Otipemisiwak Government

I would like to share the article for any who may not have seen it in your local paper:

In August 2022, a draft Constitution was tabled with delegates at the MNA’s( Metis Nation of Alberta) 94th Annual General Assembly by the MNA Constitution Commission. After two and a half years of extensive community engagement that included focus groups, community gatherings, hearings, written feedback and a previously circulated draft, delegates at the assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of moving forward with a province-wide ratification vote. Why do we want self-government? "When the constitutions of Indigenous governments are recognized by other levels of government – federal and provincial – they provide legitimacy and enable Indigenous governments to represent their citizens more effectively. With a constitution in place, an Indigenous government can also better respond to citizens’ needs, provide appropriate services, and position their citizens to pursue long-term economic opportunities. The MNA will be holding a general election for the new Otipemisiwak Metis Government in September 2023. Otipemisiwak is a Cree word used to describe the Metis People, it means “People who govern themselves”. The new Otipemisiwak Metis government has gone through second reading at Parliament. It will receive one more reading then will be sent to the Senate, after which it can receive Royal Assent. The current MNA's six large regions will be transitioned into twenty-two smaller districts represented by a Citizen’s Representative at the provincial level and a District Captain at the local level. This government will be comprised of four branches -the Citizens Gathering The AGA (Annual General Assembly) will be renamed the Citizen’s Gathering and will be convened each summer by the Citizen’s Council to provide the annual report to the citizens, update citizens on important matters, provide those citizens a forum to ask questions and allow citizens to provide their views on any proposed amendments to the Constitution - the District Councils The District Council will be composed of an elected District Captain and councilors, this council is meant to replace the current regional boards and Locals. The Constitution sets out the authorities and responsibilities of the council to conduct consultation on behalf of its citizens. - the Citizen's council The Citizens Council will be composed of the President, the Woman’s Representative, the Youth Representative, all of which are elected every four years in a general election. Citizen Representatives, one per district – twenty-two in total, will also sit on the board and they are elected every 4 years by each respective district. The Citizen's Council will have the power to introduce and pass laws in relation to all matters falling within the Otipemisiwak's government’s jurisdiction. - the Judicial Branch The structure of the Judicial Branch is purposely left open so the new government can create the judicial bodies it needs to carry out the responsibilities identified in the Constitution. Metis citizens will be voting either in person, on-line or by mail from September 13th to September 19th. Citizens will need to elect one Provincial President. The offices of Women’s Representative and Youth Representative have been acclaimed. Each District must also vote for their Citizen Representative September 13th to 19th, although some districts are acclaimed as well." I hope when you vote you will consider supporting me as your Citizen's Representative to ensure your voices are heard at the provincial level. I believe in a government that is transparent and accountable to its citizens. Thank you, Wendy Snow District 8 Citizen's Representative Candidate