Captains of the Hunt

Consistent with our Aboriginal Right of self-government, the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) in consultation with the Captains of the Hunt and Métis communities developed and issued the Métis Harvesting Policy. The harvesting policy outlines the Métis harvesting values and criteria for obtaining harvester's certificates which are issued by the Captains of the Hunt.

The duties of the Captains of the Hunt today are the same as those in years past. The Métis Nation of Ontario has authorized the Captains of the Hunt to have full authority over Métis hunts; to issue harvester's certificates; and, to gather information on the number, species and location of animals taken.

From the Métis Nation of Ontario 2001 Harvesting Policy:

5.0 Captains of the Hunt

Chief Captain of the Hunt
5.1 The President of MNO shall be the Chief Captain of the Hunt, and shall have the overall management of the Métis harvest within the Province of Ontario and the coordination of the regional Captains of the Hunt. The President may at his discretion delegate the office of Chief Captain of the Hunt to another Métis citizen.

Deputy Chief Captain of the Hunt

5.2 The President of MNO may appoint a Deputy Chief Captain of the Hunt who shall be responsible to implement this policy throughout the province in accordance with the objectives in article 3. The President may at his discretion delegate some or all of the management of the Métis harvest to the Deputy Chief Captain of the Hunt.

Captains of the Hunt

5.3 The President of MNO shall appoint a Captain of the Hunt in each MNO region who shall be responsible to implement this policy in accordance with the objectives in article 3.

Responsibilities of Captains

5.4 Captains of the Hunt shall determine the appropriate management of the Métis harvest and shall evaluate its progress on an ongoing basis and no less than twice a year shall report to the Chief Captain of the Hunt.

5.5 Pursuant to 3.4, Captains of the Hunt shall make best efforts to collect and disseminate harvest information obtained from MNO citizens who are participating in the Métis harvest.

Harvesters Certificates may be Withdrawn

5.6 Captains of the Hunt may, after consultation with the Chief Captain of the Hunt, withdraw MNO Harvesters Certificates on written notice with reasons to the certificate holder. Persons whose MNO Harvesters Certificates have been withdrawn may appeal such decision to the Chief Captain of the Hunt.

5.7 Despite the seasonal limitations in article 4.2, Captains of the Hunt may designate a person or persons to harvest for the benefit of the MNO citizens in a particular Métis community. The proceeds of such harvest may be used for, among other things, sharing, social or ceremonial purposes