Michelle LeClair

Vice President of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Minister of Justice, Minister of Environment. Proud Métis woman, a mother, and grandmother.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

I dedicate this Indigenous Language Day to my father Elder Albert LeClair who is a proud Métis man. The languages of our ancestors including Cree, Michif, French and English remain a source of pride for him. Maarsii, for your strength, your wisdom, and your pride in who we are.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

A huge maarsii to Batoche Homeland Métis Local #51 for hosting such an amazing 3rd Annual Kitchen Party & Social! What a fantastic night filled with music, dancing, great food, and even better company.

Attending a Métis Local celebration isn’t just about having fun—it’s also a great way to experience our heritage, connect with Métis citizens in your area, and be part of the community. If you’ve never been to one, I highly recommend it!

Looking forward to the next one!

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

What a beautiful day to kick off the 4th Annual Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Children’s Conference in Saskatoon!

The theme, ‘Aen Shoohkihaayahkok - Building a Strong Foundation for Our Early Learners’, highlights the importance of education as the key to success.

Through this conference, we’re promoting Métis identity, language, and culture in our youth while sharing knowledge from Métis cultural and Michif language experts. This event underscores the need for high-quality, culturally relevant early learning that nurtures Métis pride for future generations.

Thank you to all our educators, caregivers, and community members for your dedication to creating a bright future for our children. Let’s build a strong foundation together!

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

After decades of resilience, a historic step has been taken as an Agreement in Principle has been reached with Canada for the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School Survivors and their families. This moment is a testament to the strength of Survivors and the generations who have carried this fight forward.

While this agreement marks progress, the work is not done. The effects of the school are still deeply felt. Our MN–S government stands with Survivors as their journey for full justice continues.

To all who have fought for this recognition - you are seen, you are heard, and your voices matter.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

After three decades of asserting our inherent rights, Mètis Nation-Saskatchewan Government celebrates victory at the country’s highest level. This is a historic day for Mètis Nation-Saskatchewan and indigenous rights in Saskatchewan as today, Friday, February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the right to challenge Saskatchewan’s refusal to consult Mètis on impacts to Aboriginal title and commercial harvesting rights.

In the decision by the Supreme Court Justices, it states “That said, the unique context of litigation to vindicate Aboriginal rights must always be borne in mind, both as to whether an abuse of process exists and, if so, what follows from that — i.e., what order would be appropriate. Court procedures should facilitate, not impede, the just resolution of Aboriginal claims. […] “[t]he fundamental objective of the modern law of [A]boriginal and treaty rights is the reconciliation of [A]boriginal peoples and non-[A]boriginal peoples and their respective claims, interests and ambitions”

We could not have done this alone and we had a number of First Nations partners who supported us in this process. We thank them and hope this decision also benefits other section 35 rights holders.

You can read the full decision here: https://t.co/GXpzEmLfNH

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) believes that safe, affordable housing is a human right. We're taking action by investing in housing projects across the province, ensuring Métis families, seniors, and individuals have secure places to call home.

This week, MN–S proudly celebrated the opening of new housing initiatives in:

Meadow Lake – Affordable rentals for lower-income Métis families - two duplexes (4 units), 3 bedroom, and 1,000 sq ft - Designed by Zak's Building Group (Hague, Sk) - total MN-S project investment: 100%

Île-à-la-Crosse – Tiny homes & family housing in partnership with Sakitawak Development Corp. (SDC) - 10 homes total, (7) one-bedroom tiny homes, (3) three-bedroom homes - Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse donated the land - total MN-S project investment: 87%

Lloydminster – Accessible senior housing with Lloydminster Métis Housing Group, designed and built by Universal Consulting Group - two duplexes (4 units), two-bedroom, accessible units - total MN-S project investment: 84%

These projects reflect our commitment to finding solutions to homelessness and housing insecurity in our communities. Thank you to our staff, organizers, builders and supports for all your hard work!

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

We had the best time in Chitek lake with President Warren Boyer and local members! Lots of laughs, visiting and of course eating fresh fish!! Thanks so much Fern, Brenda and Rolene for the delicious meal.❤️

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

Even though it was cold out yesterday, 30 below. Many people came out to enjoy wagon rides, skating, storytelling at Batoche! So much fun. Thank you to our staff for a wonderful event! ♾️♾️

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

I had the pleasure of spending Saturday at the ERIII winter festival. The day started out at 31 below but warmed up to a balmy 20 below, with no wind. It was a beautiful day of fun and spending time in our historic community at the Lebret farm. Thank you Marg Friesen and ERIII for celebrating our culture. Growing our communities together through the sharing of language, culture and values!

