The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Indigenous Studies hosts the Métis Nation as they declare the Decade of the Métis Nation 2011-2020 on Wednesday, March 23 from 12:30 to 2:00 pm in Convocation Hall (515 Portage Ave.). A light lunch will be served, catered by Elsie Bear’s Kitchen, the food provider for the Manitoba Métis Federation. This event is free and open to the public.
Continuation of a Legacy
“The Decade of the Métis Nation is a continuation of the legacy we began last year when 2010 was recognized as the Year of the Métis Nation,” says Clement Chartier, President of the Métis National Council. “It is important that we keep the momentum and continue along the path to success.” President Chartier is launching his book Witness to Resistance highlighting his experiences overseeing the peace talks in Nicaragua in his role as President of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples.
The MNC’s determination to globalize their message to the world community is the relationship between the Métis Nation and the Indigenous peoples of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. Brooklyn Rivera, leader of the Yatama political movement, will discuss what the Indigenous peoples of Nicaragua achieved with respect to land rights and self-government, as well as the challenges they continue to face. Of interest will be the topic of ‘land demarcation’ – land issues being of critical interest in Métis and other Indigenous communities worldwide.
Recognition & Respect of Indigenous Land Rights
“Their experiences in the struggle for recognition and respect of indigenous land rights in Canada and in Nicaragua demonstrate how much we have in common and, indeed, how much we can learn from each other. We are honored that these two respected leaders are able to be here with us,” says Jacqueline Romanow, PhD, Graduate Studies Coordinator, Indigenous Studies, UWinnipeg. Dr. Romanow is a political scientist with extensive experience working on indigenous rights issues in Canada and throughout Latin America, including Nicaragua, Ecuador and Colombia.
Since 1983, the MNC has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the Métis Nation’s governments from Ontario westward. Specifically, the MNC reflects and moves forward on the desires and aspirations of these Métisgovernments at a national and international level.
UWinnipeg’s Department of Indigenous Studies (formerly the Aboriginal Governance Program) is grounded in the intellectual and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the globe. The degrees offered include a BA in Indigenous Studies, an MA in Indigenous Governance, and the new Master’s of Development Practice (MDP) specializing in Indigenous Development.
