By Jeremy Appel Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) members announce that Andrea Sandmaier has been elected president in their first election under the Otipemisiwak self-governance framework, First Nations are criticizing how the new MNA governance structure was foisted upon them without consultation. They are joining voices with several Metis groups who have also expressed concerns. Chiefs from Treaties 6, 7 and 8 announced they were joining Ontario First Nations in opposition to Bill C-53, which was tabled by the federal government on June 21. The proposed legislation formalizes the Canadian government’s recognition of “certain” Metis governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario as self-governing entities constitutionally on par with First Nations. Assembly of First Nations Interim National Chief Joanne Bernard called the bill a “colonial piece…
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