MNO News 35: President’s Message (August 2025)
Dear Citizens,
This week in Ottawa, I joined members of the Provisional Council and senior staff for a summit with the Prime Minister of Canada and other Métis leadership from across the Homeland. We spoke about strengthening Métis self-government in Ontario, advancing economic reconciliation, building infrastructure, and ensuring our voices are part of the decisions that affect us.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the historic contributions of the Métis and affirmed his government’s commitment to respecting our rights under the new Building Canada Act.
I shared that the MNO and the Métis communities we represent look forward to working together to see this commitment honoured. It was a constructive and forward-looking discussion—one that reinforced the importance of working together, across governments, to create opportunities and prosperity for our people and for all Canadians.
This August, we stand at a profound moment in the life of our Nation. In just a few days, citizens from across the province will gather in Sault Ste. Marie for our Annual General Assembly. We will come together to reflect on our progress, celebrate our culture, and chart our collective path forward. This year’s gathering holds special significance, as it marks the official launch of the Powley Institute.
The Powley Institute is a promise kept.
It is a lasting tribute to Steve and Roddy Powley and to every Métis ancestor who stood firm in their identity even when institutions told them to disappear. It will be a place of Métis-led research, learning, publishing, and truth-telling. A place where our children and grandchildren will see themselves reflected, in the stories we share, the knowledge we preserve, and the future we shape.
We are also beginning a new chapter within our own government. In July, we welcomed Dale LeClair as the MNO’s new Chief Executive Officer. Dale brings decades of experience working with Indigenous governments across the country, and his dedication to advancing Métis rights and self-determination is already strengthening our team.
Last month, Dale and I had the honour of joining Métis from across the Homeland at Back to Batoche in Saskatchewan. We were proud to stand with Citizens and leaders from across the Métis Nation. It was a powerful reminder that the story of our people does not begin or end at provincial borders. Our history flows across rivers and regions, carried by kinship, resilience, and a shared determination to live proudly and openly as Métis. Events like Batoche reaffirm that we are one Nation, with a shared past and a united future.
We carry that same spirit into difficult conversations.
A newly released report, commissioned by the Wabun Tribal Council, has denied the existence of Métis communities in Treaty 9 territory. The facts of history tell a different story. The original text of Treaty 9 explicitly references “Indians, half-breeds or whites,” recognizing that Métis were present in the region. Petitions, correspondence, and government records from the time confirm that Métis individuals and communities sought recognition and were treated as distinct.
We cannot allow history to be rewritten. The record is clear, and we will continue to speak to it. At the same time, we remain open to respectful dialogue. We welcome conversations grounded in fact, guided by history, and focused on moving forward.
Over the past weeks, our leadership has remained actively engaged, meeting with MP Pauline Rochefort to explore areas of shared priority and connecting with the Assistant Deputy Attorney General to continue advancing Métis justice programming. We remain committed to building meaningful relationships, advocating for Métis priorities, and ensuring our Citizens are heard.
The AGA is your gathering. Whether you’re attending to vote on resolutions, cheer on the Métis fiddlers, support the Powley Institute through the “We Aspire” Golf Tournament, or simply reconnect with community, we look forward to seeing you there. Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Together, we shape the future of our Nation.
Thank you for your continued commitment, courage, and care. We are strongest when we stand together.
In pride and solidarity,
Margaret Froh
President, Métis Nation of Ontario