Batoche, Sask. — Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) is moving closer to a self-government treaty with Ottawa. Rebecca Alty, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, said both sides have finalized a draft agreement. “It’s an important milestone today of having that draft agreement that’s going to start going through the next steps,” Alty told reporters at Back to Batoche. The annual gathering, now in its 56th year, is held at the site of the 1885 Battle of Batoche. About 40,000 people are expected to attend the celebration of Métis history, culture and identity. MN-S President Glen McCallum had hoped the treaty process would be further along by the start of Back to Batoche. “Today was supposed to be the day we initial with the federal government. There’s a few hiccups happening,” McCallum said during the opening ceremonies. McCallum said he’s confident in the process. “We will succeed,” he told reporters. The draft treaty now enters the federal approval process before it goes to Métis citizens for community engagement and a vote.
