The almost two-hour ceremony on Tuesday, replete with a fiddle player, prayers, speeches and gifts, was called a historic step in recognizing the Métis nation’s right to self-government. Critics said it's a sure sign an election is around the corner with the Trudeau government using a longtime ally, federation president David Chartrand, in its quest to solidify its position ahead of a fall vote.
"Very clearly, we are the government of the Métis people," Chartrand said after the outdoor signing of what he called a "modern-day treaty" with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, who participated virtually from Toronto.