Understanding its potential historical significance and broader implications, the entire Métis Nation made the strategic decision to rally together in unanimous support of R. v. Powley, the Powley family and the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community during their ten-year legal ordeal. As explained by Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand in a September 24, 2003 written address to MMF citizens: “As I suggested earlier, the past week was closed by two historic decisio

The Métis Nation, its governments, and leaders have a long legacy of recognizing and uplifting the history and connection between the Upper Great Lakes Métis and broader Métis Nation, including the important historic Métis community at Sault Ste. Marie. In its intervention to the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Powley, the Métis National Council advanced the unanimous recognition that Métis Nation governments from Ontario-westward held for the Sault Ste. Marie Métis communi

The Metis Nation Council Accord Map

For generations, family fishing—including commercial fishing—has been an important component of the Upper Great Lakes’ Northern Lake Superior Historic Métis Community’s traditional Métis way of life, including for the numerous Métis families living around Lake Nipigon. The Nipigon-area’s prominent Métis de Laronde family, for example, has practiced a Métis way of life rooted in the region’s lands and waters for generations. The de Laronde’s fishing traditions are immortalized

The Métis Nation of Ontario’s Statement of Prime Purpose is a declaration of Métis values and a vision for contemporary Métis self-government. It memorializes the Métis history, culture, and generosity that have sustained and inspired generations of Métis people in what is now Ontario. The value of generosity runs deep through Métis communities historically and into the present day. It can be found in the harvester who provides for the larger community through a successful a

As R. v. Powley worked its way through the courts, the Métis Nation—through the Métis National Council—collectively developed and...