Métis youth gather in Sault Ste. Marie for 9th Annual Youth Leadership Conference
This week, and on the eve of the 2025 Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assembly, Métis youth from across Ontario convened in the historic Sault Ste. Marie for the 9th Annual Youth Leadership Conference: Connecting Our Roots.
Organized by the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC), the conference creates space for dialogue, connection, and community building while equipping youth with tools to strengthen their leadership skills and cultural knowledge. The 2025 event focused on the power of storytelling and identity, inviting youth to explore the many ways in which stories shape who we are as Métis people.
The conference opened Wednesday morning with a prayer from Senator Donna Grenier, followed by welcoming remarks from MNOYC President Evan Accettola, Chair Claire Accettola, and Region 4 Representative Celeste Bond. MNO President Margaret Froh and past MNOYC President Jordyn Garner also shared words of encouragement and reflection.
“As you know, this year’s AGA is all about telling our stories; and the theme of your own conference “Connecting our Roots,” is about this too,” shared President Froh. “These stories shape your identity. But more importantly, as the next generation of MNO leaders, they will guide you on your path toward building something better for the ones that come after you.”
A powerful keynote address was also delivered by Métis leader and MNO founding President Tony Belcourt, who spoke to the importance of youth leadership in the context of Métis rights, governance, and self-determination.
Throughout the day, youth participated in a series of breakout sessions offering diverse learning opportunities, including:
- Self-Government & the Métis Constitution with Brian Black
- Fish Skin Tanning & Harvesting Chats with Connor McNamara
- Perspectives on Métis Rights & Identity with Theresa and Hayden Stenlund
In the afternoon, participants took part in land-based learning through Métis Tours or joined facilitator Alicia Brink for cultural workshops. The day concluded with a celebratory dinner cruise, offering youth and Senators a chance to connect in a relaxed, intergenerational setting.
Day Two opened with a prayer by Senator Steve Callaghan, followed by another round of engaging breakout workshops.
One of the highlights of the day was the Youth Health Priorities session led by MNO citizens and researchers Abigail Simms and Sabastian Koprich, whose presentation invited youth to reflect on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being within a Métis context. “Our health journeys are deeply personal, but they’re also connected to our communities, culture, and identity,” said Abigail. “By having these conversations together, we’re building a healthier future—one where Métis youth feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
Participants also had the opportunity to express themselves creatively through Clay Sculpting with Métis artist George Simard, where they explored traditional materials and hands-on artistry while reflecting on the role of art in cultural identity. At the same time, the Knowing Your Stories session—led by Paul Robitaille and past Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron of Advocate Strategies—invited youth to think critically about the stories that shape Métis identity and how they can honour and carry those stories forward.
Later sessions focused on creative expression and goal-setting with:
- Novel Writing 101
with Britney Supernault - Paddle Painting with Alicia Brink
- The Roundtable Game: Post-Secondary and Career Goal-Setting with Ryan Lafleur and Bryanna Scott-Kay
The conference closed with the presentation of the 2025 Youth Leadership Award, followed by a final prayer from Senator Callaghan.
As always, the MNO Youth Leadership Conference demonstrates the strength, resilience, and creativity of Métis youth.
Through hands-on workshops, intergenerational mentorship, and space for cultural pride and expression, Connecting Our Roots continues to plant seeds of leadership for the future of the Métis Nation.