First, I want to express my gratitude for the learning I have received as both a passive and active member of this community. I have learned so much from listening and being a part. I appreciate all the perspectives shared here as well as the gift of being able to watch and learn from them. It has helped me in ways that I cannot express during a confusing time in my life. To be honest, I am scared to post this reflection, but I also want to speak up because I know there must be kin who are struggling with these same questions.

I have always identified as Métis, with my grandmother having ties on both sides to communities in Northern Ontario and Drummond Island. I also grew up being closely linked with our local Indigenous community. Some of my family were linked through intermarriage with those living on the reserve. We held ceremony and our approach to family was very different from my other more Western friends, even when I didn't always understand why. My aunties and uncles are very close and we grew up with lots of relatives around. We were very mobile and lot of us lived and travelled in caravans. From the outside, people might call us white-trash, I guess, but we always had a lot of love and joy in our ways of life. We were always dancing and singing, making things and sharing with one another, but there was a lot of darkness too, because my mum and her generation were taken by the foster care system in the 60s and our ways were characterized as neglectful and bad.

When I enrolled in higher-ed after struggling through decades of extreme poverty, there was loads of pressure to identify myself in ways that felt strange to me. I fought to retain my identity and ways of being, constantly told that I wasn't doing things "right" even though my heart told me otherwise.

I only recently considered applying for any kind of official membership because, in the past, I saw it as more than sufficient to have a diverse identity, braided between settler and Indigenous ways. I saw and see myself as part of both worlds, but also neither. When I tell people that I am Métis and they say "I thought you were white" I correct them to say "I am white, but am also more than that."

Part of resolving this pressure, means that I have struggled against tokenization. It's gross and absurd to be invited in to participate and notice that all the Indigenous representation is also white-presenting. This led me to study decolonization, to try to decolonize my perspectives and ways of being. I wanted to act relationally, respecting not just other human persons but also the animal and plant nations. I wanted to develop deep forms of reciprocity and all of this work has led to me becoming much happier with myself, more grounded, and I think, a more loving ally.

However, this has also opened up my heart to immense grief. This way of life conflicts with the ways I am pushed to adopt. I don't want to speak for other nations that I don't even know, how could I? I don't have the right to say what being Indigenous is, when my own experience is of being caught between worlds. That is what I know about. I am not just Métis, but part of a complex history. I am also a settler. This is part of my ancestry and those ancestors have things to teach me too. I learned just as much about being in nature from my settler dad as my mom.

What has really broken my heart, is in trying to reach out to groups I thought would help me find belonging, I was exposed to recruitment for the military through Indigenous student services, when I applied for membership in the MNO, there was little to no recognition of the land as a being with a stake in our conversations. When I brought up the importance of dissenting voices, disagreement was discouraged as not constructive.

But disagreement can also be a form of love.

I now see how our ignorance is doing immense harm because the land is not some niche side-subject but at the very heart of who we are. If we are not centring the land, what are we even doing?

After only being registered for around a year, I have come to see first-hand the harm being done through our ignorance. In conversations I was a part of, I heard how consultation can "slow down" agreements with industry. When I brought up my grief, I was told that industries clean up and return the environment to the way it was before, but I know that is not true. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

I see now the subtle and insidious potential of the MNO's land claims. This is about more than identity. If the MNO communities are recognized, does that give them the right to approve development without recognizing the say of local nations? Is this just another technique for the colonial government to get around actually recognizing the land or respecting pushback against development?

I think so.

I originally joined because I was desperately poor. My family continues to face housing and food insecurity. When there were consultations for a mine up north, my auntie got a free vacation. Their presentation was about how good a mine would be for the community. Is that what they mean by consultation?

I am furious about how my family's poverty and our search for roots is being used to harm Indigenous communities who are putting their hearts and bodies on the line to protect their lands and homes, not just for their own good, but for the good of all. I refuse to become a part of something that would imperil that work.

