Métis Survivors and Elders Participate in Rideau Hall Gathering [ October, 2025 ]
Rideau Hall in Ottawa was the site of a moving ceremony led by Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden on September 29. A delegation of Métis residential school Survivors and Elders, including Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens June Smart and Joseph & Elsa Poitras, joined Indigenous leaders, health support workers, and members of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Indigenous resilience, reflection, and healing.
Clark Matson showcases talent at National U18 Indigenous Football Tournament [ October, 2025 ]
Métis youth athlete Clark Matson represented Northwestern Ontario at the 2025 Under 18 (U18) Indigenous Cup in Winnipeg (June 30–July 6), taking part in a national showcase of Indigenous football talent.
Matson, a Métis Nation of Ontario citizen and student at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Thunder Bay, was one of several young players selected to the Northwestern Ontario squad. A multi-sport athlete, he also competes in basketball, track and field, and flag football.
The U18 Indigenous Cup brought together four regional teams—Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario—for six-aside tackle football. The tournament is designed to give Indigenous athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level, gain exposure, and build connections across regions.
Competing in its first Indigenous Cup, Northwestern Ontario faced a challenging field. They opened against Alberta, who went on to win the championship. Manitoba placed second, followed by Saskatchewan in third.
While results on the field were tough, the experience was invaluable. For players like Matson, it offered meaningful competition and the chance to represent their communities on a national stage.
The Métis Nation of Ontario congratulates Clark Matson on his selection and participation, and looks forward to following his continued growth as both a student and athlete.
MNO Leadership Attends Premier Ford’s Address on Ontario’s Priorities [ October, 2025 ]
Earlier this week, senior staff, President, and elected officials of the Métis Nation of Ontario attended Delivering Our Plan to Protect Ontario with Premier Doug Ford at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Engaging directly with provincial leadership ensures the MNO remains at the table as Ontario’s priorities are outlined and decisions are made. Our participation reinforces the importance of Métis perspectives in shaping policies that affect citizens and communities across the province.
Fact of the Month [ October, 2025 ]
For generations, Crown governments have encountered, recognized, and acknowledged Métis or “Half-Breed” communities in northern Ontario and surrounding the Upper Great Lakes that were culturally distinct and politically independent from their First Nations and Euro-Canadian neighbours.
In 1847, for example, an Indian agent in southern Ontario noted the presence of a distinct Métis population to the north in the Upper Great Lakes, drawing clear distinctions between First Nations, mixed ancestry individuals, and the distinct Métis or “Bois brulé” people, noting:
Read the full article here 
Message from Margaret Froh [ October, 2025 ]
Dear Citizens, As the leaves turn and the air cools, families across our Métis communities are heading out on the land, gathering around kitchen tables, and preparing for the fall harvest.
This season always brings a sense of rhythm and return. For some, it means early mornings in the bush. For others, it’s moose stew simmering on the stove, the hum of a community feast, or teaching a younger relative how to clean what’s been caught. However you harvest, I hope it fills you with connection to the land, to your loved ones, and to the generations who came before.
Read the full message here
Bennett Woods [ October, 2025 ]
Bennett Woods is a current student in the University of Guelph’s Master of Business Administration program and the Region 7 Representative for the MNO Youth Council. We had a chance to sit down with Bennett to learn more about his impactful work on campus and the importance of his Métis heritage.
Read the full Q&A here
Ontario’s Education and Training Impact Reports [ September, 2025 ]
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s Education and Training Branch has released its 2024–2025 Impact Reports, highlighting the accomplishments of each team across the branch.
Discover how these teams supported Métis citizens over the past year by exploring the full reports using the link below.
Report
Gaples Institute [ September, 2025 ]
We’re proud to celebrate how the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)—the representative government of the Métis people in Ontario, Canada—is putting the nonprofit Gaples Institute’s free Food as a Superpower course into action! As part of a new support program providing subsidies for grocery purchases and teaching healthy eating habits to its 32,000 citizens across Ontario, the MNO has chosen this lively, superhero-themed course to help Indigenous families embrace the superpowers of healthy food.
The MNO selected Food as a Superpower because of the Gaples Institute’s trusted, science-backed educational content—and because the course’s fun, family-friendly design resonates across generations. The course enables learners to earn a personalized certificate upon completion, which MNO citizens can redeem for grocery gift cards, empowering them to turn nutrition knowledge into healthy meals
The results are already inspiring: more than 165 “Superhero of Healthy Eating” certificates have been awarded for completing the Gaples Institute’s course through the MNO’s program—many by families learning together around the kitchen table.
