This weekend marks spring Legislative Assembly of the Métis Nation in Saskatoon. It follows a contentious fall assembly marked by political tensions and legal threats against citizens and elected officials.
The rising tension in the fall session erupted into the open after allegations of workplace harassment, questions about CEO succession and voter disenfranchisement. All of this led to citizens and political commentators who criticized the administration receiving cease and desist letters.
Jennifer Laewetz, a recipient of one of the letters, shared her frustrations Saturday with the lack of apologies for that assembly. “We had four women undemocratically removed from their positions and some of the questions that citizens have been asking is what got us here?” says Laewetz.
This year could be the start of a new chapter, as previously banned members have been invited back, but not everyone agrees.
“We’re not seeing these decisions being made in good faith or because they want to work with us,” Laewetz says. “If that was the case, we would be getting an apology. What we’re seeing now are damage control decisions being made.”
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Fast forward to the start of spring assembly. Protesters gathered outside Prairieland Park to share their concerns about trust in current leadership.
“As a Métis person, we have to resist and be resilient and stand up against oppressive governments,” protest participant Meagan Nolan said.
Inside the assembly, tensions remained high as questions were raised over recent budget audits and their transparency.
Meanwhile, Métis Nation President Glen McCallum stated that the main focus of the weekend was addressing the treaty. “Constitutional reform is a big reform that we are talking about, and the biggest one is the treaty,” he said. “The federal government is ready the Métis Nation is ready and we have been engaged with the federal government for many years on the treaty.”
McCallum told Global News he would like to see further connections with the community this year, especially with the youth and seniors.
Others, meanwhile, are calling for more accountability, including Jennifer Laewetz and Meagan Nolan. “We want transparency, we want accountability, where is the money going?” Nolan says.
The assembly continues on Sunday with discussions expected to focus on legislative changes, children and family services and the Wildlife Conservation Act.
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