Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)

Margaret Froh is serving her second term as President of the  Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO). Margaret joined the staff of the MNO in 2013 as in-house legal counsel and Director of Strategic Policy, Law and Compliance. Prior to her election as President, she served as the MNO’s Associate Chief Operating Officer.

Highlights of her first term as President of the MNO include the signing of four key agreements. First, securing the April 2018 Framework Agreement on Métis Harvesting and eliminating the cap on harvester certificates. In December 2017, she signed two framework agreements – one with Canada and Ontario on advancing reconciliation for the entirety of the MNO, and the other with the MNO’s Northwestern Ontario Métis Community and Canada to advance reconciliation for outstanding historical grievances of that regional community regarding the broken Crown promises in the Half-Breed Adhesion to Treaty 3. And in June 2019, she signed the historic and ground-breaking core Métis Self-Government Agreement between the MNO and the federal government alongside Métis leadership from Alberta and Saskatchewan, making history and ushering in a new era for Métis rights and recognition. As President, she continues her mandate to advance Métis rights in Ontario, support strong MNO’s communities, and yield tangible results on key priorities, including Métis Self-Government, to benefit MNO’s Citizens and communities.

Throughout her career, Margaret has used her legal skills to advocate on behalf of Indigenous communities and has demonstrated great success in building and maintaining productive relationships across all types of organizations and levels of government. Prior to joining the MNO, Margaret was part of the in-house legal counsel group with an Ontario First Nations government, and she also served as Aboriginal Issues Coordinator for the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSO) and established a formal and lasting partnership between the Law Society and the MNO, which included the first joint MNO-LSO Louis Riel Day event—a tradition that continues to this day.

Margaret has served on a variety of committees and advisory groups with a focus on access to justice for Indigenous peoples. As a former President of the Indigenous Bar Association of Canada, she chaired many of the IBA’s internal committees and engaged her skills and legal experience to benefit the association’s extensive network of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit lawyers, judges, professionals and students across Canada.

Originally from the Qu’Appelle Valley in Saskatchewan, Margaret moved to Ontario in 1993 to attend law school at the University of Toronto and has since made Ontario her home. She and her spouse, Rachel Osborne, currently reside in Barrie, within the traditional territory of the Historic Georgian Bay Métis Community.

Contact: MargaretF@metisnation.org

Joining the PCMNO this term is Hank Rowlinson who will serve as Chair. Hank has 21 years of full-time experience working various roles within the MNO. Hank has chaired numerous local, provincial and national commissions, boards, and committees. Proficient in conflict resolution, mediation and negotiations, Hank is an effective communicator who encourages compromise and consensus building. He also brings expertise with governance, policy development, business management, contract negotiations, partnership and inter-governmental relationship building.

Hank has in-depth knowledge of past and current issues concerning MNO citizens, families, and communities. He has built strong and respectful relationships assisting and working with Métis community councils and citizens for over 20 years. Throughout his tenure he held senior management portfolios at the MNO including Senior Policy Analyst, Economic Development Officer, Manager of Lands and Resources, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer and Manager of Community Relations and has contributed to developing internal and external policies, securing government and partnership funding, and has built a solid reputation engaging politicians.

A steadfast advocate for the Métis, Hank brings commitment, experience and determination that is needed as we enter this new era of self-government. Respecting our Statement of Prime Purpose Hank believes that the way forward needs to be one of hope, optimism and vigilance and that we must be united to overcome barriers that may stand in our way. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Hank is a dedicated husband and father of eight (ages 16-36). He and his wife Loma reside in Sudbury. They have also been foster-parents to many First Nations youth.

Contact: HankR@metisnation.org

Sharon Cadeau is returning to the PCMNO as Vice-Chair for a fourth term and had served as spokesperson for the Métis Nation of Ontario Women’s Council (MNOWC)—formerly known as the Women’s Secretariat—since 2008. She first entered Métis politics in 1999 and in 2001 became the Regional Women’s Representative for MNO Region 8. Sharon advocated for a Community Council in the western part of Region 8 and became the founding President of the Credit River Métis Council in 2003. In 2005 she was elected as PCMNO Regional Councillor for Region 8.

Sharon’s work with the MNOWC focused on securing the funding required to carry out the important advocacy and public awareness role of the Women’s Council. She has held the Portfolio for Women since 2006. In 2016 Sharon was able to secure three years of funding from the Status of Women from the Government of Canada –the first time in history that a Métis Women’s project was funded. In 2020, Sharon and the MNOWC received the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership for work done on the 2019 Women’s Leadership Gathering in Collingwood. She was also a recipient of the Ontario Heritage Trust Award in recognition of her work with Mississauga Heritage and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.