We applaud the MNO for championing nutrition education and helping Métis families discover that nutrition knowledge truly is a superpower worth celebrating!
Check Out Gaples Institute Courses
Powley Day — September 19 [ September, 2025 ]
Powley Day commemorates the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R. v. Powley (2003), a landmark ruling that forever changed the recognition of Métis rights in Canada.
Supported by the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community, the case was carried forward through the sacrifices of Steve and Roddy Powley and their family. After a decade of litigation, fourteen judges at four levels of court unanimously affirmed what Métis people had always known: the Métis are a distinct, rights-bearing Indigenous people whose way of life is constitutionally protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The victory in Powley set the stage for a series of achievements for Métis people, not just in Ontario but across the Métis Nation Homeland.
On Powley Day, the Powley family’s courage is remembered, Métis history is honoured, and the ongoing pursuit of Métis rights, reconciliation, and self-government is reaffirmed for future generations.
Digital Art Wall [ September, 2025 ]
Share your voice through visual, literary, or performing arts on the Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall.
Beadwork, poetry, painting, music—the possibilities are endless.
Respond to creative prompts about Métis values, principles, and vision, and help awaken the dreams of our Ancestors.
Learn more
Questions? Contact:
self.government@metisnation.org
Reconnected with MPP John Vanthof [ September, 2025 ]
MNO leadership recently reconnected with MPP John Vanthof to continue building our relationship with the Ontario New Democratic Party. President Margaret Froh and PCMNO Councillor for Region 5 Suzanne Fortin appreciated the opportunity to discuss shared interests and priorities.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference [ August, 2025 ]
We are very pleased to announce Dr. Jillian Smith’s appointment on the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board as a
representative of the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Water Quality Board (WQB) was established under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1972,
by Canada and the United States.
The WQB includes representatives from federal, state and provincial governments, First Nations, Tribes, Métis, nongovernmental organizations, municipalities,
agriculture, business and the public. As one of the MNO’s Great Lakes Advisory Group’s founding members, with decades of work in water stewardship,
we are grateful for Dr. Smith’s leadership in this work.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference [ August, 2025 ]
President Froh recently attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference.
President Froh joined a panel to speak on the new Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). The AMO plan focuses on strengthening relationships,
amplifying Indigenous voices, and working toward a better future.
With Métis voices at the table, we are moving forward together in the spirit of respect and reconciliation.
To see the plan visit
here
Maple Wellness: Reaching for a Healthier Future [ August, 2025 ]
This season, tap into [wellness] with Maple Wellness: Reaching for a Healthier Future, a new health promotion campaign that empowers Métis citizens to take charge of their health through culturally grounded education and prevention. Just like the maple tree has long sustained our communities, this campaign taps into our roots to promote wellness and reduce cancer risk. We’re bringing together trusted information, community voices, and traditional knowledge to raise awareness about early screening, healthy habits, and the unique health needs of Métis people. Because when we nurture our roots, Métis communities—like the maple trees—stand tall, strong, and ever-reaching toward a healthier future.
Olivia Beausoleil [ August, 2025 ]
Olivia Beausoleil is an incoming Doctor of Medicine student at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine and recently received the President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership from McMaster University. We had a chance to sit down with Olivia to learn more about her impactful work on campus and the importance of her Métis heritage.
Read the full Q&A in
MNO Housing & Homelessness Action Plan [ August, 2025 ]
Safe, secure, and culturally appropriate housing is essential for the well-being of Métis individuals, families, and communities. The MNO Housing & Homelessness Action Plan outlines our commitment to addressing housing challenges, preventing homelessness, and ensuring Métis citizens have access to sustainable and supportive housing solutions.
Learn more
Fish Monitoring Survey Results [ August, 2025 ]
In September 2023, the MNO’s Environment and Climate Change team launched three online surveys for MNO
citizens who fish, aiming to learn from their on-the-water experiences. The results will guide fisheries management,
target monitoring activities, and may be used in consultations to help protect Section 35 harvesting rights. This
infographic reflects findings from 33 submissions (Sept 2023–Sept 2024) and is not representative.
Read more in
9th Annual Youth Leadership Conference [ August, 2025 ]
This week, and on the eve of the 2025 Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assembly, Métis youth from across Ontario convened in the historic Sault Ste. Marie for the 9th Annual Youth Leadership Conference: Connecting Our Roots.
Organized by the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC), the conference creates space for dialogue, connection, and community building while equipping youth with tools to strengthen their leadership skills and cultural knowledge. The 2025 event focused on the power of storytelling and identity, inviting youth to explore the many ways in which stories shape who we are as Métis people.
