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MNO Advances Ontario Métis Priorities at National Status of Women Meeting

On July 14 in Moncton, New Brunswick – The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) participated in the Meeting of Indigenous Leaders and Representatives and Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women.

The MNO joined the FPTI meeting with fellow governing member of the Métis National Council (MNC), the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) along with Metis Governments and Indigenous Partners. Councillor Kate Stewart-McNeil represented the MNO, bringing forward Métis-specific perspectives on issues facing Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ citizens across Ontario.

The meeting provided an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners on actions needed to advance gender equality, physical and digital safety, economic security, and well-being. It created space to connect with Indigenous partners from across the country who share a commitment to serving and advocating for women, children, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in their communities.

The MNO advanced three key priorities for citizens, and also on behalf of MNC:

  1. Better Métis-specific data leads to better Métis-specific solutions. Improved access to distinctions-based data is essential to understanding lived experiences, identifying service gaps, measuring progress, and ensuring policies respond to the realities of Métis communities.
  2. Métis governments are best positioned to develop solutions for Métis citizens. One-size-fits-all and pan-Indigenous approaches do not adequately reflect the distinct rights, needs, and realities of Métis citizens and communities.
  3. Sustainable funding must flow directly to Métis governments. Direct and predictable investments, including through programs administered by Women and Gender Equality Canada, are necessary to enable Métis governments to deliver culturally grounded programs and services for their citizens.

The MNO remains committed to strengthening relationships and working collaboratively with Métis, Indigenous, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to advance meaningful and lasting outcomes for Métis women, children, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ citizens.