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Métis Citizens, Knowledge Keepers, and Youth Shape a New Nature Strategy
MNO Attends Inaugural Métis National Council Nature Summit in Alberta

Representatives from the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) joined Métis governments and partners from on November 25 and 26 for the inaugural Métis National Council Nature Summit in Calgary, Alberta. Hosted at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, the gathering marked the official launch of the newly and collaboratively developed Nature Strategy. Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, environmental practitioners, and Métis leadership came together to discuss shared priorities for protecting and caring for lands and waters.

The two-day summit focused on the Strategy’s five interconnected priorities for action: ecosystem healing, Métis-led conservation areas, understanding the state of the environment, food security and sovereignty, and the protection of water, ice, and snow. Governing Members also highlighted the work already underway in communities, showcasing Métis leadership and the deep relationships citizens maintain with the natural world.

“The new Nature Strategy empowers Métis citizens to care for our lands, waters, and wildlife in ways that honour our Métis knowledge systems,” said MNO President Margaret Froh. “It offers a unified path forward to strengthen community resilience, uphold cultural responsibility, and centre Métis leadership in environmental protection.”

Panel discussions explored Indigenous-led conservation, caring for non-human kin, ecosystem restoration, sacred waters, and the role of Métis values in environmental stewardship. Sessions on food security and sovereignty highlighted how harvesting practices and land-based knowledge support community wellbeing. A dedicated youth panel shared perspectives on the responsibilities younger generations carry in caring for the land, water, animals, snow, and ice.

The summit also included cultural learning grounded in Kiyokewin — the practice of visiting and building relationships — through trade booths, outdoor hide-tanning workshops, and cultural demonstrations that strengthened kinship across regions.

Participation in the Nature Summit supports key MNO priorities, including national advocacy to renew federal nature program funding set to sunset in 2026; stronger environmental partnerships; increased visibility of Métis-led stewardship across Ontario; and shared learning among Governing Members.

Overall, the summit created space for meaningful dialogue on Indigenous leadership in protecting biodiversity and responding to environmental change. With a new Nature Strategy in place, Métis governments are well positioned to continue driving positive, citizen-led action.