Mtis Nation in B.C. votes to declare self-government, with plans to forge new relationship with province

Members of thelargest Indigenous nation in the province havevoted to declare self-government with the goal of preserving its culture and language for future generations.

The vote, held during Mtis Nation British Columbia's (MNBC) annual general meeting in February, makes MNBC and its 20,000 registered citizens the official government of the Mtis community in B.C.

Patrick Harriott, minister of culture, language and heritage for MNBC, says it also means engaging ina government-to-government relationship with the provincemoving forwards, something he hopes will mean more money and support for projects important toMtispeople.

"We are just not getting that kind of attention from government," said Harriott, speaking Monday on CBC's On The Coast.

Future possibilities

Harriott said while theMichif language of Mtis people is considered endangered, MNBC has not been able to access any of the$50 million for Indigenous language revitalizationannounced by the provincein 2018 and this move could change that.

It could also help MNBC establish a formalagreement with the province when it comes to government care ofMtis children and the families they are placed with.

By declaring self-government, MNBC can also create its own institutions.

Harriott said he felt the timing was right to take this step in the wake ofB.C.'s passing of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in 2019.

"We really wanted political efficacy for our people," he said.

The next step, according to Harriott, is for MNBC and provincial government delegates to discuss the finer details of the new relationship.

LISTEN| Patrick Harriott talks to CBC's On The Coast abouta historic milestone in B.C. Indigenous history: