A Metis conference in Saskatoon wrapped up with the Metis National Council saying, they have been given a clear direction that they must protect the territorial integrity and the historic identity of the Metis Nation. The council says over 400 citizens and leaders attended the meeting from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario. A special assembly comprised of government members from the four western provinces is to be convened as soon as possible to address what they call, “The threat posed by non-Metis voyageurs and French-Canadians in the east, appropriating our culture and identity.” Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Vice President Gerald Morin told delegates that his organization will not recognize those two groups as part of the Metis Nation.