Strengthening Indigenous Conservation: MNO’s Participation at the Canada-Mexico Partnership Virtual Dialogue

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) continues to play a leading role in advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts. As part of this commitment, the MNO recently participated in the Canada-Mexico Partnership Virtual Dialogue on Indigenous-Led Conservation Programs, where it shared its innovative environmental initiatives and emphasized the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and collaboration.

MNO Environmental Advisor Cassidy Press, works in the MNO’s Lands, Resources, and Consultations (LRC) Branch. Cassidy represented the MNO at the Virtual Dialogue where she has the opportunity to highlight the MNO’s efforts to protect the environment while fostering intergenerational learning and collaboration.

Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring

During the Virtual Dialogue, the MNO’s Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring Program was highlighted for its success in tracking water chemistry and mercury in baitfish—key indicators of aquatic health. MNO citizens dubbed “Guardians” contribute by monitoring local waterways.

Climate change is impacting aquatic environments, leading to concerns about the increased movement of mercury in soils and its accumulation in fish. For many Métis citizens, fishing is a vital food source and an important part of traditional life. To address these concerns, the MNO program includes sampling baitfish tissue to monitor mercury levels and support the long-term health of both aquatic species and Métis traditions.

Challenges and Stronger Knowledge Transfer

The program enhances intergenerational knowledge transfer by fostering relationships among monitors, elders, and youth, creating a strong network of shared learning that integrates both cultural and scientific knowledge.

To encourage youth participation, the MNO provides hands-on training in water quality monitoring techniques and collaborates with youth councils and schools. Social media, newsletters, and online platforms are used to share findings and keep community members informed. This multi-platform approach ensures accessibility for Métis citizens of all ages.

Challenges remain, including participant dropout, difficulty engaging youth, and ensuring all Guardians—especially older participants—have the necessary tools and training. Addressing these issues requires stable, long-term funding for ongoing training, re-engagement opportunities, and youth-specific programs, such as interactive water testing days for younger participants.

The Power of Partnerships

A key strength of MNO programming is its collaborative approach, which creates expanded research opportunities and increases impacts through partnerships with universities, government agencies, and conservation organizations. On top of the water monitoring program, the MNO also partners with several other organizations in order to further protect the lands.

These include:

• Toronto Zoo – collecting bat acoustic monitoring data for the Native Bat Conservation Program.
• iNaturalist & Bumble Bee Watch – contributing to global databases through the MNO’s Native Bee Monitoring Project.

A Sustainable Future for Métis Conservation

The MNO remains committed to strengthening its conservation programs and advocating for greater support for Indigenous-led environmental initiatives. Participation in the Virtual Dialogue reaffirmed the importance of these efforts and the need for continued collaboration at both national and international levels.

For more information on the MNO’s environmental initiatives, visit our Lands, Resources, and Consultations page or follow us on social media for the latest updates.