Vice-chair Cadeau, whose Métis roots have been traced to Penetanguishene, was born to a proud military family in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has lived in Germany, Nova Scotia and Ontario. Her contributions to the Métis community include work on several different boards and committees, and she is honoured to have been involved in the historic Self-Government Agreement with Canada. A former municipal law enforcement officer of 32 years, Vice-Chair Cadeau is now committed to building the Métis Nation in Ontario and ensuring the voice of all its citizens are heard throughout the province.

Contact: SharonC@metisnation.org

Jo Anne has been involved with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) since 1998 serving as the Financial Controller and as Council member, Treasurer and President with the Hamilton-Wentworth Métis Council – now known as the Clear Waters Métis Council.

Born in Alberta, raised in British Columbia, Jo Anne’s traditional homeland is the Meadow Lake/Green Lake/Ile-à-la-Crosse area of Saskatchewan. As a child, her family lived in logging camps moving throughout British Columbia. Life in “the bush” created a life-long love of the outdoors and respect for Mother Earth and all of her creatures. Jo Anne learned aspects of Métis life including hunting, fishing and preserving, along with understanding the importance of education and life-long learning.

Jo Anne graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Ottawa General Hospital School of Nursing, completed a post-diploma course in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and has worked in nursing and children’s’ services. Jo Anne worked several years as a tax accountant, practising as both a Certified General Accountant (CGA) and Certified Professional Accountant (CPA – USA). When her son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes she enrolled at George Brown College to become a Certified Nutrition Manager and Red Seal Chef, with diplomas in both Culinary Management and Food and Nutrition Management. Jo Anne looks forward to applying her diverse work experience for the benefit of the PCMNO and Métis citizens.

Contact: JoanneY@metisnation.org

Senator Rene Gravelle (Executive Senator)

Contact: ReneG@metisnation.org

Senator Garry Lafamboise

Contact: GarryL@metisnation.org

Senator Liliane Ethier 

Contact:  LilianeE@metisnation.org

Senator Steven Callaghan 

Contact: StevenC@metisnation.org

Theresa has been acclaimed to serve a fourth term as Region 1 Councilor. Theresa, who is also the Chair of the Region 1 Consultation Committee, first joined the PCMNO in 2008 and served as a Councilor on the MNO Kenora Métis Council from 2001 to 2008.

Theresa’s PCMNO experience has made her a strong and successful advocate for advancing Metis rights on a national level. She was instrumental in the negotiations of the Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Reconciliation with the Government of Canada, and the historic Framework Agreement signed with Canada and Ontario in 2017. In addition to these main table discussions, Theresa was a signatory a Framework Agreement between the Northwestern Ontario Metis community and Canada to reconcile and address outstanding claims for the region, including those related to Treaty 3 Adhesion of 1875.

As Region 1 Councilor and Chair of the MNO Region 1 Consultation Committee, Theresa has been engaged and negotiated numerous MOU’s and IBA’s between the MNO and regional industry partners. Theresa was a member of MNO’s Economic Development Negotiations team which successfully negotiated a multi-million-dollar investment from the Government of Ontario to support long-term economic growth, opportunities and self-sufficiency for Métis communities in Ontario through the New MNO Prosperity Trust.

Receiving a Social Services Diploma (Honour Roll) in 1996, Theresa has worked in Child and Family Services ever since. She also completed an Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree at Laurentian University, (Honour Roll) in June 2012. Married with two children, Theresa believes it is very important that Métis children know their identity at an early age. She tries to make sure that her Métis children are immersed in their culture. Theresa has a strong interest in the MNO’s work in child and family services, Métis culture and heritage, children with disabilities and Métis rights.

Contact: theresas2@metisnation.org

Elected as Regional Councilor for Region 2, Tim Sinclair is new to the PCMNO but has worked with the MNO since 2004 and has been a member of the Superior North Shore Métis Council since 2008. He has actively been involved in Métis consultations, and has served as a replacement representative on behalf of the Region 2 Consultation Committee since 2012. Through these roles, Tim has engaged with many different levels of government, proponents, special interest groups, prospectors, and other related organizations.

Tim has been involved in Heavy Industry and Mining for the past 35+ years, working in road construction to open pit mining. His background gives him unique insight and understanding into both sides of the environment and resource issues that concern MNO citizens.

Tim has taken the time to really listen to the proponents and the special interest groups he has worked with over his career. He believes that his diversity of knowledge and his technological and computer skills will be a great asset in his current role on PCMNO. As a PCMNO Councilor Tim plans to share Métis ideas, values, beliefs and behaviors with communities, and will continue educating others on who the Métis people are and why we matter. Tim is originally from Kenora, Ontario and hails from the Sinclair/Swain family line. His family moved from Southern Manitoba where their land script was to Kenora (Rat Portage) in the 1890s, to the Rideout area now being looked at as a Métis settlement.

Contact: TimS@metisnation.org

Recently elected Councilor for Region 3, Jacques Picotte has been involved with the MNO since the late 1990s holding various roles ranging from Regional Youth Representative to Community Council President.