Read more
Honouring Métis veteran Major (Retired) Darrell Menard [ August, 2025 ]
On National Peacekeeping Day, we’re honouring Métis veteran Major (Retired) Darrell Menard and his remarkable memoir,
Diary of a Deployed Doc, which shares the untold stories of Canadian peacekeepers in Bosnia.
Selected as the Medical Advisor to NATO’s Stabilizing Force in 1998, Menard’s 7-month tour is filled with stories of laughter,
loss, resilience, and the realities of military service. His memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into the experiences of
Canadian peacekeepers—and the people behind the uniform.
Published with support from the Métis Veterans Legacy Program, this 5-star rated book honours Métis contributions to Canada’s
armed forces and is a must-read as we mark National Peacekeeping Day.
Read more
MNO Attending Summit with Prime Minister [ August, 2025 ]
President Margaret Froh of the Métis Nation of Ontario will sit down with the Prime Minister of Canada and leaders of Métis governments throughout the Homeland this week in Ottawa.
Read more
Culture and Way of Life (CWOL) [ August, 2025 ]
As the Culture and Way of Life (CWOL) team, we are committed to promoting and delivering Métis cultural programming.
We play a key role in nurturing Métis pride, building connections, and offering culturally grounded resources.
Read more
We Aspire Golf Tournament [ August, 2025 ]
The Métis Nation of Ontario is proud to present Aird Berlis as our Champion Sponsor for the We Aspire Golf Tournament. Thank you Aird Berlis for your support.
We are excited to swap out our paddles for clubs as we hit the greens on Wednesday, August 13 in Garden River at the Silver Creek Golf Club. Join us for a day of community, camaraderie, and conversation.
MNO Entrepreneurship Success Story [ July, 2025 ]
Congratulations to Zak Brunet, the youngest recipient of the MNO Region 3 inaugural business pitch competition! The 11 year-old entrepreneur received $3000 towards
his innovative 3D printing company.
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud to invest in all Métis citizens with big ideas and vision for the future, including our bright and promising youth.
Read more
Gerald Courville Obituary [ July, 2025 ]
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Courville, a proud Métis citizen, respected Elder, and
former Senator with the Northern Lights Métis Council.
Gerry was a tireless advocate for his community in Cochrane and throughout the North. His lifelong commitment to building stronger, more inclusive
communities was evident in his work as a business owner, volunteer, and community leader. He was a founding member of several key organizations and
played an instrumental role in improving services for seniors, families, and those in need.
As a Senator, Gerry shared his wisdom, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Métis culture and values. He will be remembered for his generosity,
good humour, and deep love for his family and community
The MNO extends its heartfelt condolences to the Courville family and to all who were touched by Gerry’s life and legacy.
Rest in peace, Senator Courville. Maarsii.
On the Line Podcast [ July, 2025 ]
MNO's Region 4 Councilor Mitch Case joined Matt Gurney on the On The Line podcast to discuss Indigenous rights and the realities of resource development.
He offered powerful insight into what consultation and accommodation truly means, emphasizing that it must go beyond being a buzzword and actually become a meaningful,
legally grounded process. Listen to the full podcast through the link in our bio.
Listen here
George Brown College - Congress Success Story [ July, 2025 ]
On June 3rd, MNO citizens and Post-Secondary Education staff members Kelsey Piché and Dr. Dan McFadden presented at the annual Congress of the Humanities
and Social Sciences at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario. Speaking to educators and researchers, Kelsey and Dan insightfully advocated for the
need to move beyond pan-Indigenous approaches to Indigenous research and informed attendees about Métis-specific research methods and how they relate to
Métis culture. Kelsey and Dan were also joined by fellow staff member and citizen Morgan Turcotte to lead a finger weaving workshop for the attendees.
Health Survey Report [ July, 2025 ]
Wendy Thompson is a Métis parent, recent graduate of the Indigenous RECE Pilot Program, and pre-school teacher in the Niagara region.
Read Wendy’s Spotlight Q&A on the MNO Education Hub app to learn more about her work!
Read more
Health Survey Report [ July, 2025 ]
The Métis Nation of Ontario is taking steps towards a healthier future by releasing the findings of the 2024 Health & Wellness Survey! This annual survey offers valuable insights into the health of citizens while helping shape the future of MNO programs and services. Read the report online at LINK
Read more in PDF format
Statement from the Métis Nation of Ontario on Bill C-5, The Building Canada Act [ July, 2025 ]
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) recognizes the federal government’s intention through Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, to modernize Canada’s approach to infrastructure
and economic development. However, we must ensure that progress is not achieved at the expense of Indigenous rights.
