MNO News 41: President’s Message (February 2026)
Dear Citizens,
As we move through the heart of winter, I find February to be a month for looking ahead. The days are still cold, but the light is slowly returning which brings excitement of warmer days to come.
Several of our communities have been working hard to create warmth through exciting events, like Family Day celebrations and community Rendezvous. I want to recognize our local Community Councils and all those volunteers for working hard to create events where citizens can come, bring their families and celebrate our history and culture, building that strong sense of community and belonging. Maarsii for all your work!
It is indeed a good time to check in with one another and to plan for the months ahead. In our Métis communities, families have long prepared for what comes next. Our ancestors paid close attention to the land, the weather, and one another, knowing that survival depended on cooperation and foresight. That same spirit still guides us today.
I want to share a few updates about the work ahead, and how we’re continuing to show up for Métis citizens in Ontario.
Over the past several weeks, our MNO leadership and Intergovernmental Relations team have been busy representing Métis interests at both the provincial and federal levels. This includes meetings with Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament to make sure decisions are informed by Métis perspectives and lived experiences, as well as meetings with Ontario officials, participation in pre-budget consultations in different regions, and conversations about land stewardship, climate change, ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people, tourism, and other Métis priorities. This work may not always be visible, but it is essential. It’s about making sure Métis people are part of the conversation before decisions are made, not after.
On the programs side of things, this spring, our Community Wellbeing team will be reviewing our Victim Services and Anti-Human Trafficking programs. Like with other program reviews, some citizens who have used these services may be invited to share feedback through interviews or creative activities. If you are contacted, I hope you will consider taking part. Your experiences and insights on program reviews really do help us improve how we deliver services and make sure that our support truly reflects what our citizens need.
We know that Housing continues to be a priority for our citizens, and for the entire Nation. Applications for the Emergency Repair Program will open this spring, with a new focus on energy efficiency to help families make necessary repairs while reducing long-term costs.
The MNO continues its work to create affordable housing for our Metis citizens. Planning continues on our housing project in Kenora, and construction is moving forward on our Midland project. In Midland, foundations are nearly complete, and several units are already being framed, making real progress toward stable, affordable housing for Métis families in that Metis community.
The months ahead will see several education and family-focused programs opening for applications.
In early March, families can apply through the single Early Learning & Child Care (ELCC) application for supports like back-to-school supplies and family kits. Childcare subsidies for summer camps open shortly thereafter, helping families plan ahead for the school break.
Post-secondary students can apply for financial assistance starting March 1, and there are also opportunities to participate in peer support networks that strengthen Métis student success.
I’m also excited about new learning tools launching this spring, including Métis-inspired math kits for elementary classrooms and a free Michif-Fransè language app. Language and learning are powerful ways we carry culture forward, especially for younger generations.
Our Environment and Climate Change team continues to support virtual climate forums, offering opportunities to learn, ask questions, and share concerns about issues affecting our communities. The next one is coming up on March 7, and it will focus on nuclear energy. Another is planned for June 13, and that one will look at how bees, butterflies, and other species play a big role in keeping ecosystems healthy. These efforts reflect a long Métis tradition of environmental knowledge and stewardship. Caring for the lands and waters has always meant caring for future generations.
As we look ahead, it’s also important to remember where we come from. Métis history in Ontario stretches across regions, rivers, and generations. Stories of families, harvesters, and community leaders remind us that Métis identity is rooted in connection and responsibility. I encourage you to visit OntarioMetisFacts.com, where new stories from Métis history are shared every day. These histories ground our work today and ensure our experiences are understood by ourselves and by others.
Thank you for staying engaged and for helping us stay connected. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to update your contact information on the MNO website. It’s one of the simplest ways to make sure you receive timely updates, program information, and invitations to participate. The work ahead matters, and it’s work we do best together.
Wishing you warmth and connection in the weeks ahead,
Margaret Froh
President, Métis Nation of Ontario