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Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Senate The Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Senate (Senate) was established in September of 1991 in an aim to provide Elders with an opportunity to guide the governance activities of the elected leadership. The senate was also given the responsibility to provide the needed historical understanding and experience to the development of Métis culture. They were to provide advice and consultation on important matters to the Métis Nation. The roles and responsibilities of the Senate were further considered in the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Constitution in December 1993, providing the Senate with the quasi-judicial role of dispute resolution at the regional and local levels. The work of the Senate was always recognized and continues to be recognized as an integral part of the governance of the Métis Nation and the institutions that are developed therefrom. Further, as the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan undertakes to govern its citizenship through the development of legislation, the role of the Senate is recognized as the desire of all of the people to honour our history and traditions and the values imbedded in each. Their experience and knowledge has proved a necessary light in a sometimes-darkened journey.
History of the Evolution of Roles and ResponsibilitiesIn its earliest stages, the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Senate worked in the capacity of advisor to the Métis Nation and its leadership. This function was performed at local, provincial and national levels, and the Senate was recognized as having the mandate to help define the visions and mission of the governing body. Clearly, the Senate perceived their role as guardian of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Constitution and to speak always on behalf of the people on matters of governance. As the structure of the Senate was such that each of the twelve Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Regions would appoint one Senator, with one representative from the Métis Women of Saskatchewan; these lifelong appointments were meant to bring consistancy to the inevitable growth and change of the governance structures.Today the Senate is responsible for the swearing-in of the members of the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (Executive, Regional Directors, Local Presidents); for initiating laws respecting decorations, medals of honour or other commemorative honours of the Métis Nation; and for resolving internal disputes among members of the Legislative Assembly and any of the Locals and Regional structures or Women's representative bodies within the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan. Their role has expanded to include the undertaking of all ceremonial activities, including opening and closing prayers, flag ceremonies and the playing of the anthem. Further, they were mandated to oversee the election process and serve in that capacity as the Métis Elections Commission and the Appeals Commission, as required. The quality of service of the Senate to the Métis Nation, its government and its citizens, is recognized by the expansion of Senate roles and responsibilities. The Métis Nation - Saskatchewan will continue to seek core governance funds from government to support the work of the Senate in order to ensure this work can be sustained in all existing and future developments of the Nation. Currently, the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Senate receives its authority from a variety of sources, recognized formally in the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan Constitution of 1993, Article 12 – Senate Women and Youth. The Constitution sets out the powers of the Senate in regards to regional and local disputes, elections and matters of citizenship. The mandate and powers of the Senate are set out in the Senate Act, with further clarification of their roles in each of the respective jurisdictions of citizenship, legislative authority and elections in the respective pieces of legislation - Legislative Assembly Act; Elections Act; and Citizenship Act. The Senate have a role also in the Wildlife and Conservation Act. The Métis Nation - Saskatchewan legislation clearly sets out the leadership role that the Senate has been given in the governance of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, a role that allows for all grievances to be heard and to be dealt with in a fair and expedient manner. The leadership is further provided with a sound second thought and sound judgment process through access to a formal committee of our Elders through the Senate process. The role of the Senate in the continued development of the Métis in Saskatchewan cannot be stressed enough. The wisdom and patience of the Senators can only strengthen the future for all, both within the Métis Nation and within the country of citizens with whom we co-exist in Canada. The Senate provides an opportunity for all Canadians to access our proud past, to be comforted by the knowledge that the future will indeed be grounded in the past and that the development of the Métis governance will be premised upon the courage and pride and respect that our Elders have shown over history and amidst great struggle.
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