Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)

Margaret Froh is a proud Métis Two-Spirit currently serving her third 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.

During her first term, President Froh was a signatory to the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, and the MNO secured both the 2018 MNO-Ontario Harvesting Framework Agreement, and the ground-breaking Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement (SGA) that set a new government-to-government relationship between Canada and MNO.

During her second term, the MNO conducted an independent review of its Citizenship Registry in preparation for self-government which led to a 2023 Special General Assembly where MNO Citizens voted overwhelmingly in favour of ensuring the MNO exclusively represents verifiable, rights-bearing Métis citizens. Building on the 2019 SGA, the MNO and Canada also signed the 2023 Métis Self-Government Recognition & Implementation Agreement, which commits Canada to reach a self-government treaty with the MNO within two years.

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) where she 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 boards and advisory groups, with a particular focus on access to justice for Indigenous peoples. This includes the Debwewin Implementation Committee and the Indigenous Justice Group, both of which were established further to the Iacobucci Report on First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries. 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 Huron and Anishnaabeg peoples and the Historic Georgian Bay Métis Community.

Contact: MargaretF@metisnation.org

Returning to the PCMNO for a second term as Chair is Hank Rowlinson. With over 25 years of full-time experience working various roles within the MNO, Hank brings experience chairing 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 25 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 into an 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 17-37). 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 fifth term and had served as spokesperson for the Métis Nation of Ontario Women’s Council (MNOWC)—formerly known as the Women’s Secretariat—from 2008 to 2020. 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 has served under all three presidents of the MNO: Presidents Belcourt, Lipinski, and Froh.

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 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 Steven Callaghan 

As an MNO official, a Senator is required “to perform their duties and exercise their powers in accordance with those Métis values identified in the Statement of Prime Purpose, including the values of honesty and truth, doing so impartially and with regard to the common good of all MNO citizens.”

These final words are what Steve considers his driving force: “doing so impartially and with regard to the common good of all MNO citizens.”

Steve is a proud Métis with lineage tracing back to the Métis communities of Penetanguishene and Killarney (Gendron-Hallio, Laramee-Cloutier, Dusome-Clermont, and Longlade family lines). He has raised three sons to be proud of their Métis heritage, and now his grandchildren are registered with the MNO. They all take pride in their heritage.

In the past, Steve served as the Vice-President of the MNO Veterans Council and held various positions on the Sudbury Métis Council, as well as serving as a Senator for the MNOVC and a Senator on the PCMNO.

Steve retired a couple of years ago after 32 years as a chaplain and educator, where he served as part of the Indigenous Support Council to the School Board, among other roles. He was an associate professor of Religion and Communication Studies at Laurentian University and also taught Scripture and Ethics to teachers as part of their Additional Qualification training.

Steve completed the limit of three terms on the Board of Governors at the Child and Family Centre in Sudbury as it transitioned into the lead agency for mental health in the region.

He worked in the local hospital system as a Pastoral Care worker, and is an ordained Deacon who continues to serve the local church.

His undergraduate studies included Physics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Theology. He holds a Master’s degree in Divinity and another in Pastoral Counselling, and pursued further Doctoral studies in Ministry at the University of British Columbia.

In 2010, Steve received the Civic Award for Volunteerism from the City of Sudbury. In 2016, he was awarded the Chairperson’s Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the School Board. In 2019, Steve was named Coach of the Year. He continues to serve as Padre to the Royal Canadian Legion and leads prayers at the annual Remembrance Day Ceremonies.

His hobbies include gardening, photography, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Steve looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of the MNO as the PCMNO Executive Senator. He states, “We have been navigating some very significant decisions and processes these past few years, and there are important steps ahead. I intend to do so with ‘honesty and truth, doing so impartially and with regard to the common good of all MNO citizens.’”

Contact: StevenC@metisnation.org

Senator Cecile Coutu

Bonjour/ Hello,

I am Senator Cecile Coutu. I was born in Sudbury and raised in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. I have always lived in Region 5 and have been part of the MNO since 1993. I am a proud descendant of the McGregor/Riel Family “V.M.F.L.”  I have four brothers and am the proud mother of two sons and three grandsons.

I honour our Métis ancestors, cultures, and traditions. I am fluent in French, Michif, and English. I am dedicated, honest, trustworthy, and fair, and I have a great sense of humour. I am inclusive and embrace all. I am a skilled negotiator and problem solver with the ability to take on challenges and assume responsibility where and when necessary to achieve the desired results.