Read more
Tom Doherty - King Charles III Coronation Medal [ June, 2025 ]
On Feb. 22, 2025, Tom Doherty, a dedicated educator from Red Lake, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by MPP Eric Melillo.
This prestigious honour recognizes his 40+ years of commitment to education and his lasting impact on the community.
Tom, a teacher with the Kenora Catholic District School Board, has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Prime Minister’s
Award for Teaching Excellence and Lakehead University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
We are incredibly proud of Tom’s achievements and his dedication to Métis youth and education. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honour!
Youth Supportive Housing [ June, 2025 ]
We're thrilled to share that construction has begun on a transitional housing development in Thunder Bay for Indigenous youth aged 18-29 who are homeless or at risk.
Scheduled for completion in January 2026, this project offers 24/7 support, case management, and wellness programs.
The Métis Nation of Ontario will operate the second stage of the program, focusing on guiding youth towards independent living.
This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being and future of Indigenous youth in our communities.
Read more about this important project here
APTN News Article
Indigenous History Month [ June, 2025 ]
Meet Gunhilda Crowe, born in 1864 at the Hudson’s Bay Company Post at Lac Seul (present Northwestern Ontario),
Gunhilda was the daughter of Moose Factory Métis woman, Maria King, and Charles Stuart Crowe, an HBC trader.
As a child, her family relocated to Fort Frances and she was sent to Winnipeg for schooling.
But at nine years old, Gunhilda would rejoin her family in Fort Frances in a nine-day adventure by dogsled, a record time.
She went on to marry Edward Garden Scott, a Scottish blacksmith who, like her father, also worked at the HBC. Together they
raised four children. Gunhilda’s family went on to play a vital role in the development of Fort Frances, building hotels,
donating land for a church, and shaping the town's lasting legacy. Scott Street, the main road through downtown Fort Frances,
commemorates their contributions to the settlement.
In addition to her family’s achievements, Gunhilda was a key figure in the education of Fort Frances. Before there was even a formal school,
she taught children in the sitting room of their hotel, ensuring the education of the next generation. As a talented seamstress, she helped support
her community in more ways than one.
A celebrated historic figure from the Northwestern Ontario Métis community, Gunhilda’s remarkable contributions highlight the strength, resilience, and resourcefulness of Métis women. Today, her descendants continue to call this place home, carrying her legacy forward with pride.
Community Report on Mobility Disabilities [ June, 2025 ]
Paths to Accessibility: Understanding the Needs of MNO Citizens Living with Mobility Disabilities
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has released its Community Report “Paths to Accessibility: Understanding the Needs of MNO Citizens
Living with Mobility Disabilities.”Conducted in partnership with MNO Healing & Wellness, research partners and ICES, the report highlights what
citizens shared about the challenges they face and how the MNO can better support them.
More Information View in PDF
Mark Carney’s new cabinet sworn in [ May, 2025 ]
With PM Mark Carney’s new cabinet sworn in we congratulate the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Indigenous Services, & the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Crown–Indigenous Relations. We look forward to continuing towards a more prosperous Ontario & betterment of Métis families & communities
National Volunteer Week! [ April, 2025 ]
April 27th kicks off National Volunteer Week! The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) would like to highlight the dedication and hard work of our volunteers across all regions and initiatives.
Your time and unwavering commitment to invest in community strengthens our Nation and builds a positive future rooted in pride, kinship and resilience.
Interested in volunteering for the MNO?
Visit our website
metisnation.org to learn more about our programs and volunteer opportunities.
Thank you/Maarsii for all your work!
MNC EXPERT PANEL [ April, 2025 ]
ABOUT THE MNC EXPERT PANEL
The Métis National Council (MNC) Expert Panel was created in 2021 by a
unanimous MNC General Assembly resolution. Each MNC Governing Member
appointed a trusted Métis Expert to the Expert Panel with proven knowledge
in relevant fields such as Métis Nation history, governance, and law. The Expert
Panel worked independently, without political interference.
THREADS OF THE SASH [MATTAWA/OTTAWA RIVER HISTORIC MÉTIS COMMUNITY]
The Expert Panel determined that the Mattawa/
Ottawa River Historic Métis Community “meets the
threshold and is a member of the Métis Nation”
(pg. 158) as per the National Definition and
contemporary Métis governance. This is based on
the totality of evidence it examined.
Read more in PDF ...
The history of Métis communities [ February 12, 2025 ]
MNO recently released a series of historical documents outlining the history of Métis communities in Ontario. These documents were submitted as part of the Expert Panel process put forth by the Métis National Council.
The documents can be found by clicking the link below
Documents