Métis Relations - MNS Bilateral Process

Saskatchewan joined with the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan to establish a bilateral process to discuss matters of mutual concern. Under the Bilateral Process Agreement (1993), the parties discuss policy and program matters and develop joint strategies respecting federal jurisdictional and financial arrangements for the Métis. First Nations and Métis Relations is the lead agency for the Government of Saskatchewan.

The bilateral process is structured as follows:

1. Leaders Forum - Premier of Saskatchewan and the President of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan

2. Tier I Committee - Provincial Ministers and the Executive of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan. Tier I is the forum for the parties to consult on relationship and process issues, develop joint strategies respecting federal jurisdictional and financial arrangement and address policy and sector program issues. The Tier I Committee provides direction to the Tier II Committee.

3. Tier II Committee - Provincial Deputy Ministers/Officials and Technicians of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan. The Tier II Committee's primary responsibility is to support Ministers and the Métis Nation Executive. Specifically, the parties consult on technical program and policy matters, and provide technical and professional advice and resolve issues raised at the Tier I level.

Chronology of Events…

1993: The Métis Society of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan signed a five-year Bilateral Process Agreement on June 24 establishing the process.

1997: In 1997, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan enter into a Memorandum of Understanding on November 15 agreeing to a practical agenda related to a variety of strategic Métis initiatives.