The MNO Registry
Where is the Registry?

The Registry of the Métis Nation is located in Ottawa, Ontario and is managed by a full-time Registrar, Verification Officer, and Clerk. Under the Registrar’s direction, the staff is responsible for the multiple tasks involved in processing applications. Upon determination that all criteria have been met, the Registrar gives final approval to issue a Métis citizenship card. Another important function performed by the Registry and its staff, is management of the process for issuance of MNO Harvester’s Certificates. Once the requirements are met, an approvals are provided by the Captains of the Hunt as outlined in the MNO Harvesting Policy, certificates are issued for harvesting within the territory of the applicant’s historic community.

“As a result of these two processes involving citizenship and harvesting, the MNO has become custodian of invaluable documentation. This unique collection records the story of the Métis families who coalesced around major waterways of our province and were the genesis of Métis communities which exist to this day.”

In addition to managing the registry and processing applications that are received daily, the MNO Registry is drafting terms for a Community Acceptance process. To date, all approved applicants are issued "temporary cards" which will be replaced once the Community Acceptance Process is under way. Developing this process will take some time. The Process must first be submitted to the PCMNO and then be tested and reviewed in the communities. Following community consultation, the process will be submitted to a Special Assembly for ratification.

Presently, the MNO Registry is self-financed. No government funding is provided to support the MNO Registry. The MNO appoints a Registrar who is given the sole mandate to screen and approve applications. In 2001, approval was granted by the Annual Assembly to register and issue citizenship cards to children under the age of 16. Upon reaching that age, however, children must then apply on their own in order to remain registered in the MNO.