SASKATOON — Economic development, emergency preparedness and strengthening the lines of communication with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan citizens are the focus of MNS leadership, according to president Glen McCallum.
McCallum led the two-day 2026 MNS Legislative Assembly over the weekend, held Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, at Prairieland, where the organization’s leaders discussed self-governance and the needs of their citizens, Locals and Regions.
McCallum said the meeting is an opportunity for Métis leaders to reflect on where the government currently stands and where it needs to go, with discussions centred on treaty matters, economic opportunities and improving how the provincial government works with its 12 regions.
“The main theme of this assembly is reset, meaning where we are and where we’re going. There are quite a few resolutions passed regarding fine-tuning ourselves to be more focused on issues that are facing our people right across our province,” said McCallum.
He added that listening to regional leadership and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes are two of the most important aspects of the assembly, noting that the discussions moved smoothly because delegates were largely united in their priorities and approach.
McCallum said they expect increased activity around economic development and treaty-related initiatives in the coming months, especially with ongoing investments in regional infrastructure, including the development of Métis family centres, Ma Faamii.
The centres will be in communities such as Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Yorkton and Beauval, and are intended to give Métis citizens easier access to government services and information in their own regions, rather than relying solely on the provincial head office.
McCallum also highlighted ongoing work on health initiatives, including plans for a treatment centre in Batoche. He said discussions are continuing with both the provincial and federal governments regarding capital funding for the project.
“We have a supportive provincial government regarding 50 beds, and we have ongoing conversations and negotiations happening as far as capital funding. Hopefully, in the near future, we can break ground in Batoche for treatment centres,” said McCallum.
He also revealed that partnerships among First Nations, Métis communities, the Saskatchewan government and other major industry partners are advancing natural resource and economic development projects in northern Saskatchewan.
“Our role has always been to have the resources available for negotiations. There’s more activity regarding putting pieces together in the different regions to be able to talk about economic development and how important that is,” McCallum said.
McCallum said they are also preparing for several major cultural and community events, including the elders’ gathering in Pinehouse, Back to Batoche Days and the Île-à-la-Crosse 250th anniversary celebration, scheduled for July 3-7. He said organizers are anticipating strong attendance at Back to Batoche Days this summer, with the possibility of more than 43,000 people attending.
McCallum also discussed preparations for the upcoming wildfire season following severe impacts in parts of Saskatchewan last year, with the assembly passing a state of emergency resolution and working closely with provincial and federal partners on emergency response planning.
“We need to be more vocal, more engaging with the province and the federal government. We’re working on our own plans and assigned a minister responsible for working on emergency response planning,” added McCallum.
He said the organization is continuing discussions with cities, hotels and other communities that helped accommodate evacuees during previous wildfire emergencies, and pointed to Batoche as one possible location for temporary accommodations for displaced families.
The Spring 2026 Legislative Assembly passed the comprehensive $258-million 2026-27 operating budget. MN-S Treasurer Jeremy Denomie said the budget reflects the people the organization serves. Outgoing MN-S Finance Minister Marg Friesen added that, despite being an austerity budget, it includes $61 million for citizens. That includes $15.8 million for Regions and Locals, a 10 per cent increase.