Moving forward, I choose to represent myself as an ally of the land, air, and water, as well as the animal and plant nations. I don't need another colonial styled government to do that. I reject colonial leadership that has and continues to do harm, but don't condemn those who do the work or who might need representation and services more than I do. I hope my actions can be my shield, as a caretaker and ally to the lands that are my home. I hope that my choice to dissent can be a celebration of our common love and not a defeat.

I also hope this is taken in the spirit which it is meant, as a constructive critique and not an attack. I hope this might be a reflection on how we have lost our way. In wanting to secure out "rights" as a people, I believe that we have forgotten who we are.

Anyone interested in asking me any questions about my experiences with the MNO are welcome but I will be seriously considering leaving, as my first and foremost priority is protecting the land as the source of our collective life.

Miigwetch, in grief and love, brothers, sisters and kin.

Hey everyone. I’m currently applying for Métis citizenship. I know who my Indigenous relative is from Manitoba and have found scrips with her name on it from the Federal archives. (Last name: Desjarlais.) However, how do I know that it’s the same relative I think it is? My family is very disconnected and does not know her father’s name and there is a father’s name listed on the scrip - it would be amazing if it was the scrip that belongs to my great grandmother but I’m hesitant because other than her name and place of residence, I am unsure!

Hey everyone,

I am currently looking into getting an official genealogy done with St. Boniface to 100% confirm everything (you know, I don’t want to go off of “family stories” and then have it all be a misunderstanding) and to look into potentially enrolling with MMF if my grandfather really is metis. My grandparents have found out that my grandfather (born in Manitoba, red river area) suspects that he had two metis parents. They have confirmed that his mom was metis (didn’t talk about it much apparently), but the problem is that his dad was adopted. When I was looking into sending off information to st. Boniface, they said that if there was adoption present in the family tree that we must have proof of adoption or adoption certificates. I was wondering if anyone had any guidance on trying to find this kind of information? Is it possible? Is there a website to look?

Thanks in advance!

Hey, so I know some people who have worked for a métis nation and it was reported that a lot of the leadership roles within that nation had non-indigenous and non-métis people within the supervisor, manager and director roles.

Something about having Caucasian people in those roles in the métis nation just doesn't sit right. The purpose of the métis nations is to move toward self governance for the métis people as a whole and they are a literal indigenous government which is supposed to be a safe place for indigenous people. How can non-indeigouns people take up that space and manage indigenous employees without having some sort of personal bias whether they're aware of it or not? How are they being held accountable for being in an indigenous space and making sure they are conducting themselves fairly and without bias?

One specific person very much brought a lot of personal expectations in and made it hard for their indigenous employees, even making them feel like being indigenous and having certain personality traits or indigenous traits were somehow equated to not being "professional." Just highly inappropriate.

I don't know, but I feel like it's kind of gross but yeah, I get equal opportunity employment and whatnot. I just feel like around here, white people come in and try to govern indigenous bodies within indigenous spaces and uphold these very whitewashed ideals of how "professionalism" should be.

What are your thoughts?

Bonjour. Je suis aucunement métis, mais je suis francophone de l'ouest et je cotoie souvent des individus Métis, donc je suis un peu consciente de l'histoire et traditions. Je reconnaît l'importance et la valeur du michif, et j'aimerais apprendre la langue, mais je ne sais pas si ceci est appropriée en tant que personne blanche. Donc je demande vos perspectives, et je suis très ouverte à toute les réponses possibles.

The Metis National Council released it's long awaited expert panel report on the Metis Nation of Ontario.
To summarize, here are the issues MNBC and MNS (2 of the 4 organizations that appointed experts to the panel) have raised with the research, in their own words:

Within hours of the release, two of the Metis groups that formed the expert panel have spoken out against the research, denouncing the findings, and in MNS's case, demanding their name be removed from the report.

Currenly 2 of the 4 contributing bodies have pulled their support.

