SASKATCHEWAN RESTORES MÉTIS FUNDING

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $385,000 to the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MNS) for basic operations and policy and research functions.

"We are very pleased to restore funding to the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan so that it can continue its valuable work on behalf of Métis people in Saskatchewan," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said.

"We thank the Provincial government for working to normalize the relationship between both of our governments and Métis communities," Métis Nation - Saskatchewan president Robert Doucette said. "It is the first step in re-establishing the credibility of the MNS and allows us to begin the work that needs to be done at the community level."

Provincial funding to the MNS was suspended after the Lampard Report concluded that the results of the May 2004 election were unreliable.

A new MNS election was held June 27, 2007, following efforts by both the Provincial and Federal Governments and the assistance of a Métis Electoral Consultation Panel, an Independent Oversight Committee, a Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and many Métis people. After election results were verified by the CEO, the Province began work to restore relations with the MNS.

"I look forward to resuming normal relations with the MNS and once again work together toward our common goal of making Saskatchewan the best place for Métis families to live, work and build strong futures," Sonntag said.

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For more information, contact:

Alethea Foster
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: afoster@fnmr.gov.sk.ca