A very highly active volunteer within my community, I served on the Help Line, Palliative Care Worker, and Communication Liaison in regard to how amalgamation would impact small communities. Sitting on “Lunec” at Laurentian University. Attended many conferences as an invited Senator, giving presentations on bullying and suicide. Building relationships with other Indigenous communities. Was a Métis Elder at Cambrian College and signed the MOU at the college. I have organized many feasts and events.

Owner of multiple businesses and properties. I was the secretary of the Sudbury Business & Professional Women, served on the council of the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, was a Life Coach, and a lifelong student of life experiences of all I am destined to do.

I have had the pleasure of meeting most of you and am excited to meet with you again. I’m looking forward to chatting with those of you whom I have yet to meet.

We’ve been given a great responsibility: to keep our Métis Nation together (MNO) and to pave a better future for our citizens and youth.

Merci/Maarsi/Thank you for your support,
Senator Cecile Coutu

Contact: CecileC@metisnation.org

Senator Donna Grenier

Donna Grenier, a proud Métis citizen of Drummond Island descent, was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario. With verified family lines including Gendron-Hallio, Laramee-Cloutier, Boucher, Giroux, and Grisdale. While originally from Region 7, she now resides in Region 4 and has served as a Senator on the North Channel Métis Council. She sees her role as a Senator as one of a Peace Keeper and Knowledge Seeker/Keeper, striving for the betterment of future generations.

Donna is a retired Child and Youth Counsellor with nearly 24 years of experience specializing in the assessment and treatment of children, youth, and their families. She worked in outpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health settings within hospitals, directly collaborating with psychiatrists and other multidisciplinary teams. Donna’s early career saw her providing street outreach services to disenfranchised youth during the height of the AIDS pandemic, offering critical resources and advocacy.

Donna’s approach is rooted in systems theory, recognizing the importance of community, family, and teamwork in supporting individuals facing challenges. She is extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma assessments, crisis intervention, and working with challenging clients. Her career is marked by significant contributions to both clinical and community settings, including roles at the Youthlink Inner City, Humber River Regional Hospital, and the Trillium Health Centre Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinic.

A staunch advocate for diversity and respect within the Métis Nation, Donna is committed to honoring the uniqueness of every individual, including spiritual and religious beliefs, gender identity, and personal experiences. She believes that embracing diversity strengthens the nation and fosters unity. Donna’s passion extends to rebuilding relationships with other Indigenous communities, especially during challenging times, to promote collaboration and mutual respect.

Donna is dedicated to Métis youth, spending time in various camps and conferences as an invited Senator. She emphasizes the importance of intergenerational learning, advocating for more joint events between youth and seniors to share stories, knowledge, and cultural teachings. Donna also supports increasing services for Métis seniors, recognizing their vital role in community continuity and mentorship.

Throughout her career and community involvement, including her tenure as the President of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council, Donna has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for Métis rights, visibility, and recognition in Canada. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, believing that building and growing a strong nation requires collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the future of the Métis people. She served as a Senator on the North Channel Métis Council for three years. Her experience and dedication in this role led her to her current position as a Senator on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO).

Contact: DonnaG@metisnation.org

Senator Liliane Ethier 

Taanishi boon zhoor li zamii!

My name is Marie Liliane Ethier nee Dupuis. I am a proud registered MNO citizen born and raised in Haileybury, Ontario, along the shores of Lake Temiskaming.

My Metis community, the Temiskaming Metis Community Council (TMCC), is part of Region 3 Abitibi Timiskaming which includes close relationships with Timmins, Chapleau and Cochrane Metis Councils. I was part of the foundation of the TMCC and Region 3 Consultation Committee where my husband of 53 years stood alongside me throughout all consultations with mining and forestry components including signatory of the first consultation agreement for the Metis Nation of Ontario with Detour Gold Mine.

My involvement including my whole family, with Metis Nation of Ontario, started in 2001 and in 2008 I became President of the TMCC and ran in that role for many years guiding the local Council and advocating for MNO staff positions, education and training opportunities for youth and their families, and leaving behind a vibrant and strong legacy passed on by TMCC members and their Council when our community celebrates the annual Metis harvest every year with a large gathering immersed in Metis culture and heritage. When I joined the MNO, I gained the courage to investigate my past like so many of you and those were challenging times for the Nation. Regardless of what was happening at MNO however, I always believed in the goals of building a Metis Nation in Ontario, I was proud of my heritage, this is why I continue my journey today as a PCMNO Senator guiding my children and grandchildren to learn, embrace and enjoy their Metis culture.

