Module 1: The Principles of Early Learning

Métis

The Métis are a distinct people and nation. Their unique culture began on the plains of western North America during the late 1700s. At that time, European fur traders developed relationships with First Nations women. This resulted in children of mixed ancestry. Over time, mixed Indigenous people married other mixed Indigenous people, and developed a fusion of European and Indigenous cultures. In 1996, the Métis Nation was incorporated. It became the Métis Provincial Council of B.C.

In 2003, the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Constitution was approved. It created a new Métis governing structure, including

• The Senate
• Métis Nation Governing Assembly
• Métis Youth British Columbia
• Métis Women British Columbia
• Métis Veterans British Columbia
• British Columbia Métis Assembly of Natural Resources
• Provincial Métis identification registry

What does the MNBC do?

On behalf of nearly 17,000 registered Métis people in B.C., MNBC does the following

• Represents political, legal, social, and economic interests
• Undertakes advocacy, coordination, and policy-making
• Acts to protect and preserve Métis history
• Promotes and develops Métis culture
• Ensures Métis rights are understood and protected
• Helps coordinate and facilitate local activities of Métis communities