- Organizing Métis: Adversarial AND Reconciliatory

Activists within the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) are pushing to get their leaders to cut ties with Israel, take a stand for Palestine, and end their partnership with Ben-Gurion University. Their efforts haven't exactly been appreciated by everyone.

Returning guest and Métis activist, Ben Nolan, explains the politics involved with the partnership and the reluctancy to end it. He also draws parallels to other comprador style positions the MMF, and its longtime President David Chartrand have taken - like giving Bill C5 their stamp of approval, or standing with Winnipeg Police after they shot and killed Eishia Hudson.

Challenging power is never easy, but there are added layers of complexity to organizing in an adversarial way when so much more is at stake.

Sonja Stone, a registered social worker and member of the MMF Two-Spirit Michif Local, talks about the balance that's needed to maneuver through these discussions without fracturing the MMF community. Sonja shares very specific ways in which they organize to accommodate queer and neurodivergent members, and provide a space of care within the chaos of politics.

Similar to the treatment Palestinian solidarity activists have received inside their unions, or even within the NDP, push back comes in all forms - sometimes openly hostile.

A third, anonymous member of the MMF talks about how shocked they were to see young Metis advocates shouted down and threatened with violence for bringing forth a motion on Palestine, and stressed the importance of "horizontal reconciliation" within the community.

Hear how these activists plan to push for change, fight for a Free Palestine, AND strengthen their bonds with the community at the same time.

Hosted by: Jessa McLean

Related Episodes:

* Whatever It Takes: Land Back (Sep 2022) Layla Staats and Skyler Williams of Six Nations of the Grand River, speaking about their efforts to ensure the survival of their community.

* Making Connections From Salish Sea to Palestine (Feb 2026) Sisters in film, Rawan Ramini and Jada-Gabrielle Pape were brought together for the film, From Salish Sea to Palestine. They joined Blueprints to talk about their use of the medium to make connections between movements, and tell the 'true stories' of their people.

* Exposing Toronto Police Tactics (Sep 2024) Activist and journalist Benjamin Nolan on the Toronto Police Services' violent responses to peaceful protests and their use of the knee-on-neck technique.

More Resources:

* CBC: Make it 5 for MMF president David Chartrand, running uncontested again

* CBC: Police shooting of Eishia Hudson not justified, earlier assessment flawed, expert tells inquest

* MMF Website: An International Education Exchange Between The Red River Métis And Israel

Get even more (free) content on our SUBSTACK.

All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon

Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky