A Saskatoon newspaper publisher says the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan needs to move beyond internal political disputes and onto larger issues affecting all Indigenous people in the province – such as jobs, education and inherent rights.
The feud came to a head earlier this week with about 20 vocal protesters rallying outside the MNS offices in Saskatoon.
John Lagimodiere, who owns and operates the monthly Aboriginal publication Eagle Feather News, says some Métis politicians may not agree with the direction MNS President Robert Doucette is taking as he works to overhaul the governance structure but they also have to recognize that he has been democratically elected in two elections.
“The people have spoke twice already and they’ve elected Robert Doucette as president twice, so obviously the general population thinks that Robert did a good enough job to get another mandate,” he says. “So, the people have spoken and it’s just that the politicians have to get together and if they don’t, then the people will speak again and we will see what happens come next election.”
Lagimodiere adds this image of division is not the message Métis politicians should be sending to both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal public.
He says he cannot remember seeing such an open division and stalemate during his 15 years covering Métis politics.
Some members of the provincial council accuse Doucette and his executive of not properly consulting with them before making governance changes and of financial irregularities.
The MNS has scheduled a legislative assembly meeting in Saskatoon for Sept. 6-8.