreement, while Fort Chipewyan Métis, Conklin Métis and Chard Métis agreed to the protocol but are seeking approval from their Board of Directors.
Audrey Poitras, president of MNA said the protocol sets the foundation for consulting to ensure their collective concerns are addressed.
“We all share the same goals of protecting our rights and ensuring that our communities are heard.”
The protocol will protect the “lands, rights, interests, claims, land use, harvesting practices, traditional knowledge, sacred places and special relationship to the land” in MNA Region 1.
It serves to ensure that consultation duties from the Crown are fulfilled in relation to any projects, including engagement, collaboration, clarity of the roles of the Provincial Council, regions and locals, and access to equitable share of the social and financial benefits generated by resource development.
The majority of MNA Region 1 locals have approved the protocol.