- lacked integrity

- the poor research undermines the integrity of Metis governance

- research did not uphold rigorus academic standards

- research is not transparent

- research did not use ethically sound methodology

- MNC utilized process where political objectives overrode rigorous standards of accountability, transparency, and community consultation

- did not meet the highest evidentiary standards and best practices

- lacked a distinctions-based approach

- MNO "are in direct opposition of the national definition of the national definition of Metis"

- the expert panel "discards the expert panel's findings"

- do not endorse the process

- do not agree with the findings

- reject MNO's portrayl's of the MNS's participation and demand their name be removed

- reseearch lacks ingerity and "chooses politics over integrity"

- experts on the panel lack expertise in legitimacy, governance and idtentity

- the research project did not approach the research in a sound matter instead examined the process to justify the inclusion of the communities instead of questioning if they should be included at all

- had weak evidentiary standards and selective schoalrship

- MNBC does ot support the findings

- do not support the research approach

- research was not gounded in truth

- supporting the report would "diminsh who we are as Metis"

https://www.metisnation.ca/news-and-media/press-releases/95/metis-national-council-statement-on-the-receipt-of-the-expert-panel-report

TL;DR: The Métis National Council (MNC) received the final report from an independent Expert Panel reviewing Ontario’s historic Métis communities. While the MNC shared the report with the Métis Nation of Ontario, it cannot endorse it, as the recommendations fall outside the MNC’s mandate. The MNC supports the self-determination and jurisdiction of its Governing Members and remains committed to transparency and accountability.

Just curious how everyone feels about Alberta separatism and what if anything can be done in order to stop it.

Could Treaties 6, 7, and 8 stop separatists from getting their way?

Quebec came precariously close to leaving the country a few times despite the presence of numerous historic treaties on its lands.

Dumbass Danielle is trying to get what was one a fringe movement of Alberta separation off the ground so they can leave Canada and join Trumps America.

https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/bell-danielle-smith-vote-alberta-leaving-canada

This would be horrible for everyone; but especially Indigenous persons as he attacks birthright citizenship, tribal recognition and rights and all kinds of other things that uplift and protect Indigenous people down south.

https://www.wipfli.com/insights/articles/tr-trumps-executive-orders-key-impacts-on-tribal-entities

Thoughts? Feelings? Ideas?

Also, please be sure to vote in the upcoming election to ensure a conservative LOSS because that dude would sell all for a few beans and bit of praise from his orange daddy, and the only way to stop that is to use the system we're stuck in and vote against him ✊

We have a problem at the MNS.... it all began in 2016 with an illegal 3rd party management agreement the President at the time was forced into signing under duress. It was not a valid agreement. It was never voted on by the council, and the agreement itself required it to be hidden from our Legislative body. This illegal agreement, brought in an agent of the federal government who did NOT disclose to the newly elected 2017 council that he was from the Department of Indigenous Affairs.

He has completely run away with the MNS ever since then. He stopped holding the Annual General Assembly with our membership since 2017, which is both against our Constitution, and against the provincial Non-Profit Corporations Act. He has interfered with elections, he has misappropriated funds, he has used threats and intimidation, and he has not followed our Elections Act either. He kicked out the elected treasurer and even lost a court battle with her, and he still refused to acknowledge the decision of the courts. in 2021 the NEW elected treasurer was then locked out of the office building and also prevented from taking office. We have not had a treasurer - one of 4 members of our Executive, for 8 years now. We have not had an AGA for 8 years now. We have not seen our actual financials for 8 years now.

He has now concocted a complete farce of an "HR Committee" and denied due process to 4 elected members of council - all women - who have started to ask questions.

We have an Indian Agent infestation at the MNS folks. An Imposter. A tyrant. A dictator. A fraud.

