*Official KMC Response to the Daniels Decision*

The Kespu’kwitk Métis Council (KMC) is proudly celebrating with cautious optimism as the reality of the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in the Harry Daniels case on April 14, 2016 settles into our national identity. This ruling has clearly and explicitly recognized that Métis and non-status Indigenous people are “Indians” within the scope of Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act 1867. Our group became directly involved in this legal process when we signed a treaty with the Métis Federation of Canada (MFC) in May of 2015. We became one of four Nova Scotia Métis groups to contribute to this ruling, and the only one in Yarmouth County.  
 
While this is just a step in the process, there is great curiosity and anticipation in what this will mean for our organization and its members as conversations take place in the weeks, months and years ahead. Having been invited to discuss our heritage at the municipal, provincial and federal levels over the years, we are also hopeful that our modest and respectful reputation will continue to garner invitations to tables at all levels to be directly involved in those conversations. 

Through years of hard work and perseverance, the KMC has brought educational and employment opportunities to the Yarmouth area with the goal of growing respect, increasing awareness, and fostering understanding of our First Nations heritage as the primary focus. We hope that by being recognized under Sect. 91(24), we will be able to enhance these efforts for the benefit of not only our members but for the region as a whole through the development of broader educational, spiritual, and economic programs than those already in place. “This council is grassroots and led by our membership. As such, we will continue to work diligently on their goals while continuing to foster and promote our Métis heritage within our community,” surmised Leland Surette, Spiritual Leader of KMC. “The KMC focuses on programs, such as Youth Skill Link and Career Focus for our youth who need more business environment experience before entering the work force. We also provide assistance in other areas, such as administering the Heating Assistance Rebate Program for low income households,” offered Economic Development Officer Ron Surette. 

While there will always be work to be done and hurdles to clear, to have our heritage that was forged over 300 years ago acknowledged is a tremendous boost to our spirits. We will continue to live and contribute to our community as we always have, but with a renewed sense of identity that has for too long been a contentious issue for far too many people. It is our sincere hope that this decision leads to greater understanding and peace among all peoples sharing this great country.