Special Message: Update on Our Self-Government Journey

As you begin to enjoy your summer season, I wanted to update you on some of the important work your Métis government is doing to advance our rights agenda and how you will be central to this work in the months ahead.

Since the MNO’s creation, the advancement of Métis rights has been central to our government’s purpose. Our Statement of Prime Purpose includes “establishing democratic institutions based on our inherent right of self-government” as one of its key aims and objectives.

Over the last 30+ years, we have come together as a united rights-bearing Métis collectivity in Ontario. We have also built a democratic, accountable and province-wide Métis government that is unified and includes representation at the local, regional and provincial levels.

In the past, governments denied the very existence of Métis rights and our self-government. Those days are gone. From the landmark Powley case that the MNO advanced to the Supreme Court of Canada to our various agreements with the Crown, Métis rights in Ontario are now recognized.

In February 2023, we signed our Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement (MGRSIA) with Canada. Our MGRSIA immediately recognized the MNO as a Métis government. The MGRSIA also committed Canada to reaching a self-government treaty with us.

To reach a self-government treaty, we need to develop and adopt an MNO Constitution. More importantly, for generations, our Citizens have called for the adoption of an MNO Constitution instead of relying on corporate bylaws. All other Métis Nation governments already have constitutions.

In 2024, the newly elected Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) identified advancing an MNO Constitution as a strategic priority. This led to consultations on a Statement of Principles for an MNO Constitution throughout 2025.
Based on those consultations with Citizens and the “What We Heard” report from that consultation, we tasked our longstanding legal counsel on Métis rights to draft a preliminary MNO Constitution for internal discussions.

Over the last few months, the PCMNO has provided input into that preliminary draft. Recently, we held an MNO All Leadership Meeting that included our Community Councils and Advisory Councils to obtain further input into this preliminary draft.
Based on the feedback we have received, we have been further refining this draft MNO Constitution, so it is ready to be brought out to all Citizens in the early Fall of 2026 as part of a province-wide consultation. These consultations will take place throughout 2026 and extend into 2027.

The MNO has committed to holding a province-wide ratification on a draft MNO Constitution in which all Citizens over the age of 16 years will have an opportunity to vote on it. Ultimately, the MNO Constitution will be in the hands of our Citizens—where it should be. Our Citizens will have the final say on whether we adopt an MNO Constitution. No one else.

Over the summer, your leadership, with the support of our Administration, including our Self-Government branch, will finalize the draft MNO Constitution that will go out for consultation in the Fall of 2026. In addition, they will be developing helpful communication products to support this work.

At our upcoming Annual General Assembly, we will be providing further updates on the upcoming province-wide consultation process on an MNO Constitution. I encourage all Citizens to attend our assembly or watch online.

I also encourage all Citizens to participate in the upcoming consultations. Attend a meeting. Ask questions. Make sure your voice is heard. For generations, Métis in Ontario have fought for recognition. Through an MNO Constitution, we will put in place the foundation that will support our Nation for generations to come. All Citizens have a role to play in this historic initiative.

I look forward to making progress on an MNO Constitution and our self-government treaty. Together, we will ensure the vision and aspirations of our ancestors are fulfilled. Through an MNO Constitution, we will ensure the rights of our Citizens and the Métis communities we represent are protected—forever.

Marsi,


Margaret Froh

President, Métis Nation of Ontario