Kelly Lake accepted as 39th Metis Chartered Community in British Columbia

KELLY LAKE, B.C. – The Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA) voted to accept the Métis Community Society of Kelly Lake as the 39th Chartered Community of the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC).

“This milestone for Kelly Lake will benefit the people of the community through infrastructure, housing renovations and assistance with everyday living such as being provided with firewood, fuel money for doctor visits and helping with the cost of uncovered medications and food supplies,” said Curtis Belcourt, president of the Métis Community Society of Kelly Lake.

The historical significance of Kelly Lake’s acceptance goes back generations, according to a release. It was founded in 1910 by Métis from Jasper House. The community has a history of traditional Métis entrepreneurial artisanship.

Usually, a Métis Chartered Community has a board of directors with a president elected by the Métis Citizens who live in the catchment area. Métis Chartered Communities deliver most of the community-level programs that MNBC offers both Citizens and Métis who are not registered citizens.

“I am so proud of the work Curtis and the entire group in Kelly Lake have done to make this a reality,” says Paulette Flamond, MNBC Director for Region 7. “I also raise my hands to MNBC for making Kelly Lake the location of its first Citizenship recruitment drive. Getting more of our Métis communities registered for us is a vital goal of this Cabinet.”

MNBC has changed its map of Métis Chartered communities in BC to reflect the addition of its 39th community.