Métis Nation of Ontario welcomes provinces Pathways to Safety plan
Ontario government’s strategy shows the importance of addressing recommendations in the MMIWG inquiry’s final report.
Following the release of Pathways to Safety, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) acknowledges the step taken by the Ontario government in establishing this strategy and the importance of all governments working together to end violence against Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQ people.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the province of Ontario to advance this critical work,” says MNO President Margaret Froh. “We know there is a lot of work ahead, and our leadership, citizens and in particular MNO Women’s Council remain committed to ensure Métis women, girls and Two-Spirit voices are actively engaged.”
Ontario’s Strategy comes in response to the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) released two years ago. The MNO will continue to work with the Province of Ontario and other Indigenous partners to collectively call for change.
ABOUT THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO
In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a democratic, province-wide Métis government. Today, the MNO represents more than 22,000 registered citizens throughout Ontario through provincial, regional, and local governance structures and delivers a wide range of programs and services to its citizens and communities through a network of 33 offices in Ontario that administer budgets of well over $50 million annually. In 2015, the Ontario legislature passed the MNO Act, which recognizes the MNO’s unique governance structure. The MNO has been one of the governing members of the Metis National Council since 1994.
ABOUT THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO WOMEN’S COUNCIL
Métis Nation of Ontario Women’s Council (MNOWC) is an advisory body within the MNO, dedicated to empowering and supporting Métis women and their families by promoting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. The MNOWC is entrusted to enhance the rights of Métis women in Ontario so they can fulfill their potential in all aspects of their lives. Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) – Women of the Métis Nation is the national body representing Métis women, and as such the MNOWC support efforts of LFMO. The LFMO has prepared and presented to the Federal Government a report titled Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ People. The report includes 62 Calls for Miskotahâ, a Michif word for change. This report informs how the MNOWC is moving forward on the matter of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people.