Joe Daigneault, the current President of the Sipisishk Metis Local #37, gives an update on the recent annual general meeting.

New executives were chosen and a new mandate was agreed upon. Daigneault admits there has been challenges since the meeting, such as setting up a central office and moving forward with administrative work. However, he says there has been steady progress.

Daigneault also mentions that there has been little support from the regional level but positive progress is being made over time.

President Daigneault also stated that there is a duty to consult on the many issues that impact their local citizens and rights-bearing people. The goals are to make changes to better protect rights and engage with the communities. 

Daigneault highlights the urgency for the province to listen to the voices of the First Nations people and communities, especially in the light of the logging industry polices that are being driven by the economy.

The president notes that due to the dryness this year, some companies may damage an area identified as a commercial harvesting area. He also emphasizes that partnerships should be developed moving forward. 

Joe Daigneault encourages in investing in local education systems and infrastructure and believes that a regional approach to creating new systems would be more effective.

The Metis Local moving forward again is looking forward to establishing itself at a local level. They seek support and change so they can better support the people and communities that they represent.

The Annual General Meeting saw great attendance which is encouraging moving forward together.