David Chartrand, vice-president of the Metis National Council, wanted to give his delegation a peek inside 100 Wellington St., the former U.S. embassy across from Parliament Hill. Chartrand says the Metis space is ready to go and he wanted to show it to his visiting delegation, but he encountered roadblocks getting into the building. He believes Indigenous leaders shouldn’t have to ask permission from federal bureaucrats to access the space, even if it hasn’t officially opened yet. The talks include a proposal to give the Algonquin Nation the empty lot beside the building as their own distinct space. Chartrand says his people are frustrated by the delays in the project, especially after lengthy negotiations among the three national Indigenous organizations over the last two years have been successful.

Source: thestar February 09, 2020 11:03 UTC