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
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