Métis Nation of Ontario Celebrates Coronation Medal Recipients in Tour Across the Province
Over the past month, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of Métis citizens and leaders across the province through the presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Conducted in partnership with the Métis National Council (MNC), this special honour was awarded to individuals who have made a lasting impact in their communities—championing Métis culture, advancing Métis rights, and supporting the broader Métis Nation in meaningful ways.
Over several weeks, MNO leadership traveled to regions across Ontario, visiting recipients in their home communities and creating opportunities for family, friends, and fellow citizens to celebrate these remarkable individuals together.
A heartfelt marsii and congratulations to all of the following Coronation Medal recipients!
Alicia Blore
Manitoba Métis Community, residing in Toronto
Alicia Blore has dedicated herself to the preservation and celebration of Métis culture through her exceptional talent as a fiddle player. Her music is based in storytelling, tradition, and ultimately resistance. Through the sound of her fiddle, Alicia carries the heartbeat of our people, passing on generations of knowledge to future generations. Her contributions ensure that Métis culture not only endures, but thrives.
Sharon Cadeau
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Shelburne
Sharon Cadeau has been a tireless advocate for Métis families and communities across Ontario. Through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to justice, Sharon has created space for Métis voices to be heard and respected at every level. Her work reflects a deep love for her community and a belief in the strength and resilience of our people. She reminds us what it means to lead with heart, purpose and determination.
Laura-Lee Kearns
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Whitby
As an educator and scholar, Laura-Lee Kearns has worked to bring Métis stories and history into education and academic spaces. Her work helps ensure that future generations — both Métis and non-Métis — understand who we are, where we come from, and the contributions our people have made to this country. She is building a legacy of learning, truth, and respect.
Jason Madden
Northwestern Ontario Métis Community, residing in Toronto
Jason Madden is a leading legal voice in the Métis Nation’s Hunt for Justice. For decades, he has fought in courtrooms across the country to defend and advance Métis rights. His work has been instrumental in securing recognition for our communities and in advancing our path toward self-determination. Jason has helped write a new chapter in Métis legal and political history, and we thank him for his courage and conviction.
Amanda Rheaume
Manitoba Métis Community, residing in Ottawa
Amanda Rheaume is a gifted musician whose songs are rooted in Métis identity, history, and pride. Through her artistry, Amanda shares our stories. She brings a modern voice to our traditions while honouring the teachings and strength of those who came before us. Amanda is a cultural ambassador, and we are so proud of her work.
Jo Anne Young
Illa a la Crosse Métis Community, residing in Caledonia
Jo Anne Young has served the Métis Nation at the local, provincial, and national levels. Her dedication to public service has helped shape the direction of our government, and her leadership has strengthened our communities. Jo Anne has long been a steady hand and a guiding voice, ensuring that our people are never forgotten and always at the table. We thank her for her decades of service and for her commitment to the Métis Nation.
Scott Carpenter
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Penetanguishene
Scott Carpenter is being recognized for his contributions to the Métis Nation through the preservation and promotion of Métis art, culture, and history. Through his dedication to cultural revitalization, particularly Metis material culture, Scott has helped ensure that our traditions are shared, celebrated, and passed on to the next generation.
Paul DeVillers
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Ottawa
Paul DeVillers received this medal in honour of his many contributions to Canadian law, politics, and to the economic development of the Métis Nation. Paul’s commitment to democracy, in the Metis Nation, in Canada and around the world, has allowed countless people to have their voices heard. Paul has made a lasting impact in advancing the prosperity and self-determination of our people.
Cherie Dimaline
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Midland
Cherie Dimaline is honoured for her powerful contributions to the Métis Nation through literature. Her writing preserves and promotes Métis history, shares our stories with audiences around the world, and strengthens our cultural identity through the transformative power of storytelling.
Jordyn Garner
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Penetanguishene
Jordyn Garner is being recognized for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of Métis youth and women. Jordyn is helping shape the future of our Nation by creating space for young people to lead, grow, and feel proud of who they are as Métis.
Louise Goulding
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Mactier
Louise Goulding received this honour in recognition of her decades of leadership and service to the Métis Nation. Through community organization and advocacy, Louise has helped strengthen the fabric of our Nation, always working with heart, commitment, and a love for her people.
Micheline Marchand
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Tiny
Micheline Marchand is being honoured for her work in the preservation and promotion of Métis history. Through education, research and cultural advocacy, Micheline has helped ensure that our stories are not only remembered but that they are honoured and woven into the fabric of Canadian history.
Margaret Raynor
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Tiny
Margaret Raynor is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of Métis art, culture, and history. Through her work as an artist and culture bearer, Margaret continues to uplift Métis identity and ensure that our heritage remains vibrant and visible.
