The ongoing conflict between Ontario’s First Nations and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) focuses on the nearly $1 billion in federal funding allegedly misallocated to the MNO, which some First Nations leaders claim is illegitimately asserting Métis identity. The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations, recently revealed that over a 20-year period, approximately $819 million in funding was directed toward the MNO from various federal departments. These leaders argue that this diversion harms legitimate First Nations and questions the government’s rationale for recognizing the MNO amidst robust evidence challenging its legitimacy.
The funding for the MNO has been distributed from multiple government bodies, including Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations. The dispute intensified following a 2017 decision by the Ontario government, which recognized six new historic Métis communities, leading to further tension regarding the validity of these claims. Reports from scholars like Leila Inksetter concluded that no mixed-ancestry communities exist in the territories claimed by the MNO, findings that the MNO disputes, insisting their heritage is well-documented despite external skepticism.
Critics of the MNO’s position argue that recent historical analyses support the lack of evidence for a distinct Métis community in areas like the Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory. Two historians detailed, in a 200-page report, that while there may be mixed-ancestry individuals, there is insufficient basis for claiming a legitimate Métis community. The MNO, however, points to a 2003 Supreme Court decision as validation for their status, even though this case does not recognize the newer communities introduced in 2017.
Inter-community relations are emphasized by MNO officials, who argue that collaboration between Métis and First Nations is essential in asserting their rights against colonial governmental practices. Jennifer St. Germain, a chief officer within the MNO, calls for unity rather than conflict, emphasizing their shared goals of advocacy for investment in critical programs and mutual respect for Indigenous rights. Yet, the Chiefs of Ontario disagree, asserting that their interests are consistently sidelined by both provincial and federal levels when it comes to Métis recognition.
The disputes over Métis identity have led to significant divisions within the Métis National Council, which now represents only two provincial members after several groups, including the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, withdrew criticism of the MNO’s legitimacy. The Manitoba Métis Federation, which claims a historical connection to the recognized Métis Nation, is particularly concerned about federal funds going to the MNO, especially in light of how these funds are seen to support development agendas that are misaligned with First Nations’ interests.
The Manitoba Métis Federation’s recent withdrawal from certain federal discussions underscores a growing apprehension toward the federal government’s approach, which they view as undermining Indigenous rights. Advocating for real engagement only with recognized rights holders among the First Nations, the Chiefs of Ontario argue that blanket consultations with “Indigenous communities,” as practiced by Canada and Ontario, do not adequately respect the distinct rights and identities of individual communities.
