'We disagree': Métis in Saskatchewan locked in dispute over governance

A long-standing conflict between factions of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MNS) continues, despite recent meetings aimed at finding a way through a variety of governance issues.

At the heart of the disagreement is the timing and composition of a Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA), a key gathering to determine policy questions, among other things, for Métis in the province. 

We're right where we've been since day one.- Robert Doucette, president of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan

The rift has coalesced around two camps: one led by MNS vice-president Gerald Morin and the other by its president, Robert Doucette.

The two sides met Saturday in Regina.

Doucette said there's no resolution in sight.

"We're right where we've been since day one," he said. "We disagree about the MNLA, and where we need to go."

He said disagreement remains over who should be involved in the assembly.

For his part, Morin said conflict among politicians is not unusual.

"Just because we disagree — in the same fashion politicians do at other levels — then why should that be a big sin in our case and okay in other cases?" he said. "It's legitimate political discourse ... it's not wrong."

The dispute has led to a federal funding freeze imposed on the organization because, in order to access federal money, it needs to hold two legislative assemblies per year.