Paul Robitaille
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Huntsville
Paul Robitaille is being recognized for his leadership, advocacy on behalf of Métis youth, and contributions to economic development within the Métis Nation. Paul is helping build a future where Métis people — especially young people — can thrive in every area of life.
Roland St. Germain
St. Boniface Parish, residing in Owen Sound
Honourary Senator Roland St. Germain is recognized for his leadership and his work revitalizing Métis culture from Ontario westward. Roland has played a vital role in reconnecting our communities with our roots, and in keeping our culture strong, resilient, and ever-present.
Zachary Thiffault
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Elmvale
Zachary Thiffault is receiving this medal for his contributions to the promotion and preservation of Métis history and his advocacy for Métis self-determination. Zac is part of a new generation of leaders who are proudly carrying our stories forward and shaping the future of our Nation.
North Bay
Marlene Greenwood
Mattawa Métis Community, residing in North Bay
Marlene Greenwood is being recognized for her decades of leadership and public service to the MNO. Marlene has been a steady and devoted presence in her community, offering her time, her wisdom, and her voice to strengthen Métis governance and support the well-being of our citizens. Her long-standing commitment shows us what it means to lead with humility, integrity, and love for her people.
Tony Belcourt
Lac St. Ann Métis Community, residing in Almonte
Tony Belcourt is receiving this honour in recognition of more than half a century of visionary leadership in advancing Métis self-government and self-determination. A trailblazer for our Nation, Tony has helped lay the legal, political, and cultural groundwork for generations to come. His advocacy has forever shaped the course of Métis history in Canada.
Kelly Duquette
Manitoba Métis Community, residing in Stittsville
Kelly Duquette is being honoured for her important contributions to the preservation and promotion of Métis culture and art. Through her creative work and her pride in her identity, Kelly brings Métis stories to life and helps foster a strong sense of belonging for Métis youth and communities across Ontario.
Accepted on behalf by family
Erik Gjos (posthumous)
Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community
Erik Gjos is being recognized for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Métis Veterans. Erik’s dedication to ensuring that Métis Veterans received the honour, respect, and recognition they deserve has had a lasting impact. His efforts remind us of the courage and sacrifice of our ancestors and the importance of remembering those who served.
Matthew Lemay
Georgian Bay Métis Community, residing in Pembroke
Matthew Lemay is receiving this medal for his outstanding contributions to the promotion and preservation of Métis history through film. By raising awareness of Métis history and sharing our stories through visual storytelling, Matthew helps ensure that our truths are acknowledged and our voices are heard.
Lois McCallum
Abitibi Inland Métis Community and Mattawa Metis Community, residing in Smiths Falls
Lois McCallum is being recognized for her decades of leadership and public service to the Métis Nation of Ontario. A dedicated community member and advocate, Lois has given her time and energy to strengthening the bonds between citizens and ensuring that Métis families have the support and representation they need.
Benny Michaud
Manitoba Métis Community, residing in Ottawa
Benny Michaud, is being honoured for their powerful advocacy on behalf of 2SLGBTQ+ Métis people and their contributions to the revitalization of the Michif language. Benny’s work ensures that our Nation is inclusive, just, and rooted in the strength of our diverse voices. Their leadership helps build a future where every Métis person is valued and celebrated.
Jennifer St. Germain
St. Boniface Parish, residing in Ottawa
Jennifer St. Germain is being recognized for her public service and tireless advocacy on behalf of 2SLGBTQ+ citizens within the Métis Nation. Through her work, Jennifer has advanced equity and inclusion across our governance structures and ensured that Métis people of all identities are seen, heard, and empowered. For more than 25 years, Jennifer has helped to build the Metis Nation of Ontario, from the ground up to be the Metis government in Ontario now, and for the future.
Art Bennett
Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community, residing in Bruce Mines
Art Bennett is being honoured for his decades of service to the Métis Nation through community organizing, advocacy, and leadership. Art has long been a champion for Métis rights and culture in his region, working to uplift our people and ensure that our voices are strong and respected in every space.
Mitchell Case
Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community, residing in Sault Ste. Marie
Mitchell Case is receiving this medal in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the promotion and preservation of Métis history. A proud advocate, and educator, Mitchell has helped connect communities to their stories, their rights, and their responsibilities — strengthening our Nation with every step he takes.
Dylan Miner
Georgian Bay Métis Community
Dylan Miner is being recognized for his fearless leadership in education and for his work in promoting Métis history in academic spaces. Through his advocacy, Dylan challenges colonial narratives and ensures that Métis perspectives are represented, respected, and rooted in the institutions that shape our collective understanding.
