Alberta Mtis push for self-government agreement by 2019

The Mtis Nation of Alberta (MNA) says it hopes to settleoutstanding andinherent issues concerning their people'srights to harvest and govern themselves by 2019.

The MNA updated members on the progress doneto achieve thisduring its annual general assembly in Lac La BicheFriday. Leadership urgedits citizens to support the creation of a constitution when it comes to a vote Saturday.

"We are a nation. We know what we need to fully express our rights to self-government. We need our own constitution," MNAPresident Audrey Poitras said Friday.

• Province tears up tickets after fish seized from Alberta Mtis camp
• Despite apology, Mtis leader still stuck with ticket for illegal fishing
• Province apologizes after wildlife officers seize fish from northern Alberta Mtis camp

Self-government for the Alberta Mtis could mean managing their own healthcare, education and child welfare systems.

But self-government and harvesting rights have been prickly topicsamong Mtis and thefederaland provincial governments.

At least one of those issues reached a boiling point lastSeptember when wildlife officers swooped into a cultural harvesting camp in the Mtis community of Conklin and seized smoked fish. Officers allegedthe fish were obtained without a licence.

It caused an uproar after the community posted about the officers' actions on social media.

Alberta's Minister ofIndigenous RelationsRichard Feehanlater apologized.

RAW: Alberta Fish and Wildlife seize fish from a Mtis camp

7 years ago

Duration 1:56

WARNING: Video contains language some might find offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers seize fish from a Mtis camp outside Conklin, just south of Fort McMurray. Video supplied by Roxy Power.

Since the ruckus, MNA's legal counsel Jason Madden said the Mtis Nation has been in discussions with the province abouthunting and fishing concerns.

And he hopes Alberta's provincial cabinet will approve a Mtis provincial consultation and harvesting policy soon.

When it comes to self-government, Madden said talks beganwith the federal government in January. They hopeto settle on an agreement-in-principle in 2019.

Already the MNA, Madden said, has achieved interim steps toward Canada recognizing Mtis rights and nationhood.

The federal government has agreed to a consultation policy and Parks Canada has given Mtis free admission.

But before an agreement-in-principle is inked, the MNA needs a constitution, Madden said.

Like any sovereign government, a constitution would outline the priorities and governance structures of the Alberta MtisNation and it would replace the organization's bylaws.

"We're hoping through the work of this assembly that Mtis will be developing a constitution moving towards self-government in the very near term," Madden said.

MNA president Audrey Poitras urged the Nation's citizens to approve the parameters of a Mtis constitution, which will be drafted after the three-day general meeting ending Sunday.

• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS: Wildfire evacuees inspire Edmonton couple to vacation in Fort McMurray
• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:Northern Alberta hamlet happy with first taste of lower-priced groceries
• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:Up, up and away! Researchers study X-rays from aurora borealis

Poitras and Madden both said the time is right for Alberta's Mtis and the Crown to arrive at a self-government agreement.

Recent court decisions and the political will, they said,exists to get the work done.

"It is because of those court cases," Madden said. "Combined with the federal government's approach to these issues that we are at this unique moment in time."

Connect with David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitter,LinkedInor email him atdavid.thurton@cbc.ca