As Region 3 Councilor, Jacques believes comprehensive consultation with Region 3 communities is a priority. He places significant value on the relationship between communities and their traditional land, and will work with industry partners to ensure that both the environment and Métis rights are protected. As the MNO continues down its path towards self-government and constitution building, Jacques believes we are at a critical point in Métis history and will work hard to ensure Métis rights are advanced and respected. The wellbeing of his community is paramount, and as Councilor he promises to use his voice to ensure that these communities are well served and have access to the necessary programs and services.

Jacques Picotte traces his ancestry to Rainy River/Lake of the Woods/Treaty 3 Historic Métis Community and the Abitibi Inland Historic Métis Community. He is a proud father of three children raised in Métis ways, culture, traditions, and language. Much of his time is spent on the land living the way of life, trapping, harvesting and sharing traditional knowledge.

Contact: JacquesP@metisnation.org

Following two successful terms as and Youth Representative for the PCMNO and MNO Youth Council President (a dual role), Mitch Case returns to the PCMNO in a new role, Regional Councilor for Region 4. With 15 years of volunteer experience with Region 4 and eight with the PCMNO, Mitch is dedicated to advancing Métis rights at local, provincial and national levels.

A graduate of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and Algoma University, Mitch studied History and Anishinaabe studies and focused his research on Ontario Métis history. Mitch has served many committees including the Métis Nation Education Committee, MNO Resolutions Committee, Economic Development Committee, and more. His dedication has been recognized on numerous occasions, including the 2019 Annual General Assembly in Sault Ste. Marie, where he was awarded the Suzanne Rochon-Burnette Volunteer of the Year.

Mitch’s years of experience with the PCMNO has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and respond to the diverse needs of his region. Working alongside the other Regional Councilors, he has familiarized himself with processes impacting Métis communities, including the Duty to Consult and Accommodate, and intends to mobilize his years of experience to benefit Region 4 and MNO citizens.

As Regional Councilor, Mitch plans to address issues affecting Ontario Métis, including but not limited to addressing land claims and grievances, self-government, communication, culture, and increasing regional and local capacity. Mitch is known across the Métis Nation as an extremely talented beadworker who practices a traditional Métis floral style. Mitch has taught beadwork all across the Métis Nation and is respected for his knowledge and understanding of Métis aesthetic and colour theory. Along with the MNO Youth Council, Mitch led the #beadworkrevolution an online movement to encourage Métis youth to learn to bead.

Contact: MitchC@metisnation.org

Having joined the PCMNO as the Councillor for Region 5 in 2019, Roger Rose has been acclaimed for a second term in the position. Roger first became a MNO citizen in 2001 and joined the Mattawa Métis Council as Councilor in 2004. In 2010, he served two terms as Chair of the MNO Mattawa Métis Council and continues to serve as Chair for the Regional Consultation Committee.

With a background in mining, Roger’s experience makes him an ideal representative for the consultation work currently taking place with proponents. Roger has 30 years’ experience in Sudbury’s mining industry, has received numerous certifications in specialties like blasting and drilling, and served several years as Production Leader before retiring in 2004. He continues to leverage his industry knowledge and expertise in the ongoing consultation work with the MNO.

As Regional Councilor, Roger believes that advancing the self-government agreement with Canada is a priority for the next four years, and believes that open communication with Citizens throughout this process is paramount. He proposes an “open book” policy for dialogue taking place with Métis Councils in Region 5, so Citizens can be informed and engaged on each step of its development.

Roger currently resides in Rutherglen, ON with his wife Joyceline Rose –Senator of the MNO Mattawa Métis Council. His daughter holds the position of Secretary Treasurer for the Mattawa Métis Council, and his granddaughter is the Council’s Youth Representative. Both the Rose family and the MNO Mattawa Métis Council are frequently involved in the annual MNO Infinite Reach March Break Camps.

Contact: RogerR@metisnation.org

Andy (Andrew) Dufrane is proud to take on the position of Region 6 Councilor on the PCMNO. Andy has held the position of President for the Peterborough & District Wapiti Métis Council since its inception in 2010.

After dedicating 40 years to the skilled trades, Andy recently retired from a local die casting company. He is an avid harvester, enjoys time in the great outdoors, and has a vast knowledge of the history of our Métis people. Andy holds positions on several advisory committees in his community including Trent University, Fleming College, and public and catholic school boards. He has contributed countless hours providing teachings, guidance and knowledge, and ensuring a strong Métis voice and presence within the schools. He has also contributed his knowledge to other organizations such as the Canadian Canoe Museum and the Peterborough Museum, as well as participated in numerous community events.

