Since 1983, the MNC has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the MNC Governing Members. Specifically, the MNC reflects and moves forward on the desires and aspirations of these Métis governments at the national and international levels.
Governance
Métis National Council
Since the time of Louis Riel, the Métis Nation has acted collectively to protect our rights and ongoing existence as a distinct Indigenous People within the Canadian federation. A major milestone came in 1982, when the rights of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit were formally recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This was a watershed moment for the Métis Nation—the culmination of generations of advocacy—as it affirmed the inherent rights of Métis as one of the three Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Before the establishment of the Métis National Council, Métis associations of the Prairie provinces participated in the Native Council of Canada (NCC)—a non-status First Nation and Métis advocacy organization. The NCC was led by Harry Daniels at the time: a prominent Métis leader whose advocacy during the constitutional talks played a central role in securing the inclusion of Métis in section 35. The Constitution also required that a First Ministers’ Conference with representatives of the “Aboriginal Peoples of Canada” be held within the year of the coming-into-force of the Constitution that would further define the rights of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit under section 35. At this critical time, it became clear that the Métis Nation needed its own distinct voice—a Métis-specific National Indigenous Organization— that could advance Métis rights and interests in constitutional discussions.
In March 1983, the Métis National Council (MNC) was created after the Métis Nation separated from the Native Council of Canada. It was formed by and for the Métis Nation to serve as its national and international voice, reflecting the distinct identity, history, and political aspirations of the Métis Nation. Since this time, the MNC has worked to advance Métis rights, priorities, and interests as mandated by the democratically elected leadership of its Governing Members. These Governing Members direct the MNC’s work, ensuring that it upholds the shared vision, aspirations, and self-determination of the Métis Nation.
Governance
Métis Governments
The Métis Nation is represented by democratically elected Métis Governments: the contemporary expression of a centuries-old movement for self-determination and recognition within the Canadian federation. The MNC receives its mandate and direction from its Governing Members (GMs): the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta (OMG) and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). The MNC’s Governing Members are responsible for providing programs and services to Métis citizens within their respective jurisdictions. Together, the OMG and MNO represent over 100,000 registered Métis citizens from Section 35 rights-bearing communities—58% of Métis citizens registered with Métis Governments that have entered into self-government agreements with Canada.
Métis citizens participate in democratic governance through the elected Locals or Community Councils and provincial assemblies. Métis citizens elect their leaders through province-wide ballot box elections held at regular intervals, which determine both regional and provincial leadership.
This distinct system of democratic governance ensures accountability to Métis citizens at all levels—community, regional, provincial, national, and international. Through their leadership, the Governing Members have strengthened the Métis Nation’s voice, achieved significant advancements in rights recognition, and delivered programs and services that respond directly to the needs of Métis citizens and communities. Métis governments have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fairness, transparency, and efficiency in how they serve the Métis Nation.