Métis Nation BC (MNBC), the federally and provincially recognized Nation representing Métis people in British Columbia, is urging those who self-identify as Métis or those with probable Métis heritage to register as a citizen of the Nation.
“Registration is important to connect with your community,” MNBC Acting Vice-President Louis De Jaeger says.
MNBC is working hard to build its Nation. It has invested in more resources to ease the current backlog to help speed up the application process.
What is MNBC?
MNBC is the voice of Métis people, representing nearly 90,000 Métis people in BC. MNBC is there to help Métis Citizens through a variety of programs and services.
MNBC works to ensure a safe place for every Métis to call home, supports and creates viable Métis businesses, offers employment and skills training, provides an elders assistance program, and offers opportunities for early learning and childhood development.
Who is Métis?
The Métis National Council General Assembly adopted a national definition in 2002 that established that “Métis” means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry and who is accepted by the Métis Nation.
The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people and Nation recognized as one of the three Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Métis emerged in the late 18th century as the mixed offspring of Indigenous women and European fur traders. This population established a distinct community with its own unique culture, traditions, language, and way of life.
Why you should register as a citizen
By registering as a citizen with MNBC you have access to benefit programs, including post-secondary, trade school, and entrepreneurship grants.
Registering as a citizen can also provide a sense of belonging and personal insight that comes from connecting with a missing piece of your identity.
“People can get their culture back. They can work with language revitalization and fill that hole to be proud of who they are,” De Jaeger says.
“The most rewarding thing is when I help people and get registered and they break down and realize they’re finally the person they should be. It’s a healing moment.”
To learn more and become a registered Métis today, visit www.mnbc.ca.
