More voters, more excitement for Métis Nation-Sask. election, prof says

Métis citizens in the province will head to the polls this weekend for what could be one of the most exciting Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) leadership elections in recent memory, according to an expert in Métis governance and politics.

Citizens are voting for four executive leadership and 12 regional director positions that make up the Provincial Métis Council. Advance voting is over, leaving election day on May 24 as the last chance to vote.

"In the last 10 years, we've seen a practice of good governance and clean elections, and I think there's a lot of citizens that are ready to participate in this government and moving this government forward," said Kurtis Boyer, a University of Saskatchewan assistant professor and the Research Chair in Métis governance and policy at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

"I think we'll see an increase in votes being cast in this election … and on the minds of the citizens will be just simply the things that have brought them to citizenship: programs and services, the movement toward self government and the practice of good governance."

There are almost 28,000 eligible voters this election, up from about 16,000 in the 2021 election, said Gwen LaFond, the MN-S chief electoral officer.

"We are fully staffed and expecting a good voter turnout," LaFond said. "It is the last opportunity for Métis citizens to cast their vote and we're excited to see the turnout."

There are five candidates for MN-S president: Naz Chalifoux, Kevin Henry, Bonnie Grace Marwood, incumbent Glen McCallum and Lisa McCallum. Citizens can also vote for vice-president, treasurer and secretary in addition to voting for one of 12 regional directors.

One of the big tasks for the new MN-S administration is negotiating a modern treaty and self-government agreement with Ottawa, a process that began several years ago with a goal of finishing this year.

"There's a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure that path continues and I think that's what voters are looking for in leadership today," Boyer said, adding that relationship-building with other governments will be key to a successful administration.

LaFond said the elections office changed a few policies to help inform voters and encourage turnout, such as adding candidate profiles and platforms to the election website instead of just a list of names. The elections team also focused on getting more youth involved and hired some to work at polling stations.

"We can use the polls to teach them about democracy … to grow them as Métis youth citizens, but also to help them understand the election process," LaFond said.

Boyer said he's seen more Métis youth on campus interested in politics and governance in recent years.

"They're informed and they know that their vote matters now.… So I think it's just a wonderful and exciting opportunity for young people to come and be involved in the nation building," Boyer said.

How to Vote

Election day is May 24 and polls are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST. Unofficial results will be available on the MN-S website later that night.

Eligible voters include Métis citizens who are at least 16 years old on May 24, 2025, and have lived in Saskatchewan for at least six months before election day. For regional representatives, voters must live in the region in which the candidates are running.

Citizens can register to vote at polling stations and will have to show a valid Métis citizenship card or a letter from the registrar showing eligibility for citizenship. Voters also need to show ID from an approved list and a Saskatchewan health card.

Voters must cast a ballot in the region where they reside. See the full list of polling stations in the province to find out where to vote.