The Metis Nation-Saskatchewan has officially opened a new office space in Ottawa.
The MN-S held was was described as a soft launch of the new building near Parliament Hill this week.
The office space will be known as Le Magazaen.
Leadership from the Metis Nation says the office space will help build nation-to-nation relationships with the Government of Canada in the “heart of the nations capital.”
“When we work together and trust each other, everyone wins,” said MN-S President Glen McCallum. “That’s the spirit we bring to this space – wanting to have conversation, work together, and share success.”
MN-S Vice President Michelle LeClair echoed McCallum’s sentiment saying the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan must be present where decisions that affect Metis citizens are made.
“We have, for too long, had others advocating on our behalf,” said LeClair. “To ensure federal leaders truly understand who the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan is, we must be the ones opening doors, walking into those offices, and building relationships face-to-face.”
The MN-S says the office space is specifically designed to evoke a spirit of kitchen-table meetings.
The space will also feature several pieces of artwork on loan from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
Meanwhile, some Metis citizens have criticized the move saying the MN-S should focus money on Metis issues in Saskatchewan rather than an office in Ottawa.
(TOP PHOTO – A provided photo of the Le Magazaen office space in Ottawa)