The Métis National Council works to support and enrich the lives of Métis people across the homeland.
The Métis National Council is committed to working with its Governing Members, the Federal and Provincial governments, and NGOs to advance Métis Nation priorities and development of solutions which support the inclusion of Métis knowledge in program and policy development. The Métis Nation and Canada continue the implementation of shared priorities, and remain committed to the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership on a Nation to Nation basis.
Here you will find updates on all of the different policy areas that the Métis National Council is working on to best support Métis governments in delivering services and programs to their communities.
Climate change threatens Métis traditions, as hunters travel farther for resources and women’s land stewardship roles face growing environmental pressures.
The Métis Nation advances justice issues like UNDRIP and MMIWG nationally, promoting collective rights and self-determination in partnership with Canada.
The Métis Nation advances health and wellness using evidence- and culture-based approaches through nation-to-nation collaboration under the Canada-Métis Nation Accord.
Métis families traditionally raised children within extended kin networks, guided by cultural values and supported through kinship care or custom adoption.
The Métis Nation affirms its nationhood through international principles, recognizing Michif as its historical and official language since 2000.
Since 1983, the Métis National Council has represented Métis rights nationally and internationally, advancing self-government and key priorities.
Since 1983, the Métis National Council has championed Métis rights, self-government, and advocacy through the Canada-Métis Nation Accord.
Métis used traditional skills to serve in Canada’s wars, yet many veterans were denied benefits, sparking a fight for justice.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed residential school abuses, but Métis survivors’ experiences remain less recognized by the broader public.
High-quality childcare supports Métis children’s cultural and developmental needs. A 2019 Accord enables flexible, culturally grounded early learning programs.
The Métis National Council supports economic growth through Métis Capital Corporations and partnerships on current and future trade opportunities.
By working in Wahkohtowin (Kinship), the Environment Department focuses on stewarding our environmental responsibilities for all Our Relations by Pimohtew aansaamb (Walking Together) in reciprocity, respect, and to help advance the resiliency and miyo pimatishiwin (the good life) for the 7 generations to come, and by honoring the legacy of the 7 generations past.
The Justice and Legislative Affairs (JLA) Department of the Métis National Council (MNC) is dedicated to advancing Métis self-determination through strategic justice policy development and legislative advocacy. It operates as a hub for shaping policies that strengthen nation-to-nation relationships and uphold Métis rights within Canada. Through its key portfolios—including Justice and Policing, UNDRIP-UNDA implementation, and legislative priorities—the department fosters collaborative frameworks and legislative strategies that embed Métis priorities into the broader Canadian legal landscape.
The MNC Health Department works to advance the health and wellness priorities of Métis people, grounded in Métis culture, values, and the right to self-determination. Guided by the Metis values of Miyo Pimatisiwin , Shakihiwayhk, Wahkohtowin, Tâpwêwin, Sîpihkisôwin; we take a holistic approach to health rooted in the Métis Social Determinants of Health and work to ensure Métis citizens, families, and communities have equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care.
The Child and Family Services Department works to advance the well-being of Métis children, youth, families and communities by promoting culturally appropriate child welfare policies and legislation. Through strategic engagement and collaboration with the Government of Canada and other stakeholders, the MNC and its governing members strive to enhance current child welfare services and support the exercise of jurisdiction over Child and Family Services through an Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis c
The Culture, Heritage, and Language Department works to advocate, preserve, and promote our diverse cultural identity and to support the revitalization efforts of our Métis languages.
The International Department at the MNC works to achieve systemic change for the Métis Nation by building capacity and opportunity, advancing Métis inclusion in global decision-making, and strengthening international Indigenous partnerships.
The Intergovernmental Department at the MNC works to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship with the Government of Canada by coordinating strategic initiatives and building new partnerships; advancing distinctions-based collaboration and co-development of federal policy, legislation, and decision-making; and supporting capacity-building to advance the priorities of Métis Governments as they implement the inherent right to self-determination.
The Veterans Department supports the National Métis Veterans Council to advocate on national and international levels to ensure Métis Veterans are recognized in federal policy and are commemorated for their service at home and abroad. We also provide guidance on program development, including the Métis Veteran Legacy Program, and support future initiatives in partnership with Canada.
Métis children have faced the loss of their culture, identity, and traditional languages. These losses have had a significant effect on their communities and their descendants. The experiences of Métis residential school survivors and their families are not widely known, and many survivors have not yet been acknowledged or compensated.
From early learning, elementary and secondary education through to post-secondary and workforce training, the Métis National Council’s Education & Social Development Department empowers Métis Nation citizens through inclusive research and advocacy that support housing, reduce poverty, address disabilities, and promote well-being, because education at every stage is the key to opportunity and equity.
The Métis National Council’s Economic Development Department supports the pursuit of holistic economic prosperity and well-being of by advancing Economic Reconciliation through distinctions-based policy and supporting Métis governments on their self-determined economic priorities.
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