Year in Review 2024–2025: Advancing Métis Rights, Building Stronger Communities
Over the past year, Métis citizens, leaders, and partners across Ontario have helped move the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) forward in meaningful and lasting ways. From advances in self-government to new investments in housing, health, climate action, and youth, this year reflects a government growing in confidence, capacity, and connection.
This Year in Review highlights key moments and recognizes the collective efforts of citizens, Community Councils, staff, and partners working to build a stronger future for Métis families in our province.
Strengthening Métis Rights and Self-Government
Self-government and rights recognition remained central to MNO’s work this year.
In April 2025, the Métis National Council Expert Panel released its Final Report, confirming that seven historic Métis communities in northern Ontario “are and have always been part of the larger Métis Nation,” with deep and enduring ties across the Homeland. This finding directly addressed years of misinformation and reinforced the MNO’s long-standing position under Métis and Canadian law.
MNO continued to engage in provincial and federal elections, issuing bulletins on Métis priorities and encouraging citizens to participate. Statements on the federal Throne Speech, Ontario’s Bill 5 and Bill C-5, and the Building Canada Act emphasized that economic growth and infrastructure investment must respect Métis and First Nations rights.
These efforts culminated at the 32nd MNO Annual General Assembly in Sault Ste. Marie, where citizens adopted the landmark Powley Institute Act. The Act strengthens self-government by establishing a permanent home for Métis research, archives, and governance capacity-building, rooted in the legacy of R. v. Powley. Located in the heart of Powley, the institute will serve as a lasting cultural and research hub for the MNO.
Throughout the year, MNO also participated in national and international forums—from the Métis Summit with Prime Minister Mark Carney to conferences on Indigenous membership, data sovereignty, and conservation—ensuring Métis voices from Ontario helped shape policy across the Homeland and beyond.
Housing, Health, and Supports for Métis Families
Housing, health, and family supports were major priorities.
In March 2025, MNO released its 2024–2034 Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, a 10-year roadmap focused on preventing homelessness, expanding access to safe and affordable housing, and developing culturally grounded solutions across the province.
Health initiatives also expanded. Community Wellness and Healthy Babies Healthy Children programs reached more citizens through one-on-one support and workshops. New initiatives—including the Health Resources Project and Virtual Health Care Program—launched in October 2025 with federal support to improve access and close care gaps. A community report on mobility disabilities further informed more accessible program design.
Support for children and youth continued through the ELCC One Application process, new summer child care and day camp subsidies, and the launch of the School Food Program in August 2025, helping Métis students access healthy food to support learning and wellbeing.
Climate Action and Environmental
Climate action emerged as a clear priority.
In fall 2024, MNO invited citizens to help shape a province-wide Climate Change Strategy by sharing how climate change is affecting their families, communities, and traditional lands. Youth contributed artwork to a climate-themed digital art wall, ensuring their voices were part of the conversation.
Citizen-science initiatives such as the Native Bat Monitoring and Berry Monitoring programs engaged citizens in tracking environmental change. Community events—from climate dinners to transportation forums—created space for shared learning and planning.
In November 2025, an 8kW solar array was installed at the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre, marking a visible step in the MNO Solar Panel Program and reflecting broader efforts to install solar on MNO buildings and citizens’ homes where possible.
Youth, Culture, and Lifelong Learning
The year also highlighted the strength and creativity of Métis youth, families, and communities.
Youth participated in camps and conferences across Ontario, including the Iver Winter Cultural Camp, Infinite Reach March Break Camp, Otawn Cultural Camp, and the 9th Annual Youth Leadership Conference. These gatherings combined land-based learning, cultural teachings, leadership development, and post-secondary planning.
The Early Learning and Child Care team hosted a provincial conference, delivered workshops on topics ranging from kindergarten readiness to occupational therapy, and continued offering family camps that bring Métis families together to learn, play, and reconnect with culture.
Community-level events—including Rendezvous gatherings, tree planting, climate dinners, and cultural celebrations like Honouring Our Grandmothers—strengthened local relationships. MNO also recognized many citizens with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, celebrating leadership and service across the province.
Remembering, Honouring, and Looking Ahead
This year also invited reflection. The Northwestern Ontario Métis Community marked the 150th anniversary of the Halfbreed Adhesion to Treaty 3 in Fort Frances, honouring Métis families who collectively secured their place in treaty. MNO commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the Powley decision, honoured veterans, marked Louis Riel Day, and remembered respected leaders and community builders.
Together, these stories show Métis communities in Ontario growing stronger, more connected, and better prepared to exercise their inherent right to self-government.
Looking ahead, the MNO will continue building on this momentum—advocating for Métis rights, investing in housing and health, protecting lands and waters, and creating opportunities for Métis citizens to learn, lead, and thrive.
Maarsii to all our citizens. The MNO is proud to serve as your government and looks forward to a strong 2026.