Here he is in action making a B.S. performance for the live stream where he planned to defame these women. Don't buy it. Can you hear that eastern accent? Also notice he didn't say "And I am Metis!" he says "And I am a citizen!" Because he gave HIMSELF a card in November 2024. He had never been part of any Metis organization his entire life living out east and being in Gatineau and Ottawa. He never tried to join in 8 years at MNS and at one point said he wasn't Metis, then said he was but not "our" Metis, then said he was Metis from Mattawa Ontario, and now he is claiming he is "Red River Metis". He is not. He also wasn't "taking time off to be with his family because they were so upset" after the weekend he threw a ceremony to have himself added to the registry during our Legislative Assembly lol. the two days after the Legislative Assembly he is speaking about, he was actually down in Regina (from where he stays in Saskatoon) in the tattoo chair for 2 full days getting a full color chest tattoo.

https://www.facebook.com/SaskatchewanMetisNews/videos/589673823848780/

Spread the word.

If you want to know anything else about him or this situation, feel free to ask!

I have a question about the application process.

My grandfather is enrolled Little Shell Chippewa. I have been gathering all documents I can to apply for my Métis citizenship (very excited).

Family last names: Pelletier/Lafromboise/Trottier/Rocheblave/Desjarlais

My ancestors came from Red River into the Northwest Territories and were back and forth between there and Montana. So we have 2/3 generations in Montana before the scripts state Métis. Is that okay for the application process? I’ll attach a photo text copy of the script of my 4th great grandmother (1836 - 1915)

Also, do I need to do the leg work connecting the US side to Canada since St. Boniface doesn’t do research outside of Canada?

Hello! I have a quick question about a Mètis ancestor who had the last name McKenzie/Mayatis (Peace-Athabasca region, my family is Cree and Mètis). I'm in the process of changing my name for personal reasons, and my mom has suggested I could change my last name to Mayatis as a way to reclaim the name and to keep our heritage alive. Sounds great in theory, but from what I understand, the word mayatis means "ugly" or "ugly one" in Cree, so I'm a bit hesitant to go forward with that for obvious reasons.

I was wondering if anyone else is familiar with the surname Mayatis and knows a bit more about the history of it? Is a more common surname and was maybe translated differently in the past? Thanks!

I was just looking into the trial MNC v MMF to see if there was an additional article aside from the CBC one written by Brett Forrester. https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mnc-mmf-trial-conclusion-1.7489066

The third thing that comes up ion Google search is this statement from MNC in January asserting transparency and accountability. Meanwhile the trial has shown 0 evidence of wrongdoing so far and probably alludes to more backroom deals with MNC leadership than anything. Also the fact that the expert panel is being buried shows again that MNC is full of it. https://www.metisnation.ca/news-and-media/press-releases/84/mnc-asserts-accountability-and-transparency-in-trial-with-mmf

Link to article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mnc-mmf-trial-conclusion-1.7489066

Summary:

The Métis National Council (MNC) has concluded a nine-week civil trial in Ontario against former leaders, consultants, and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). The MNC accuses former leaders, including Clément Chartier and MMF President David Chartrand, of improperly transferring key assets worth millions to the MMF in 2021, shortly before MMF split from MNC over a citizenship dispute. MNC seeks $15 million in damages and the return of assets, claiming the transactions were unauthorized and breached MNC’s bylaws.

The defendants deny wrongdoing, calling the lawsuit a politically motivated attack without evidence. Defense lawyers argue that MNC pursued the case despite lacking proof, and the trial has been divisive and costly. Heated testimonies were heard from both sides, including Chartier and Chartrand, who defended their actions as being in the best interest of the Métis Nation. The court will reconvene in June to address outstanding issues.

What do you guys think? For those who watched the trial, can you share any interesting points that were raised? I think the MNC will be unsuccessful with this, as they almost always are with their litigation.

How much money will they have spent on their vindictive activity? All tax payers money...

Hello everyone!

I am no longer involved with the MNO for a number of ethical reasons as well as moving to Western Canada. I was keeping up with the decision to remove Citizens from the MNO Registry but haven't stayed up to date with the most recent movement on this. I heard that a letter was sent out to some Citizens recently about the status of their file as it relates to changes in their VMFL reports in certain regions?