I’ve served on the following working groups for the MNO foster program, volunteered for the ELCC program as Elder and storyteller, participated in the Metis Language Initiative (MLI) and volunteered to teach the art of beading and Metis culture and heritage. As a PCMNO Senator, I was involved in many gatherings and meetings working with other Senators and PCMNO members creating and putting goals into action for the MNO.

Some of my past employment includes business administration, PSW, volunteer coordinator for the Temiskaming Lodge, Residential Counsellor, Bank Teller. I currently run and operate my own business, Natural Threadz Design where I sell beading, sewing and embroidery.

Maarsii, Liliane Ethier

Contact:  LilianeE@metisnation.org

Theresa has been acclaimed to serve a fifth term as Region 1 Councilor, for the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community “NWOMC”. Theresa is also the Chair of the Region 1 Consultation Committee for the NWOMC. Theresa 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 Métis 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 Métis 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.

Theresa has commissioned and produced numerous resources that highlight the history of the region. This includes the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community Atlas, a historical children’s book about the Métis of Rainy River and Rainy Lake, a government booklet introducing the Métis of Northwestern Ontario, a booklet on Community Council Histories, and a Cultural Mapping project. She has also commissioned a digital project to share the vibrant history and culture of the NWOMC through an interactive website featuring photographs, maps, and quotes.

Throughout her career, Theresa has strongly advocated for Region 1 and their inherent Métis rights, interests and claims, ensuring they are acknowledged and addressed. She has negotiated funding to advance the Treaty 3 Half-breed adhesion claim and worked on various regional initiatives to maintain the rights and interests of the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community.

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

Tim Sinclair will be returning to PCMNO for his second term as Regional Councilor. Tim is the Chair of the Region 2 Consultation Team for the Northern Lake Superior Métis Historical Community (aka Region 2) Tim has worked along with the MNO since 2009, and was been a member of the Superior North Shore Métis Council since 2008. He has actively been involved in Métis consultations, and had served as a replacement representatives on behalf of the Region 2 since 2012. Through these roles, Tim has engaged with many different levels of government, proponents, special interest groups, prospectors, and many other related organizations.

Tim has worked with the Region 2 Council on some of the Forestry Planning before and now as the chair of the R2CC. His history involved with Heavy Industry and Mining for 35+ years, working in road construction to open pit mining. His background gives him unique insight and understanding into both sides of all the environmental and resource issues that concern all 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, his technological background and computer skills are 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 Métis family line. His family moved from Southern Manitoba where their land script was to Kenora (Rat Portage) in the 1890s, to the Rideout area.

Contact: TimS@metisnation.org

Recently acclaimed as Councilor for Region 3, Jacques Picotte returns for a second term on PCMNO. Jacques’ involvement with the MNO began in the late 1990s and he has held 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 is a proud Métis . and very 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

Recently acclaimed, Mitch Case is returning to PCMNO for a second term as Regional Councilor representing the Huron-Superior Regional Metis Community (MNO Region 4). His previous experience includes two successful terms as Youth Representative for the PCMNO and MNO Youth Council President (a dual role). With over 15 years of volunteer experience with Region 4 and 12 with the PCMNO, Mitch is consistently 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 on many committees including the Métis Nation Education Committee, MNO Resolutions Committee, Economic Development Committee, Metis National Council Metis Rights Panel and more. His dedication has been recognized on numerous occasions, including the 2019 Annual General Assembly in Sault Ste. Marie, where he was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year award.

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.

Working along side the members of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis Council, Mitch has led the development of the Sault Metis Heritage Centre, the first of it’s kind in Ontario, Metis heritage centre which houses over 700 ancestral objects, documents, and photographs, maintains a virtual archive and when it opens in fall 2024, after extensive renovations to the 124 year old building are complete, will play host to 2 permanent exhibitions telling the history of the Metis in Ontario, as well as a maker’s space, performance space, a program and services hub and giftshop.

As Regional Councilor, Mitch plans to address issues affecting Ontario Métis, including but not limited to addressing historic grievances such as the 1850 Crown Promise to protect the Sault Ste. Marie Metis River-lots self-government, communication, culture, and increasing regional and local capacity and critically, addressing the food insecurity crisis in the community. 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.

