By: Zahraa Olleik
On the weekend of May 22nd – 24th, 2026, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) convened its bi-annual Métis Nation Legislative Assembly, or MNLA, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it. While it was an opportunity to witness governance in action, more importantly, it was an opportunity to witness resistance, responsibility, service to people, and kinship and community-building.
The MNLA is the governing body of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and has the authority to enact legislation, regulations, rules, and resolutions governing its citizens. It comprises all the Local Presidents elected from each locality within the 12 regions in Saskatchewan, the Provincial Métis Council, four representatives from the Métis Women of Saskatchewan, and four representatives from the Provincial Métis Youth Council. The MNLA is typically held twice a year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring.
Throughout the event, I kept looking around, trying to soak up as much knowledge as I could. After the Legislative Assembly, I reflected on what takeaways, lessons, and teachings I could draw from such an important event. Now, a few weeks out, I believe I was assigned to the most important factor of the event.
I was assigned to make sure Lii Vyeu Moond (the Old Ones or Elders) were taken care of. Whilst ensuring the Elders had what they needed, I also had the opportunity to connect and chat with some of the Elders who came from all over Saskatchewan and from diverse walks of life. They each had their unique personalities, but one thing they had in common was the wealth of knowledge they had to share with the Legislative Assembly and with me.
On April 21st, 2026, the Provincial Métis Council passed a resolution stating, “Whereas MN-S is committed to supporting Knowledge Carriers, Lii Vyeu Moond, Lii Vyeu, Kihtēyak, Kēhtēayak, and Ąłnëdhë (the Old Ones or Elders), who play a prominent, vital, and respected role by carrying teachings and lived experiences that guide the MN-S.” Therefore, for the purposes of this MNLA, up to eighteen Old Ones or Elders should be seated on the Legislative Assembly floor in front of all the MNLA members.
Elders carry the continuity of Métis governance: they remind us that today’s decisions are part of a longer story of survival, resistance, and responsibility. Any time the debate was getting off track, or local presidents and representatives seemed to have lost sight of what was important, an Elder would chime in to ground everyone and remind the Assembly what we were all there for – to work together to improve the lives of their citizens. It was a good reminder for me (and probably everyone there) that decisions, especially within governance, are not made within a vacuum. Governance is not solely procedural, but it is a relational process, rooted in accountability and the well-being of people.
Another important element of the Legislative Assembly is that when an Elder wanted to speak during debate, they were pushed to the front of the line to speak and acknowledged by the Speaker rather than being added to a Speaker’s List. This stood out to me because it showed that respect for Elders was not only discussed but also actively built into the way the Assembly functioned. Their voices were not treated as an addition to the discussion, but as something that deserved immediate attention and care. It showed that Elders are not only participants in the Assembly, but they hold a special place as knowledge-keepers, advisors, and respected voices within the community. Making space for Elders to speak first recognizes that their words carry the weight of lived experience, historical memory, and cultural guidance. It also reminded everyone present that governance is not just about efficiency or formal debate, but about respect and listening to others.
The Elders also showed, through their demeanour and their stories, that true leadership is not about status. It is about humility, patience, listening, and responsibility to the community. The Elders did not join because they wanted to be glorified, placed above others, or treated as figures of authority for the sake of recognition. They did not present themselves as leaders in a way that demanded attention or praise. Instead, their leadership came through their humility and sense of responsibility. They spoke when they felt their words could guide the community, and they listened to others as people who understood the weight of collective decision-making. This made their presence even more powerful.
My experience at the MNLA has shown me that Métis governance is grounded not only in rules and resolutions but also in values of honour, humility, and intergenerational responsibility. I learned a lot not just about how Métis governance runs, but also about how things in life should be done. It was an experience that I will cherish for years to come.
Maarsii poor toon taan. Thank you for your time.