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

Last week we met with Jamie Schmale, MP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, and his Saskatchewan colleagues MP Kelly Block and MP Corey Tochor.

MN-S is focused on building strong relationships with the federal government to better serve our citizens. We discussed advancing our self-government goals and key economic development opportunities, including funding for important infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan.

We're proud of the programs and services we offer and are excited to keep growing and working together on shared priorities for our communities.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

The North West council, consisting of Regions 2 and 3, met on Wednesday to strengthen a plan to protect our presence in northwest Saskatchewan.

Their focus is on our unique Métis identity—our culture, values, and language. Our history is one of strength and perseverance, and we are committed to passing down our traditions and connection to the land for future generations.

The North West Council is playing a key role in protecting our rights to harvest, use resources sustainably, and govern ourselves.

Together, we are protecting our Métis way of life in northwest Saskatchewan.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

As we gather with loved ones at Christmas, we remember how strong, resilient and united we have been over this last year. In 2024, our Métis Nation Saskatchewan has had a year of renewal and reflection; of successes and reconnecting with our roots and each other.

We look back on what has been achieved together: the preservation and promotion of Michif language, the expansion of cultural activities, and the advancement of governance and organising by people. All of these are accomplishments that testify to Métis perseverance and spirit.

I wish you and yours a Christmas that’s full of love, happiness, and harmony.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

What a great turn out for another C92 Engagement. Thank you to the Chitek Lake Local and President, Warren Boyer, for hosting us and for the wonderful supper.

So proud of our MN-S Child and Family Services team for the meaningful discussions. The breakout sessions were a fantastic way to get everyone involved. Our citizens know their communities and it showed, last night, with all the discussions.

There are more opportunities to attend a C92 Engagement in your community. Visit: https://t.co/48dOtlYd0o. This is OUR MOMENT.

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

Congratulations, Leroy Laliberte, on your election as the NDP MLA for Athabasca! Your decades of dedication to youth, wellness, and community development, along with your commitment to addressing critical issues in Northern Saskatchewan, have clearly resonated with the people you now represent. Thank you for inviting me to your swearing in ceremony. It was an honour to be there. Best wishes as you continue to champion the voices of your constituency!

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

Today was a beautiful day breaking ground in North Battleford for the future home of Ma faami centre. The MN–S is proud to be making our programs and services more accessible to our citizens. The Ma Faamii service centres help connect citizens to MN-S, community, and Saskatchewan programs. A coordinated effort can lead to support in health, housing, employment, education, economic development and social services. Ma Faamii Service Centres assist citizens as they navigate the complex network of programs and services across all levels of government. The goal of this government is to streamline the process and bring services to you, the citizens, where you live.

Finished off visiting Pam and auntie Therese! Beautiful people. ❤️

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

Lest we forget I spent the morning as I have for years at Sask place for Remembrance Day celebrating our hero’s. My grandfather was killed in action August 12,1944. Today, my grandson, now the 4th generation from him helped to lay a wreath in honour of our fallen heros. I share the story of John Henry Genaille, our grandfather. We thank all veterans for their service. ❤️

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

We spent this week in Ottawa meeting with members of Parliament from all parties and with senators. Our focus was on building upon our successes in self-government, expanding programs and services, and creating stronger relationships through shared understanding. We had meaningful discussions on advancing Kishchi Mashinaayikun Ooshchi Michif—the Sacred Document from the Michif���ensuring that we continue to support our citizens, families, and communities in a way that reflects our Métis identity, culture, values, and language.

As minister of Justice and Minister of Environment, I also spoke to the concerns our citizens have and how important and critical that we work together to be strong advocates for our citizens.

We thank those who met with us for their time, and we are committed to advocating for a strong, stable, and self-determining Métis government that empowers our citizens to grow, prosper, and thrive. #ourmomentmns @metisnationsask

[Michelle LeClair @mleclairvpmns]

Kishchi Mashinaayikun Ooshchi Michif - The sacred document from the Michif

https://t.co/TXbes15oQ1

[Métis Nation–SK @metisnationsask]

In an overwhelming vote of support, your MN–S government is immediately leaving the Métis National Council to focus solely on the pursuit of self-government and treaty for Saskatchewan Métis citizens. The Provincial Métis Council (PMC) unanimously passed the resolution at its regular monthly meeting today. A media release is here. https://t.co/ov2teJ5qQN