Accepted on behalf by family
Dolores Pinder (posthumous)
Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community
Dolores Pinder is being recognized for her remarkable contributions to the preservation and promotion of Upper Great Lakes Métis history and for her invaluable contributions to the Sault Ste. Marie Metis Heritage Centre. Dolores was instrumental in raising awareness about the 1968 burning of the Agawa Bay Village — helping to reclaim and share a painful but vital part of our story. Her courage and dedication will not be forgotten.
Brenda Powley
Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community, residing in Sault Ste. Marie
Brenda Powley is receiving this honour for her three decades of community organizing, advocacy, and leadership within the Métis Nation. Brenda has played a foundational role in the fight for Métis rights and recognition. Her work has left a lasting mark on our Nation and has opened doors for generations to come.
Kim Powley
Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community, residing in Sault Ste. Marie
Kim Powley is being recognized for her years of dedication to community organizing, advocacy, and leadership. Kim has been a tireless force behind the scenes, supporting the work of Métis governance and ensuring our families and communities are connected, informed, and empowered. Her contributions continue to strengthen the roots of our Nation.
Trudy Bellamy
Northern Lake Superior Métis Community and the Manitoba Metis Community, residing in Red Rock
Trudy Bellamy is being recognized for her important contributions to the preservation and promotion of Métis history. Through her work, Trudy has helped ensure that the stories, traditions, and voices of our ancestors continue to be shared and honoured. Her commitment to historical truth and cultural pride helps strengthen the foundation of who we are as a Nation.
Brian Prairie
Northern Lake Superior Metis Community and the Manitoba Metis Community, residing in Thunder Bay
Brian Prairie is being recognized for his dedication to supporting Metis veterans and their families at the local, provincial and national levels. Brian is a tireless champion for this who have served and in doing so, is a model of service to the nation.
Accepted on behalf by family
Charlotte Hunter-Louttit-Kijekijik
Abitibi Inland Métis Community, residing in Swastika
Charlotte Hunter-Louttit-Kijekijik is being honoured for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of 2SLGBTQ+ citizens within the Métis Nation. Charlotte’s work has created space for voices that have too often been left out of the conversation. She leads with courage, compassion, and a clear commitment to a future where all Métis people are treated with dignity and respect.
David Hamilton
Abitibi Inland Métis Community, residing in Chapleau
David Hamilton is receiving this medal in recognition of his contributions to the Métis Nation through community leadership and the preservation of traditional land-based knowledge. David’s connection to the land and commitment to cultural teaching have made him a vital knowledge keeper, helping to pass on essential teachings to the next generation.
Frances Kennelly
Abitibi Inland Métis Community, residing in Timmins
Frances Kennelly is being recognized for her work in preserving Métis history and traditional knowledge. Frances has played an important role in ensuring that the practices, language, and stories of our people are maintained and respected. Her dedication strengthens our communities and keeps us grounded in the wisdom of those who came before us.
France Picotte
Abitibi Inland Métis Community, residing in Timmins
France Picotte is being honoured for her incredible leadership at the local, provincial, and national levels. A long-time advocate for the Métis Nation, France has played an important role in the revitalization of Métis culture and governance. Her leadership has helped shape the direction of our Nation and continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Amanda Pont-Shanks
Manitoba Métis Community, residing in Beamsville
Amanda Pont-Shanks is being recognized for her leadership and contributions to early learning and education for Métis children. Amanda has dedicated her career to creating spaces where young Métis learners feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are. Her work promotes Métis history and identity, and also helps ensure that the next generation is grounded in culture from their earliest steps. Amanda is helping build a future where Métis children grow up confident in who they are and connected to their community.
Brian Tucker
Northwestern Ontario Métis Community, residing in Fort Frances
Brian Tucker is receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to the Métis Nation through years of public service and the preservation of traditional land-based knowledge. Brian’s leadership and advocacy have helped ensure that Métis harvesting traditions, values, and rights are protected and passed on. His work is rooted in a respect for the land and the wisdom of our ancestors, and he continues to be a source of knowledge and strength in his community.
Gary Lipinski
Northwestern Ontario Métis Community, residing in Fort Frances
Gary Lipinski is being honoured for his service and leadership within the Métis Nation. A former President of the MNO, Gary has played a pivotal role in advancing Métis self-government and building the foundations of the Métis government in Ontario. His vision and dedication helped shape a stronger, more united Métis Nation, and his legacy continues to guide us today. We thank Gary for his lifelong commitment to the Métis people.
Hayden Stenlund
Northwestern Ontario Métis Community, residing in Kenora
Hayden Stenlund is being recognized for his ongoing leadership and advocacy within the Métis Nation. Through community service and work on behalf of Métis citizens in the northwest, Hayden has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many. From a young age, his voice has been strong in advancing Métis rights and supporting local governance, always rooted in a deep love for his community and a desire to see it thrive.