The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people who emerged in the historic Northwest—including the Upper Great Lakes and waterways of northern Ontario, during the late 1700s. Throughout the 1800s, Métis communities in northern Ontario demonstrated their political will and agency, including the signing of petitions at Penetanguishene, Sault Ste. Marie, Rainy Lake, and Moose Factory demanding recognition as distinct Métis communities. They took up arms in 1839 at Penetanguishene, at the Mica Bay in 1849, and notably in 1875, Métis in Fort Frances signed the Halfbreed Adhesion to Treaty #3, becoming the only Métis community in Canada to sign a historic treaty with the Crown.

In 1993, these Métis communities as well as Métis citizens from Métis communities west of Ontario living in the province established the MNO as their Métis Government, which continues to advocate for Métis rights, interests, and provides critical services to Métis citizens in Ontario.

Despite these facts, some critics have recently tried to erase this history—ignoring the facts—to further a revisionist and laterally violent political agenda. To combat these efforts, below are some resources produced by the MNO correcting this misinformation and highlighting the facts about Métis history in Ontario.

History & Stories About Métis Communities in Ontario

Fact Checking Misinformation Resources