Culture

Message from Minister responsible for Culture, Heritage and Language

Proactive steps to promote our culture are essential if we are to take the public’s awareness to the next level. While festivals and other events are certainly important, and should be continued energetically, the citizens of British Columbia would respond favorably to a broader and more concerted approach. The objective would be to demonstrate that the Métis Nation is more than another group to be acknowledged within the popular concept of multiculturalism. Rather, our Nation, like the First Nations and Inuit is an integral and unique (there are no comparable peoples anywhere in the world) part of Canada’s historic identity. There are many aspects to this but, taken together, they define the crucial role of the Métis in bridging the First Nations and European cultures when our country was taking form. Beyond the obvious features of this role there is the more subtle influence upon our common, and particular, attributes as Canadians everywhere. The spirit of connection with the wilderness, the determination and the will to share in its benefits affects us all. It is this blend of cooperation, pragmatism and energy that the Métis people and their culture have given to the Canada.

Rene Therrien
Métis Nation British Columbia
Minister responsible for Culture, Heritage and Language