Natural Resources
Introduction
Métis Nation BC is now issuing Harvesting Cards. MNBC citizens may apply for cards using the online link on the Harvesting Card page or by printing a copy of the forms and sending them to MNBC.
At this time, the MNBC Harvesting Card may only be used to replace the Federal Migratory Bird licence. Métis must continue to purchase all other government licences or face charges from enforcement officers.
The MNBC Harvesting Card does not authorize freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting (other than migratory birds), cutting timber or trapping.
Métis Harvesting Card holders may be committing an offence under the MNBC Natural Resource Act if they harvest game, fish, birds or animals that are not authorized by MNBC regulation.
Métis citizens of British Columbia desire sustainable use of our natural resources and sustainable use is said to include:
- Managing natural resources to meet present needs without compromising the needs of future generations;
- Providing stewardship of natural resources based on an ethic of respect for the land;
- Balancing economic, productive, spiritual, ecological and traditional values of natural resources to meet the economic, social and cultural needs of the Métis peoples and other aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities;
- Conserving biological diversity, soil, water, fish, wildlife, scenic diversity, and other natural resources; and
- Restoring damaged ecologies.
The implementation of the BC Métis Assembly of Natural Resources (BCMANR) should be, in principle, based on the success of the Métis people in the 1700-1800's. The "Buffalo Assembly" and the "Laws of the Prairies" were established by the "community" way of life. These communal commitments ensured the survival of the Métis people during tough times. The basic principles were; no "individual" way of thinking and "that strength was generated from the collective group". These principles were the basis of the historic Métis culture; therefore the present day infrastructure and principles should honor the past.
BCMANR's Provincial Captain Assembly
Each of the seven MNBC Regions appoints a highly-respected individual to represent their natural resource needs on a provincial level. These non-political Captains of Natural Resources form the Provincial Captain's Assembly. The Captain's selection process is highlighted in BCMANR's Policy and Procedures.