Outside his work for the MNO, Mitch serves on numerous boards including three terms on the board of the NORDIC research institute, Thorneloe University, and as a Member of the National Council for Reconciliation Transitional Committee. Mitch is a faculty member of the Banff Centre’s Indigenous Leadership Program. Mitch is a proud uncle to several nieces and nephews and spends his free time gardening and making maple sugar.

Contact: MitchC@metisnation.org

Suzanne Fortin joins the PCMNO for her first term as Regional Councilor for Region 5. She is a proud descendant of Marie Louise Riel McGregor. Suzanne is an HBComm graduate from Laurentian University and has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for the past 25 years.

Suzanne’s professional background is rooted in finance, where she has held the following positions: controller, director of finance and ancillary services, and treasurer. As a CPA, she is dedicated to making the most effective use of budgets, ensuring fairness and equality, and upholding the highest levels of integrity and moral standards.

Suzanne has been actively involved with the Sudbury Métis Council (SMC) for the past five years, initially serving as Treasurer and then as President. In her role as President, Suzanne has had the privilege of working closely with the community, and participating on several key committees: Indigenous Education, Early Learning and Child Care, Lands Resource, Economic Development, and Self-Governance.

During her tenure with the SMC, Suzanne spearheaded numerous community initiatives, some of which included organizing children’s Christmas parties, quarterly and annual general citizen meetings, fishing derbies, and summer barbecues. She has also been deeply involved in food security efforts through the distribution of meat boxes, turkey giveaways, and food cards. To support Métis citizen businesses, she was a key organizer of Sudbury’s first tradeshow this year. Additionally, Suzanne has enjoyed organizing and participating in various women’s activities.

On a more personal level, Suzanne is the owner of Rayside Bookkeeping & Tax, where she provides comprehensive financial services to small businesses and farm clients, including personal tax returns, payroll, and day-to-day accounting. Her expertise in new business development, financial reporting, and analysis is a valuable asset to the Métis citizens of Region 5.

Suzanne also owns and operates C&S Western Boutique with her daughter, a small Métis owned and operated business. Through this venture, she creates moose and coyote or fox gauntlets and mittens, ribbon skirts, vests, shirts, medicine bags, and various other items showcasing her beading and embroidery skills.

Contact: SuzanneF@metisnation.org

Andy (Andrew) Dufrane is proud to return to a second term as the Region 6 Councilor on the PCMNO. Prior to joining the PCMNO, Andy has held the position of President for the Peterborough & District Wapiti Métis Council since its inception in 2010.

Following a successful career in the skilled trades, Andy 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 has held 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

Newly elected Greg Garratt is joining the PCMNO to serve his first term as Regional Councilor for Region 7. Greg is a proud Métis citizen from Penetanguishene and a descendent of the Dusome-Clermont and Beausoliel Métis families.

Greg has a long history of serving people and advocating for their interests, from his time in the Navy out of high school to almost 30 years working at a hospital, while simultaneously owning and operating several businesses in his community.

Prior to joining the PCMNO, Greg has nearly 20 years of dedicated service to the MNO community; including 12 years experience as Region 7 Captain of the Hunt and almost eight years on the Veteran’s Council in multiple executive roles. As a three-time sitting Councilor, Greg has served the Georgian Bay Metis Council in various capacities since 2009.

Greg’s commitment to community also extends to his involvement with multiple boards and governance structures, including Chigamik Board, Hospice Board, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Through these experiences, Greg has developed many First Nation and community relationships that have seen successful and he will continue to build on respectful relations with all whenever possible.

Greg works hard for his community, Region, and the larger Métis community, whether it’s assisting the hundreds of citizenship or harvester applications, elders, youth, volunteers, and local/Métis business owners with supports where he can. Greg has spent countless hours working at local, Regional and Provincial levels and looks forward to advancing MNO’s priorities as the PCMNO Region 7 representative.

Contact: gregg@metisnation.org

Kate is grateful for the Ottawa Region Métis Council, Toronto & York Region Métis Council, Métis Nation of Ontario Women’s Council, Métis Nation of Ontario Two Spirit+ Council, and Way of Life Framework, Education & Training, and Lands, Resources, & Consultations branches who oriented her in Métis self-governance perspectives throughout 2012-2022. Kate has expressed her profound gratitude for leaders she connected with in each place.

Kate comes from Drummond Islanders through Penetanguishene, and grew up in Scarborough. Métis are fiercely independent people. Her understanding of who she is comes from the connections that are important to her family, and deep appreciation for the strength of diversity. Kate is constantly learning. She listens to her ancestors through stories, the ways she lives her life, choices, and the ways of knowing that she will teach her children. Kate values justice and empathy.

