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MNO recently released a series of historical documents outlining the history of Métis communities in Ontario.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






Then and Now: The Inspiration of Métis Decorative Arts




“Then and Now: The Inspiration of Métis Decorative Arts,” curated by Métis citizen Scott Carpenter, is on display at the Midland Cultural Centre until January 4, 2025, showcasing traditional and contemporary Métis decorative arts. Scott is a proud Métis citizen and has been a long-time collector of a cross-section of Métis decorative arts with pieces sourced from friends, family, auctions, and antique dealers. Each artifact tells a unique story, and together they contribute to a broader narrative of Métis culture. “Each [individual] piece tells a story and the collection of pieces as a whole tells a larger piece of our story,” he comments. “In some cases, I know the story; in other cases, I only know part of the story. For instance, a pair of beaded gauntlets from the 1800s may tell a story of being beaded from the light of a candle or oil lantern during cold winter evenings.”

He especially admires the craftsmanship, resourcefulness and ingenuity of these Métis ancestors, honoring their stories and legacy through the Then and Now exhibition. “[The display] really highlights how amazing our ancestors were,” he says. “Their dedication and determination were so admirable. We get our strength from them!”

Scott hopes attendees leave with a greater understanding about the Métis people in general, and develop an appreciation of the beautiful work that our ancestors created and we continue to create.

For Métis attendees, he hopes the exhibit inspires pride and encourages citizens to continue sharing their stories. “The vibrant history of the Métis in Penetanguishene as part of the Upper Great Lakes Métis Community is not as well-known as it should be,” says Scott. “But, I hope that Métis citizens hold their head high and are proud of who we are! And they are inspired to keep telling our stories!” “Then and Now: The Inspiration of Métis Decorative Arts,” exhibit runs until January 4, 2025. The MNO encourages the community to come out, show their support, and keep sharing stories!

learn more






Métis Stories [ September 02, 2024 ]




Métis history is rich with pivotal moments where Métis fought to defend our inherent rights, including self-government. Let’s celebrate our shared journey! Which Métis stories inspire you?

Read these stories here.






Amanda Rheaume [ August 29, 2024 ]




Award-winning sing-songwriter, proud Métis citizen, and composer of the “We Aspire”, the Métis Nation of Ontario song, Amanda Rheaume, needs your help!

learn more






MNO Volunteer of the Year 2024 [ August 26, 2024 ]




Kim Powley is the 2024 MNO Volunteer of the Year! With over 20 years of service, Kim’s impact on the Métis community is unmatched.

learn more