Government financing for Métis Nation of Ontario raises doubts among indigenous communities
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is facing criticism from various Indigenous groups, including First Nations in Ontario and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), who question the MNO's legitimacy as a representative body for Métis people. The controversy revolves around the MNO's status and the nearly $1 billion in federal funding it has received over two decades.
The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations in Ontario, have voiced their concerns, contending that the federal government failed to properly consult or research before recognizing the MNO. Academic research commissioned by Indigenous groups has found no evidence supporting the existence of distinct Métis communities in the territories claimed by the MNO, meaning these communities do not meet the historic or legal criteria to be recognized as a legitimate Métis entity.
The MNO defends its status, citing its recognition by the Ontario government and a 2023 federal bill affirming its right to self-government. However, critics accuse the MNO of attempting to "rewrite history" and question the integrity of the MNO's funding, arguing that it should have gone to recognized First Nations or the MMF instead.
The MMF, which is the federally recognized government for the Red River Métis, has controversially withdrawn from the Métis National Council, partly in protest over the MNO's legitimacy and concerns about the integrity of the Métis National Council's citizenship registry.
The dispute has led to a rift among Métis groups, with the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Métis Nation British Columbia also withdrawing from the Métis National Council. The MNO's chief strategy officer, Jennifer St. Germain, has expressed a desire for reconciliation, stating, "Métis and First Nations should not be working at odds as we are not enemies."
The Chiefs of Ontario are disappointed that Canada and Ontario did not do adequate research before recognizing the MNO and have accused both parties of failing to consult First Nations. The Manitoba Métis Federation has boycotted a meeting regarding major projects legislation, viewing the MNO's invitation as undermining the integrity of the gathering.
As the dispute continues, the issue of Métis identity, governance legitimacy, rightful representation, and the appropriate allocation of substantial Canadian government funding meant to support Indigenous rights and self-government remains a contentious topic.
[1] CBC News. (2023). Métis Nation of Ontario's status and funding under fire from Manitoba Métis Federation. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/metis-nation-of-ontario-status-and-funding-under-fire-from-manitoba-metis-federation-1.6897724
[2] The Globe and Mail. (2023). Métis Nation of Ontario's legitimacy questioned by First Nations, Manitoba Métis Federation. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/metis-nation-of-ontarios-legitimacy-questioned-by-first-nations-manitoba-metis-federation/article39135779/
[3] The Toronto Star. (2023). Métis Nation of Ontario's legitimacy questioned by First Nations, Manitoba Métis Federation. [online] Available at: https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2023/05/10/metis-nation-of-ontarios-legitimacy-questioned-by-first-nations-manitoba-metis-federation.html
[4] CTV News. (2023). Manitoba Métis Federation withdraws from Métis National Council. [online] Available at: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/manitoba-metis-federation-withdraws-from-metis-national-council-1.6897724
[5] APTN News. (2023). Métis Nation of Ontario's legitimacy questioned by First Nations, Manitoba Métis Federation. [online] Available at: https://aptnnews.ca/2023/05/10/metis-nation-of-ontarios-legitimacy-questioned-by-first-nations-manitoba-metis-federation/
- The controversy surrounding the Métis Nation of Ontario's legitimacy as a representative body for Métis people is causing a rift in the Métis community, leading to discussions about policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news, and war-and-conflicts within the Indigenous community.
- As the dispute over the MNO's status and funding escalates, questions about Métis identity, governance legitimacy, rightful representation, and the appropriate allocation of substantial Canadian government funding meant to support Indigenous rights and self-government have become a focal point in the world of politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news, with indications of war-and-conflicts on the horizon.
