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MTI Chiefs in New Brunswick reiterate they do not recognize ‘Acadian Metis’
- Mar 25, 2022
- 2 min read
March 25, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from the Chiefs of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc.
MTI Chiefs in New Brunswick reiterate they do not recognize ‘Acadian Metis’
MI’GMAG’I – The area over which the Mi’gmaq continue to hold title includes Kouchibouguac National Park. We are aware that Parks Canada has told the Vautour family they must vacate Kouchibouguac National Park by March 31st. For many years, the Vautour family has claimed that as ‘Acadian Metis’ they have title to the lands in the Park through the Mi’gmaq. The Chiefs would like to reiterate that these constitutionally protected rights have not been extended to the Vautour family or the ‘Acadian Metis’. Aboriginal and Treaty Rights cannot be extended to a group through any one individual.
The Mi’gmaq, The Metis National Council and the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB) have all rejected the notion that ‘Acadian Metis’ are a distinct Indigenous group. The courts in New Brunswick have also rejected any claims of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights from individuals claiming to be ‘Acadian Metis’. For the Vautours to continue to claim they have a right to the lands in Kouchibouguac through the Mi’gmaq is wrong and it must stop.
The Mi’gmaq and Acadians have a long history of respect, sharing and working with one another. While we have history of working together, the languages, cultures, and histories of the two groups are distinct. In Atlantic Canada, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals and groups claiming aspects of our culture to advance their own personal interest or gain. This is a form of cultural appropriation.
As Chiefs within the Mi’gmaq Nation, we cannot and will not allow individuals to claim status or have individuals claim to act on behalf of the Mi’gmaq especially when it involves extending Aboriginal and Treaty rights to non-Indigenous individuals. It is our obligation as Chiefs, and more importantly as Mi’gmaq, to protect and advance the rights and interests of our People.
