Representation
Representation serves the key purpose of uniting diverse interests.
Historically, the Chief of the Hunt appointed representatives from every major household to various positions to ensure the unity of the camp. In the creation of the 1869 Provisional Government, Riel wanted to unite French Métis and English half-breeds under a united governance structure. For this reason, the 1869 the Legislative Assembly of the Provisional Government of Assiniboia was composed of 14 elected representatives from English-speaking parishes and 14 representatives from French-speaking parishes.
Representation was also a way to showcase success or apply particular knowledge. This is evident in the creation of committees entrusted to represent the collective interests in the provisional government. Members of committees could be chosen because of their expertise or knowledge on a given matter, their leadership qualities or their status – factors that were always weighed alongside the representation of French and English parishes.
Over time, the Métis vested political authority in larger, more complex, representative units. The unit of democratic representation thus shifted from families and households to parishes and settlements around the 1840s. Today, representation begins at the level of locals or communities where Métis citizens elect an executive body to guide their affairs. It is also evident at the provincial level where Métis citizens of each province elect representatives to advocate for their regional interests. These regional representatives also make up the executive decision-making body or the cabinet of each Métis governing body.
In addition to the local and regional representation, women and youth also occupy representative roles within Métis governing structures. Read more about women and youth.