Métis Nation of Ontario Statement on Trucker Convoy
Ottawa, ON (February 4, 2022) — The Métis Nation of Ontario (“MNO”) stands with fellow Indigenous nations, agencies and allies in opposing the divisive and disrespectful tactics that have taken place in and around Ottawa on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Peoples. Actions that aim to spread misinformation, promote hate and intolerance, disrespect Indigenous ceremony and potentially place the most vulnerable communities at risk are a danger to us all.
“We recognize and appreciate the work truckers have done to ensure we continue to have food and essentials on our tables across Canada and we know that the majority of truckers are fully vaccinated and doing their part to help stop the virus,” said MNO President Margaret Froh. “While the right to speak out is a cornerstone of our democracy, it should never be wielded in a way that endangers others and creates panic and fear.
“The symbols of hate and intolerance we have seen within this ‘Freedom Convoy,’ and the complete disrespect for Métis and First Nation cultural symbols and ceremony are disgraceful and should have no place in this country.
“We have heard from many of our citizens and communities who are very concerned by what they’ve been witnessing, and we are very concerned for Métis Citizens and other Ottawa residents who are being directly impacted. We stand together in our collective call for respect and peace and want to see a harmonious resolution to this conflict,” President Froh remarked.
Métis, First Nation and Inuit communities have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic and all Indigenous agencies and governments including the MNO have been working tirelessly to ensure COVID-19 support programs and vaccinations are widely accessible for citizens, and that factual information on vaccinations is shared.
The MNO continues to applaud the Federal Government and Province for assistance provided throughout the pandemic to help support Métis families and communities in Ontario. The need has been great, especially in regard to food insecurity and mental health. MNO support programs have included the distribution of COVID-19 Care Kits to Citizens and their families caring for sick family members or in high-risk households, Emergency Income Relief Benefits, Emergency Family Support Programs, and a COVID-19 Rent Supplement Program, among many others.
“We recognize the hardships being experienced right now by so many. The MNO is working collaboratively with Ontario and Canada to ensure our Métis citizens have the facts they need to make the best decisions for themselves, and the supports they need to make it through this pandemic,” President Froh added.
“We are in an unprecedented public health crisis. This is not the time for division, but rather for us all to do what we can to support each other. A unified public health response plan to restore the health of our communities must continue to be the priority.”