The Manitoba Métis Federation is pushing back against comments from Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

Speaking at a meeting in Ottawa on Monday, Woodhouse Nepinak used the term “pretendians” while discussing people denied First Nations status, and suggested many people identifying as Métis have First Nations roots.

MMF President David Chartrand calls her remarks prejudiced and inaccurate.

He says the Red River Métis are a distinct people whose identity, history and existence are not up for debate.

Métis leaders in Saskatchewan and Alberta have also condemned the comments, saying Métis people have their own history, culture and governments.

Sources: MMF’s October 26 statement and reporting on the other Métis leaders’ responses.