NationTalk: Penetanguishene, Ontario —This weekend, Métis citizens, dignitaries, and guests convened for the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)’s 31st Annual General Assembly (AGA). This year’s AGA was hosted at Discovery Harbour—the historic site where in 1828 ancestors of the Georgian Bay Métis Community relocated after the War of 1812 when the British ceded their home of Drummond Island to the United States.
At the AGA, significant progress was announced regarding theMNO’s “Revitalizing Our Stories, Histories, Alliances, and Relationships” 2023 resolution. This resolution is ongoing and reaffirms the MNO’s commitment to uplifting the vibrant histories of Métis communities in Ontario, rekindling historic alliances with First Nations, and building a Métis educational institute in Ontario. Knowing and sharing the history and traditions of Métis communities in Ontario is a critical step to advancing Métis self-determination and self-government.
Citizens who attended the AGA received a self-government update about ongoing engagement efforts with MNO citizens to develop a Métis constitution. Consultation with communities on a draft constitution will take place this fall. It was also heard how MNO continues to work with Canada to establish a self-government treaty and remains committed to make progress on Métis rights and interests in this regard.
Other initiatives related to revitalizing Métis stories were discussed at length at this year’s AGA. This involved providing citizens with access to some of the historical information that was submitted to the Métis National Council’s Expert Panel. The submissions include in-depth historical accounts of Métis communities in Ontario that are represented by the MNO. They provide valuable insights into the key events, individuals and families that have shaped Métis history in what is now known as Ontario. Online PDF versions of these submissions will be available at a later date.
This work builds on the Ontario Métis Facts website, launched in spring 2024 to tell the stories and histories of Métis communities in Ontario. Citizens at the AGA received an overview of the website, which features videos, images, and original documents.
The AGA reaffirmed MNO’s unwavering commitment to formally establish the Powley Institute in the immediate future. The Institute, named after the Powley family whose dedication and sacrifices to advancing Métis rights have benefited the entire Métis Nation, will be dedicated to sharing the histories, stories, and culture of Métis communities in Ontario.
“We are immensely proud of the progress we have made in revitalizing and preserving the rich history of Métis communities in Ontario. From launching the Ontario Métis Facts website, to our anticipated establishment of the Powley Institute, we are making monumental steps forward in our journey to educate and inspire future generations. Together, we celebrate our collective achievements in the advancement of Métis rights and the Métis Nation,” said President of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Margaret Froh.
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