Introduction
Environment and Climate Change
We advance research, advocacy, and programs to help connect Métis Citizens to the natural environment in British Columbia. This is done through centering and empowering Métis voices and values in matters related to climate change and conservation. These efforts honour the connections between Métis Citizens and all our relations so we may strive for a healthy and thriving planet for current and future generations.
Food Security
We are mandated to strengthen Métis long-term access to cultural and nutritious foods and practices. This is achieved through research, advocacy, and programming that promotes skill-building and education around practices such as harvesting (hunting, fishing, gathering, etc.), agriculture, and gardening. By incorporating a lens of sustainability, responsibility, and stewardship, the Ministry uplifts Métis and all our relations to support healthy and self-sufficient Métis food systems.
Emergency Information
Our Ministry collaborates with provincial, federal, and municipal governments, Métis Chartered Communities, and our other partners to ensure the safety and well-being Métis across the province.
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If you are injured or experiencing a life-threatening incident, you should immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
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Ministry Programs and Resources
Our Ministry is proud to offer a variety of programs that respond to the needs of Métis Citizens. Our initiatives provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and enhanced well-being through connection to the land.
British Columbia Métis Assembly of Natural Resources (BCMANR)
The Ministry is proud to partner with BCMANR, a separate society that is affiliated with MNBC. Within the Natural Resources Act, BCMANR is a non-political committee that manages natural resources on behalf of the MNBC.
Resources
The Ministry has collected a variety of reports and other resources to guide Citizens and partners in playing an active role in conservation and food security.
Reports
Reports on Climate Change
Reports on Food Security
Reports on Emergency Preparedness
Use and Occupancy Mapping
Land Use research plays a significant role in giving Métis a strong voice when it comes to consultation processes and demonstrating that the land is important to us. This type of data can also assist in wildlife stewardship and conservation initiatives.
MNBC created a Hodgepodge map that documents land use between 2014 – 2020. While the map is incomplete, as not all Métis harvesters have been interviewed in B.C., it demonstrates strong Métis land use within the province.
Consultation
The Ministry works to bring a collective Métis voice on environmental issues in B.C., working with BCMANR and local Métis Chartered Communities to ensure Métis Citizens’ concerns are understood. The Ministry has provided feedback to various organizations on energy and natural resource projects, including the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Clean BC, BC Hydro, and Fortis BC. Ministry staff are also engaging with federal departments such as ECCC to ensure that legislation such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), Coal Mining Effluent Regulations (CMERs), and related policies protects Métis interests in the environment.
With the recent creation of the federal Major Project Office (MPO), along with Calls for Power from BC Hydro, B.C. is expected to see an increase in natural resource projects. These types of initiatives have the potential to negatively impact not only the environment, but also Métis cultural practices and well-being. Métis care deeply about nature and the human relationship to the natural world. It is becoming increasingly important that MNBC continue engaging with all levels of government and other external organizations and agencies to ensure Métis perspectives are considered and the appropriate mitigations are proposed to address impacts to Métis interests and the environment.
Additional Resources
Water Connects Us is a booklet to help you engage with species from mountains to ocean in B.C.
The Nature Speaks: Youth Art Contest Booklet features multi-media art from Métis youth across B.C.
Priority Papers
Our Ministry is grateful to share our priority papers, which guide our actions while holding us accountable to our goals.