The Métis National Council gathering on Métis Guardians and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) planned for March 17-18, 2020 in Vancouver, BC is being postponed. This decision was made based on current public health concerns with respect to the COVID-19 virus.
Given the importance of issues around lands, environmental conversation and stewardship, the Métis National Council is working with its partners to reschedule the gathering at the earliest opportunity.
The Métis National Council is taking proactive preventative measures to minimize risks to Métis citizens and communities. Some citizens may already have been exposed to the virus as a result of travel and meetings and are in self-quarantine and a means of prevention. For the time being, the MNC will proceed only with essential meetings. It will continue to assesses public health risks and take appropriate actions for gatherings on a case-by-case basis.
We thank all citizens for doing their part in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our families, our communities and our nation as well as that for all people in Canada and globally.
David Chartrand,
Vice-President and National Spokesperson
Download signed Public Statement (PDF)