Metis Veterans in BC

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/mvc_news1.pdf

Métis Nation British Columbia

Press Release

Date: Monday, April 28th, 2008
For Immediate Release

Métis Veterans Committee Formally Established

(Vancouver, BC) – Métis Nation British Columbia’s (MNBC) took an important step this past week to initiate the first ever recognized standing committee for Métis veterans.

The meeting was held between a number of Metis veterans and MNBC Executive to pursue the formal establishment of a standing committee. An initial set of Terms of Reference (TOR) that outlined the roles and responsibilities was established. As a result the Métis veterans committee will work with the MNBC Board of Directors and the Métis Nation Governance structure. The Métis veterans committee will establish a communications strategy and identify the ceremonial role of Métis veterans in the Regional Governance Councils, Métis Nation Governing Assembly, MNBC Annual General Meetings, and other forums as mutually agreed with the MNBC Minister Responsible for Veterans. The committee will also work to support a uniform Métis identification process and establish representation requirements regarding Métis veterans in British Columbia.

MNBC Minister Responsible for Veterans Mr. Rene Therrien stated, “Métis veterans must be recognized and included within the Métis Nation British Columbia. Our role is to support their communication and identification needs. MNBC has set up the central registry to ensure that any identified Métis veterans will be automatically provided contact information regarding the Métis veterans committee.”

Métis veteran and standing committee chairperson Walter Koenders commented, ”I am honoured to be the first appointed chairperson for the Métis veterans committee. As Métis veteran we seek inclusion within the Métis Nation. I will assist MNBC ensure the long-term success of this committee.

MNBC President Dumont added, “MNBC and the standing committee have to complete a number of items over the next few months. I will ensure that MNBC officials work to support a new proposal to the Federal Government and seek new ways to support our Métis veterans throughout British Columbia. They deserve this respect and recognition for the commitment to their Métis community and this great country.”

MNBC and twelve Métis veterans have established an initial standing committee Terms of Reference. Work will be completed over the next few months to establish a communications strategy, standing committee governance, and define Métis veterans.

Please view the MNBC website to review the initial standing committee Terms of Reference.

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/

Media Contact:
Keith Henry
Chief Executive Officer
Métis Nation British Columbia
Ph:(604) 801-5853