Statement from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on the report released by the Métis Nation of Ontario regarding Métis communities in Ontario
Posted on: Apr 07, 2025
April 7, 2025 – Earlier today, the Citizens’ Council of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government passed the following resolution concerning the report recently released by the Métis Nation of Ontario on Métis communities in Ontario:
Be it resolved that the Citizens’ Council has reviewed the document titled: “National Definition of Métis: A Review of Communities in Ontario” which was produced as a result of a resolution by the Métis National Council, and which has been released by the Métis Nation of Ontario.
Be it further resolved by the Citizens’ Council that the Otipemisiwak Métis Government neither supports nor endorses the document titled: “National Definition of Métis: A Review of Communities in Ontario”.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government has consistently asserted that Citizenship is the responsibility of individual Métis governments, not external bodies. Which is why our government opposed the “Expert Panel” process from its inception and introduction at the 2018 Métis National Council Annual General Assembly.
The report is specifically relevant to the Métis Nation of Ontario, and it is not relevant or informative for the purposes of Citizenship within the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. Our government does not endorse or support the document. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Registrar will not be taking steps to implement any recommendations or changes to our Citizenship requirements from the report.
As the oldest, continuously operating Métis government in Canada, and the Government for the Métis Nation within Alberta, we take pride in having the strongest, objectively verified Citizenship registry system in the country that strictly applies the National Definition of Métis. With over 70,000 Citizens who are descendants of the Historic Métis Nation, we have always known who we are, and our focus remains on providing the best possible governance for our Citizens.
Part of our commitment to responsible governance includes our government’s ongoing participation in the Métis National Council (MNC). As the only Métis National Indigenous Organization, the MNC receives funding and resources to advocate and advance the interests of its governing members. Since 1983, the Métis Nation of Alberta, as a founding governing member of the MNC, has collaborated with other Métis governments to advance the rights and interests of the Métis Nation at the national level. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government remains as a governing member to ensure Métis Citizens of Alberta are represented through MNC’s advocacy.
We will continue to work with Métis Governments across the Homeland to build a stronger, brighter, and more equitable future for all Métis people.
Media Contact:
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
780-455-2200 Ext. 245
Ktrenton@metis.org