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Metis Nation of the South - FAQ
Questions:
- Are there dues or membership fees?
- Do I have to give up my citizenship in another nation to join MNS?
- Is MNS a separatist or militant group?
- I was adopted and have no way of proving my heritage. Can I still join MNS?
- My spouse is not Metis. Can he (or she) also be a member?
- Can anyone be an associate member?
- If I'm accepted as a member, are my children automatically included?
- What's the difference between a "member" and an "associate member"?
- If there are no fees, and no dues, how does MNS keep functioning?
- What are some of the long-term goals of MNS?
- Is MNS looking for federal recognition in the U.S.?
- Is MNS a non-profit organization?
- So what's the deal about Metis identification cards?
- I've heard that being a member of a Metis nation allows us to use eagle feathers in the practice of our religion. Is that true?
Answers:
Are there dues or membership fees?
None. The Metis Nation of the South does not charge fees for membership. We believe that "dues" are for clubs or associations, where payment is a requirement for joining and/or maintaining membership. One is either Metis, or one is not. Heritage cannot be purchased.
Do I have to give up my citizenship in another nation to join MNS?
Of course not. Multiple citizenship is allowed under the MNS constitution. Some of our members are members of federally recognized tribes as well as legal citizens of the country in which they live.
Is MNS a separatist or militant group?
Quite the opposite. We are a peaceful nation, co-existing harmoniously within our host nations of the United States, Mexico and Canada. We believe we can preserve our unique heritage and culture while remaining active useful citizens of our homelands. The Navajo code-talkers of World War II are a prime example of this type of "dual" identity.
I was adopted and have no way of proving my heritage. Can I still join MNS?
Quite possibly. Although we cannot guarantee membership to anyone, special consideration is given to adoption cases. Applicants who are adoptees should inlcude a statement with their application form explaining the circumstances that prevent them from completing the ancestral form. Verification by a second party may also be required. All applications for membership are considered on an individual basis.
My spouse is not Metis. Can he (or she) also be a member?
If your application for membership is approved, your non-Metis spouse is eligible to apply for associate member status.
Can anyone be an associate member?
No. Associate membership is limited to the extended family of an MNS member.
If I'm accepted as a member, are my children automatically included?
No one is "automatically" a member of MNS. You will need to register your children's names, and pertinent birth information, which can be done at the time you submit your own application. Qualifying children under the age of 18 are considered associate members. When they reach age 18, each child has the opportunity to register for full membership in MNS.
What's the difference between a "member" and an "associate member"?
A member of MNS is not only allowed, but expected, to take an active part in the government of the nation. We follow the traditional practices of our indigenous ancestors and every member has an equal voice, and an equal vote, in the laws and activities of MNS. Associate members may participate in all MNS activies, but do not have voting privileges.
If there are no fees, and no dues, how does MNS keep functioning?
The members of MNS have come together in trust on a basis of shared heritage and culture. Every officer or official volunteers their time, energy and efforts, and assumes the costs of fullfilling the duties of their office. With no money in the equation, there can be no "corruption."
What are some of the long-term goals of MNS?
Because our membership is spread thin geographcially, one of our first goals is to increase membership, including the formation of bands and clans. In addition to meeting, sharing and supporting each other via the internet, we hope to have places where members can meet in fellowship, perhaps hold powwows and other formal gathers. Our most important goal is preserving our unique heritage and culture for our children and our children's children. We feel the best way to do this is through international recognition of the Metis as an indigenous people. We work toward this end through peaceful, lawful measures within the world's diplomatic community. It is a slow process that will require patience and tenacity.
Is the MNS looking for federal recognition in the U.S.?
No. First of all, if MNS were to be federally recognized, its members would qualify for federal distributions through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. MNS was not created as a way to generate money, but as an effort to preserve and protect our heritage for future generations. Also, if MNS were to receive federal funds, it would take away some of the already limited funds being distributed to our brothers and sisters in the current federally recognized tribes. We want to add our voice to theirs in the call for international recognition of indigenous peoples rights -- not take away from anyone.
Is the MNS a non-profit organization?
No, and we don't want to be. Non-profit organizations are guided by their bylaws, but are ultimately governed by the state, province and/or federal government under which it is incorporated. As such, a non-profit organization cannot, under international law, consider itself a sovereign nation. Also, the rules for non-profit organizations are quite specific in that money received by the organization cannot be used to benefit the members of that organization. Any "nation" group or organization that tried to benefit itself in that way would be breaking the law.
So what's the deal about Metis identification cards?
Identification cards, in and of themselves are not a problem. Many, if not most, organizations, associations, groups, states and nations have identification or membership cards. As a general rule, these cards identify the holder as being a member of a particular organization, association, or group, etc. A "Metis" identification card falls in a special category. In Canada, the Metis are a federally recognized aboriginal people. A Metis card issued in Canada by a federal or provicially approved group gives the bearer certain rights and privileges. In some cases that can include housing and/or educational benefits, hunting rights, etc. Cards issued by groups that are not approved, carry no weight and confer no "rights." Many organizations, groups and so-called nations are popping up across the continent and issuing Metis cards in such a way as to imply the bearer has the same rights as certain Canadian Metis. We caution anyone to verify the authenticity and "benefits" of any Metis card they may receive. Should MNS ever decide to issue an identification card to its members, it's only purpose will be to identify the holder as a member -- not to confer any rights under state, federal or international law. Caveat emptor!
No, it is not true. Only members of U.S. federally recognized tribes are allowed to possess eagle feathers. We, too, have heard of Metis groups who are organized as a "church" and who say they have a right to possess eagle feathers for use in prayer as part of freedom of religion. This is NOT true. Although freedom of religion IS protected under the U.S. Constitution, that does not allow one to violate other laws set down by the federal government. For those of you who follow native religious beliefs, we remind you that our Creator hears all prayers and wild turkey feathers, among others, have been used as prayer fans for centuries.