overview
Good governance will be vital to successful implementation of the Powley decision in Ontario. In addition to assisting us in having capacity to work on activities related to Powley implementation, this CAP initiative will assist us in building on our collective research regarding the indicators and models of good governance appropriate for Métis rights bearing harvesters.
The Powley decision is a complex Supreme Court of Canada decision and several key areas are vague. In addition to the decision itself, political propaganda and misinformation distributed by the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has caused considerable confusion. MNO has attempted to use the implementation of the Powley decision to convince Métis that MNO is the sole legitimate voice of the Métis Nation in Ontario. While MNO recognizes that confusion and misunderstandings exist, they continue to exacerbate the situation by mixing Métis politics into the issue. For example, the following statement appears in the MNO document “Fulfilling Canada’s Promise”:
In order to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, all Métis harvesters should contact their regional government in order to obtain the most up-to-date information available prior to going out harvesting this fall.
A Métis regional government does not exist in Ontario. Currently, the interests of Métis are represented by various Métis organizations in the province.
Vision and Values
OCAP is committed to achieving results for off-reserve Status and non-Status Indians and Métis living in Ontario. For rights-bearing Métis harvesters in this province, our work is based on the traditional values of cooperation and respect to encourage our members to harvest in a safe manner and with respect for the environment. OCAP will promote special care and consideration of other persons, species and property as well as the safe use of firearms. Training the next generation in traditional harvesting practices and traditions will ensure the sustainability of the Métis harvest.
General Key Priorities in the OCAP Powley Initiative
There are five priorities that concern OCAP as we begin work on the issues and concerns related to the implementation of the Powley decision:
1) Provide awareness and education to Métis and rights-bearing Métis harvesters in Ontario on the CAP Powley implementation process;
2) Collect, review, and distribute reports and studies undertaken on governance issues and concerns related to the Powley implementation process;
3) Provide a model of good governance in plain language to Métis people in Ontario for discussion;
4) Collect input from the Ontario Métis community on the way forward and report on this to the CAP Powley implementation team and CAP affiliate leadership; and
5) Support and build a positive working relationship with the Government of Ontario, the federal government, First Nations, and other stakeholders to promote understanding and respect for Métis rights and to sustain resources for future generations.
Issues and concerns regarding governance and a potential model for the implementation of Powley
Evaluation of the Proposed OCAP Métis Harvesters Governance Model