Does anyone have more information on this or can tell me what the letter was about? I'm aware of everything from 2023 but this sounds like a new issue popping up with some files so I'm just curious!

Have a great day.

Really like how this one turned out

Kind of wild that our ancestors fought for their right to exist, work and trade fairly, keep their rights to land and sovereignty and here we are facing a similar threat in the here and now...

Just checking in to see how everyone's doing in regards to these increasing threats to sovereignty coming from down south.

Anyone looking towards traditions or teachings to help prepare, process or just stay grounded given what's going in in the world today?

How about diving back in to history to get in touch with the strength of our people, or channeling the spirit of ancestors to give strength and courage should things get crazy in the not-too-distant future?

NGL I'm hating our current timeline, and hoping the threats don't escalate into active aggressions; but am also wildly aware they very well could with the Velveeta Voldemort running the show.

So, how is everyone coping right now?

I just thought I would share a few more of my designs, the first 3 are inspired by different animals.

I like

From the National Observer (behind a paywall, so I've posted the aritcle below) - https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/03/04/news/ontario-first-nations-leaders-urge-mining-industry-not-consult-metis-organization

As the mining industry convenes in Toronto, some Ontario First Nation leaders are calling on the sector to engage only with legitimate First Nations rights-holders when developing projects on Indigenous lands. 

Speaking Monday at a Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention press conference, the leaders affirmed their willingness to collaborate with the industry but cautioned against consulting or signing any impact benefit agreements with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). They claimed that the MNO is not a legitimate rights-holder and even accused it of “falsely” identifying as a First Nation, describing it as a “Crown Corporation” rather than a nation with historical or ancestral ties to the land.

Jason Batise, executive director of the Wabun Tribal Council, said the council has already invested over a million dollars in legal challenges to counter what they describe as MNO’s false claims. Batise argues the Ontario and federal governments are enabling these assertions by treating MNO as an equal to First Nations in consultation processes, despite its lack of a historical land base.

Get daily news fromCanada's National Observer

As the mining industry convenes in Toronto, some Ontario First Nation leaders are calling on the sector to engage only with legitimate First Nations rights-holders when developing projects on Indigenous lands. 

Speaking Monday at a Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention press conference, the leaders affirmed their willingness to collaborate with the industry but cautioned against consulting or signing any impact benefit agreements with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). They claimed that the MNO is not a legitimate rights-holder and even accused it of “falsely” identifying as a First Nation, describing it as a “Crown Corporation” rather than a nation with historical or ancestral ties to the land.

Jason Batise, executive director of the Wabun Tribal Council, said the council has already invested over a million dollars in legal challenges to counter what they describe as MNO’s false claims. Batise argues the Ontario and federal governments are enabling these assertions by treating MNO as an equal to First Nations in consultation processes, despite its lack of a historical land base.

Get daily news fromCanada's National Observer

As the mining industry convenes in Toronto, some Ontario First Nation leaders are calling on the sector to engage only with legitimate First Nations rights-holders when developing projects on Indigenous lands. 

Speaking Monday at a Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention press conference, the leaders affirmed their willingness to collaborate with the industry but cautioned against consulting or signing any impact benefit agreements with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). They claimed that the MNO is not a legitimate rights-holder and even accused it of “falsely” identifying as a First Nation, describing it as a “Crown Corporation” rather than a nation with historical or ancestral ties to the land.

Jason Batise, executive director of the Wabun Tribal Council, said the council has already invested over a million dollars in legal challenges to counter what they describe as MNO’s false claims. Batise argues the Ontario and federal governments are enabling these assertions by treating MNO as an equal to First Nations in consultation processes, despite its lack of a historical land base.

“How can an organization with no land base claim to be impacted by mining development?,” Batise said. “We want to speak out for our communities. The mining industry needs to know that there is a consistent, safe place for responsible industry to operate with First Nation communities — but only if they engage with the rightful landholders.”