Andy is strongly supported by his community and he loves meeting new people. He believes that the Métis people have a great story in the building of Canada, and that it is now our time to live our Métis culture and be proud of our distinct heritage. Andy is from a large family of 9 children, born all across Canada as his father was following work in the west and east provinces. His family settled in Ontario and has been here for several decades.

Contact: AndrewD@metisnation.org

David Dusome returns to the PCMNO as Regional Councilor, Region 7, a position he’s held since January 2019. An MNO Citizen since 1997, David began working with the Georgian Bay Métis Council in 2006, and has held roles as Treasurer (2007-2014) and President (2014-2019).

As Regional Councilor for Region 7, David represents the interests of the Georgian Bay Métis Council, the Moon River Métis Council, Owen Sound Métis Council, and Barrie South Shore Métis Council. David was instrumental in abolishing the administration fee charge for Citizenship Applications and Harvesting Certificates, to the benefit of many Métis families and children. David is also actively involved in resolving Métis land claims, such as pursuing the 1840 Georgian Bay Petition Land Claim on behalf of Georgian Bay Métis citizens.

Contact: DavidD@metisnation.org

Kate brings over ten years of experience serving the MNO, beginning as Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator in 2011, and engaging with MNO Lands, Resources and Consultations and Education and Training branches. She has also served on the Toronto and York Region Métis Council (TYRMC); the Ottawa Region Métis Council (ORMC); and is currently involved with the MNO Two-Spirit Working Group.

“As Métis leaders, we are responsible for being role models to the young ones,” says Kate. “We must stand gently on the shoulders of the ones who came before us who built what we have for us. I take the call to uphold these obligations very seriously.”

At a November 7, 2022 meeting of the PCMNO, a secret ballot vote was held to appoint a new PCMNO Regional Councilor and fill a vacancy in Region 8. Kate was one of seven candidates considered for the position.

Peter Rivers has been elected for a fourth term as PCMNO Regional Councilor for Region 9. First elected to the Councilor position in 2008, Peter concurrently serves as Captain of the Hunt for Region 9.

Peter has significant previous experience advocating for Métis rights on provincial and federal levels; which includes working with Canada to confirm that section 35 rights for Métis Citizens are recognized and carried across Ontario. And, as part of the federal negotiations committee, Peter was a strong Métis voice and an active role in the negotiation of the historic self-government agreement with Canada.

Peter has worked tirelessly the past three terms to address the unique challenges facing Métis in southern Ontario. Over the years, he has had great success working with Councils to secure funding for the region, including the recent negotiation of two proposed long-term funding plans.

In addition to his work with the MNO, Peter has served as Captain for Windsor Fire for 26 years and holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Lake Superior State University. As Captain, he is qualified in all firefighting disciplines (fire rescue, training and inspections).

Additionally, he has seven years’ experience with the Windsor Fire Critical Incident Stress team and worked as rescue operations manager for an urban search and rescue team in Michigan, where he was deployed across North and South America. He has also been a Fire Marshal and served on the Public Fire Safety Council.

Peter grew up near the Sault Ste. Marie community and traces his Métis ancestry to a number of Northern Ontario communities. He currently resides in Windsor, where he is a business owner and residential landlord. A father of two young daughters, Peter is passionate about sharing Métis culture, traditions, and ways of life. He looks forward to continue representing the needs and interests of Region 9 communities.

Contact: rivers_peter@hotmail.com

Jordyn Playne was acclaimed as the PCMNO Youth Representative Most recently, Jordyn served as the Region 7 Youth Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council from 2016-2020. She is a social worker and mental health advocate who received her Masters of Social Work in the Indigenous Field of Studies program from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2019. Jordyn, who currently resides in Penetanguishene, is a descendent of Dusome-Clermont Métis family line from Drummond Island.

Contact: JordynP@metisnation.org

Hannah Bazinet joins the PCMNO for the first time as the Post-Secondary Representative. Currently a Masters student at Western University in London, Hannah is enrolled in a Medical Biophysics program with plans to pursue a professional degree upon completion. Having been a post-secondary student the last 5 years, Hannah is acutely aware of the needs and considerations facing post-secondary Métis students and is excited to represent students on the PCMNO level. Hannah has been an MNO Infinite Reach facilitator for over two years.

Hannah plays an active role in the post-secondary Indigenous community and has fostered a strong relationship with her Western University’s Indigenous Centre. As a student representative, Hannah has attended conferences across Canada where she has had the opportunity to engage with and listen to numerous Indigenous students; First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These discussions have allowed her to have open dialogue about lived experiences, and brainstorm ways to unite our communities through mutual understanding and conversation.

Hannah looks forward to representing the voice of post-secondary students when approaching PCMNO’s goals on community building, and constitution building. She is committed to ensuring safe spaces for students to raise concerns and to learn about our history and culture, and believes it is through community building that we can truly understand what it means to be Métis.

Contact: HannahB@metisnation.org