Tamara Lich, one of the leaders of the protest that gripped Ottawa in January and February has identified herself as a card-carrying member of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA).
APTN News was given access to her card and form proving her membership in the MNA but agreed not to post photos of them.
According to the documents, Lich became a member in January 2019. The documents were signed off by Audrey Poitras, president of the MNA.
In an affidavit filed in court on March 2, 2022, Lich said she was born in Saskatoon, Sask., and adopted by a white family.
“As far as I can remember I always identified as [I]ndigenous spiritually,” Lich said in bail documents filed in court. “I have attended smudging and sweat lodge ceremonies and retreats from time to time to nourish my [I]ndigenous spiritual growth.”
She said her “biological maternal grandmother was Cree and biological maternal grandfather was Métis,” according to the records.
Lich made the claim of being Métis at her bail hearing and many on social media questioned her Indigeneity.
It also prompted two genealogists to look into her background.
Read more:
Genealogist says more information needed on whether Tamara Lich is Métis
If the court accepts that Lich is Métis, she will be entitled to a Gladue report which details information about her life. A judge will have to take this information into account at sentencing.
Lich was granted bail on March 7. She is facing multiple charges including mischief.
