TORONTO - Centuries of discrimination will come to an end with a historic agreement being negotiated with the Ontario government that helps pave the way for the Metis to set up their own health-care centres, children's services and even get a cut of the province's gaming revenues, Ontario's Metis Nation said Tuesday.

Tony Belcourt, head of the Metis Nation of Ontario, said the Metis have been ignored and discriminated against for years in Ontario and that those attitudes have been perpetuated by politicians and bureaucrats.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant and MNO President Tony Belcourt. photo: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Ontario's willingness to negotiate a separate accord from other aboriginal groups allows the province's 73,000 Metis to finally be treated as a self-governing nation, he said.

"I can't underscore enough the importance of simply recognizing the Metis Nation in this province. Nobody but the Metis people has any idea of the impact that not being recognized has on our people," said Belcourt, adding people have often ashamed to identify themselves as Metis for fear of discrimination at work or on the street.

"The racial discrimination in this province against the Metis people has been palatable and it's unfortunately reflected in attitudes of people who have been elected to (government) and the people who work as public servants over the years.

"What the government is doing today is, in fact, a bold step."

Saskatchewan leads the country with its own Metis act carved into legislation that includes a recognition of self-governance and system of revenue sharing. Alberta is the only other province with a signed framework agreement similar to the one Ontario is now negotiating.

"I don't for one second think it's going to be easy for the minister (of aboriginal affairs) to sell all his colleagues on some of the measures we're going to be pushing for," said Belcourt, adding that doesn't diminish the importance of simple recognition.

"This now allows us to hold our heads high. I've been fighting in the trenches for 40 years. I want to tell you, this is an amazing day."

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant said the Metis have been ignored by the province for far too long. With this separate accord, Bryant said the government is recognizing the sovereignty of the Metis and starting to address their priorities - whether that be sharing gaming revenues or spelling out hunting and fishing rights.
It's part of a collaborative approach that's "new and overdue," Bryant said.

"It's recognition and respect," he said. "The absence of that in the past has meant an ineffective approach and an ad-hoc, responsive, defensive approach. This allows us to have a real relationship."

Tha Canadian Press

LEARN MORE:

www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca

CONTACT:

Greg Crone, Minister's Office, 416-606-8562
Merike Nurming, Communications Branch, 416-326-4079
Katelin Peltier, MNO Communications Manager, 613-859-7130