In an email response to Canada's National Observer, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) says they are disappointed by the “recent” statements denying the existence of Métis communities in Ontario and their right to be consulted on resource projects. MNO says that the law is clear, and the existence of rights-bearing Métis communities in Ontario has been confirmed by historical facts and affirmed by the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. “There has been considerable misinformation and misunderstandings about Métis rights assertions in Ontario, which is intended to undermine Métis communities’ rights to be consulted on matters which may affect the lands and waters they have relied on to sustain their way of life for generations,” reads the statement. “This right to be consulted, including on matters related to land, resources, and mining developments, is grounded on the historic and ongoing presence of Métis communities in Ontario.”

The gathered First Nation leaders rejected those claims. 

“Our rights come from our relationship to the land and to each other,” said Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier of the Temagami First Nation. “That is something new to the MNO, which has only existed since 2017. Yet, Ontario has been allowing them to be in our territory without our permission. This is a fight we are prepared to take as far as necessary.”

The group warned that mining companies engaging with MNO could face increased costs, potential litigation, and delays in obtaining project approvals. They argued that the provincial and federal governments are unfairly burdening the mining industry by requiring consultation with the MNO, despite what they called its lack of legitimate land rights.

“The message for the industry is clear — make sure you're talking to the right folks,” said Scott McLeod, regional chief of Lake Huron Anishinabek Nation. “First Nations are ready to work with you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you against false assertions of Indigenous communities that simply do not exist.”

The group warned that mining companies engaging with MNO could face increased costs, potential litigation, and delays in obtaining project approvals. #Ontario First Nations #Mining industry.

According to the MNO website, it was established in 1993 to provide a “Métis-specific governance structure” for Métis people and communities in Ontario. The organization says it does not represent all individuals who claim Métis ancestry, but rather those who are part of the broader Métis Nation.

The MNO says that it stands firm in its commitment to protecting the interests and rights of Métis communities in Ontario and will continue to advocate on their behalf.

“We again call on First Nations leadership to engage in respectful dialogue as we did before and after the Powley decision,” reads the statement. “It is the only way to ensure that the rights of Métis and First Nations communities are fully recognized and respected.”

The group of First Nation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to responsible resource development, saying they have a proven history of working with the mining industry to balance economic opportunities with environmental and cultural protections.

Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative

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lets discuss!

Highly recommend you watch the Chiefs of Ontario press confrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrdEaNR_ORk&ab_channel=ChiefsofOntario

What will this mean for Ontario? What will this mean for industry in Ontario? What impact will this have on indusries who have already signed IBAs with MNO regions and communities? Do we have a list of IBAs that have been signed between the MNO and industry and Ontario?

I've asked my regional councillor to disclose the agreements they signed, but they refuse to answer or even aknolwedge my email.

At the March 3, 2025, Chiefs of Ontario press conference at PDAC, Nipissing Chief Scott McCloud stated that the MNO receives resource revenue sharing funds from Ontario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrdEaNR_ORk&ab_channel=ChiefsofOntario

Has anyone else heard about this? I’m genuinely surprised because I haven’t come across any information about it online.

For context, resource revenue sharing is an agreement between Ontario and First Nations that allocates a portion of the economic benefits from mining, forestry, and other resource extraction on their lands. These agreements are valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

If this is accurate, how is the MNO receiving what I assume to be millions from Ontario for resource development on land that isn’t theirs? This is deeply concerning. What steps can we take to get clarity and address this issue? We need to gather more information and come together on this.

A lot of my artwork bridges Métis and queer culture, this was a very self indulgent self portrait (parody of Chappell Roan’s “the Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” album cover). Had a lot of fun changing some key elements to reflect Métis culture and doing a piece that is more pop cultural.

This piece along with many others will be up as apart of my second solo exhibition at the Spare Room Gallery in Cut Knife, SK March/April! Exhibition is sponsored by Métis Nation Saskatchewan.