The mandate she received from MNO citizens living in Region 8 to serve on the PCMNO both humbles her and strengthens her resolve. Kate will work to fulfil the responsibilities of this office in a good way. Region 8 priorities among many include: good relations; better communication; pride and stability.

Kate noted that we may not always get along, we certainly won’t always agree, and that does not change the fact that we exist and each have the right to live and be who we are.

Kate looks forward to working with PCMNO colleagues and all three Region 8 Community Councils to build relationships and clear lines of communication between MNO citizens, internal self-governance structures, and external governments and societies for the benefit of future generations.

Contact: KateS@metisnation.org

Kathleen has been involved in Métis governance over the past 6 years as President and prior to that as Treasurer of the Thames Bluewater Council located in the heart of Region 9.

Kathleen is a proud, strong, Métis woman whose family lineage runs from the scrip system of Red River. She comes from the Métis Desmarais, Bercier, Anderson, and Erasmus families. Although her family is from Manitoba, she has lived in southern Ontario (MNO Region 9) for over fifty years and considers it her home.

A graduate of Dalhousie University with a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Operations Management, Bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario in Economics and Political Science, diploma from Fanshawe College in Computer Programming, and a Certificate from University of Michigan in LEAN Manufacturing. Kathleen has spent her entire career working and playing in Region 9 while working in the Automotive Industry. She retired in 2017 from the position of Divisional Controller from a Tier One Canadian Auto Parts company. She has also held numerous positions in Finance, Logistics, Purchasing and IT.

Kathleen has years of experience advocating for Métis Rights while she served on her Community Council. Key areas of focus have included the local regional hospital, school boards through their Indigenous Education Committees and the local Indigenous communities and Nations. In 2022, Kathleen’s dedication to her community was honoured at the Annual General Assembly in Toronto with the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award.

Kathleen is excited to bring her passion and commitment to the entire Region 9 community! She believes in our inalienable right to govern ourselves. Together, with transparent, accessible and ethical leadership, we will achieve the long fought for dream of our ancestors to have full recognition of our rightful place within Canada. The values that will lead her during her time on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario will be the values that have guided her to date in her life: inclusivity, transparency, good governance, respectful communications and, of course, good old-fashioned hard work.

If you live in Region 9, Kathleen encourages you to reach out to her to discuss how to make our Region better. Together we can accomplish anything.

Contact: KathleenA@metisnation.org

Evan Accettola (he/him), is deeply rooted in his Métis heritage from the Georgian Bay Métis Community and is a descendant of the Dusome-Clermont Métis family. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Evan was born in Texas and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Evan has lived his life immersed in the traditions and culture of his Métis community.

As the current President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council and Youth Representative on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Evan is a dynamic leader committed to advancing the rights and interests of Métis youth in Ontario. Evan’s dedication extends to healthcare, as evidenced by his position on the Canadian Nurses Association Indigenous Relations Circle. Evan is also academically accomplished, diligently completing his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Criminology and Indigenous Studies at Simon Fraser University. Licensed as a Practical Nurse in both British Columbia and Ontario, Evan holds a Practical Nursing Diploma from George Brown College and specialized certificates in Health Studies, Aging & Gerontology, and Indigenous Knowledges from Toronto Metropolitan University. His heart and soul are dedicated to nurturing the Métis culture and supporting the community he calls home.

Contact: EvanA@metisnation.org

Ryan Lafleur is the newly acclaimed Post-Secondary Representative to the PCMNO and plays a collaborative role with the MNOYC. Ryan is completing their undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Ottawa and works in public service alongside their role at PCMNO. They plan on pursuing a part-time master’s degree in 2025.

Ryan was born and raised in Northern Ontario as a proud French speaker, his family line hailing from Red River where his mother was born. Until recently, Ryan was the Youth Representative on the Ottawa Region Métis Council and had worked in the secretariat’s Summer Youth Program for four consecutive summers; Ryan also found the time to serve as Infinite Reach Facilitator in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Ryan looks forward to acting as the voice of Métis students on the PCMNO. They hope to play a positive role in upcoming nation-to-nation dialogue to ensure our students are supported. As an openly queer and Indigenous student, Ryan understands how our intersecting identities make for unique experiences and struggles. They believe education is a right, not a privilege, and are committed to upholding that right.

Contact: RyanL@metisnation.org