What We Do
Environment
Table of Contents
Climate change and conservation stewardship are the greatest challenges of our time, and this could not be truer for the Métis Nation. Métis hunters have to travel further to find wildlife, berries, medical plants and food sources. Many Métis families do not have access to affordable and adequate housing, making it more difficult to deal with the extreme weather events brought on by climate change. Métis trappers are losing their traditional traplines to forest fires, Métis families are struggling to put food on the table due to an increase in food prices and limited access to traditional foods, and Métis children are at the forefront of these challenges.
The Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management Department at the Métis National Council (MNC) works in close collaboration with Governing Members (GMs) to advance environmental, climate, and emergency management priorities across the Métis Homeland. Rooted in the Métis Nation’s longstanding stewardship of the land and waters, the Department supports Métis-led solutions that safeguard ecosystems, address climate change, and strengthen community preparedness and resilience.
The Department provides technical and policy expertise across several priority areas: climate change (adaptation and mitigation), conservation, biodiversity, water protection, fish and fish habitat, emergency management, and access to natural resources. Regular collaboration with GMs through the National Environment Technical Committee (NETC) and other working groups ensures a coordinated national approach to environmental policy, programming, and advocacy.
The Department also plays an active role in intergovernmental and international forums, advocating for equitable access to funding, the inclusion of Métis voices in policy development, and the recognition of Métis leadership in climate and biodiversity action. This work is underpinned by a commitment to advancing Métis self-determination and promoting Métis ways of knowing and being as part of a collective response to the environmental challenges of our time.
Climate Change
“We are at the tipping point, and we know it’s on us. We’re under significant pressure. They say it’s enough to make a diamond. Most people would quit by now. But how can we quit? We can’t quit our Nation. We can’t quit our culture. It’s not fair, but we need to keep going to make it better for the next generation.”
– Métis Youth Representative
We are in a climate crisis because our relationship with Mother Earth is broken. While the scientific consensus is clear that climate change poses a profound threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, human societies, and economies worldwide, Indigenous Peoples around the world have long been sounding the alarm. Sadly, our collective voices have often been neglected, dismissed, and misrepresented.
The Métis Nation’s citizens and their way of life are currently exposed to significant impacts of climate change. As climate change continues to disrupt the ways in which we interact with the land and waters, our communities and our culture, the MNC must not only support the preservation the Métis way of life in light of these globally felt changes, but also support GMs in building a brighter, cleaner and more sustainable future for all Métis citizens.
The Métis Nation is in the unique position of being able to combine our deeply held connection to the lands, waters and skies across the Métis Homeland with our distinct history of adaptation and resiliency. This provides the much-needed leadership and solutions needed to address the numerous challenges posed by the changing climate. Stewardship of the land is at the core of the Métis identity and continues to guide our path towards a stronger, healthier, more resilient Nation.
In April 2024, the MNC and GMs released the first-ever Métis Nation Climate Change Strategy, outlining Métis climate leadership and providing an urgent roadmap and call to action. Through the Strategy, we are writing the next chapter in the ongoing legacy of Métis environmental stewardship and leadership, self-determination and the bridging of two worldviews.
Important Links
Climate Atlas – https://climateatlas.ca/indigenous
Access the Climate Atlas to understanding how Métis, First Nations and Inuit knowledge systems can be utilized to understand climate and cultural changes. Additionally, explore further to get cross-Canada data and information about how climate change is having an impact across the country.
ClimateData – climatedata.ca/
Climate Data provides high-resolution information produced by Canadas leading climate organizations and is supported by the Government of Canada. It provides more information about climate change and can be utilized by decision makers to build a more resilient Canada.
Canada in a Changing Climate – changingclimate.ca/
Gain a better understanding of how Canada’s climate is changing from across the country through accessing ‘Canada in a Changing Climate’. Also, read how various issues and challenges are affecting the climate and environment across the Métis Homeland.
Nature
“Across generations, Métis citizens are stepping forward to fulfill our responsibilities to the land, waters and Mother Earth. Children and youth offer urgency and hope, ready to lead with knowledge and conviction. The middle generation carries responsibility today —balancing tradition and innovation in our roles as leaders, caregivers, and decision-makers. Elders remind us that now is the time to live in harmony with all Our Relations for the next seven generations to come. Together, they form a unified call to restore balance and honour our sacred connections and rebuild our kinship ties with the land, water, sky and all beings.”
– Excerpt of the MNC Nature Strategy (launching in Fall 2025)
Programs like the establishment of Métis Protected and Conserved Areas, the Métis Guardians Program, and the protection and recovery of culturally important species, and species-at-risk are all areas that MNC is investing efforts to advance. MNC also advocates on the international stage to ensure agreements, like the United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD), respect and affirm Indigenous rights, and advance the protection of nature. The wellbeing of the environment – the birds, fish, plants and animals, is deeply tied to the wellbeing of the Métis Nation. MNC advocates for policies and programs that support Métis responsibility to Nature.
COMING SOON: The MNC Nature Strategy
Plastics & Toxics
Pollution is often thought of as a third environmental crisis alongside climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Pollution from toxic chemicals and plastics impacts the land, air and water, animals of all types, and also our own human bodies.
The MNC engages on national and international policy on plastic pollution and toxics, including Canada’s framework for the right to a healthy environment. On the international stage, the MNC participates in the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a new legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. While the INC has not yet landed a treaty text, the MNC continues to advocate for a treaty that respects and affirms the rights of Indigenous Peoples and takes a full lifecycle and progressive approach to combat plastic pollution.
Natural Resources
“Economic self-determination for the Métis Nation is pursued with an understanding that the land and resources belong to the generations of the past, present, and future. The Métis Nation strives to pursue economic development in a manner of reciprocity with the land and its inhabitants, at present and for the next 7 generations.”
– Métis Nation Climate Change Strategy
The Métis Nation thrives due to its strong entrepreneurial nature and the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens. These traits are deeply rooted in what it means to be Métis. The health of the land is directly connected to the health and well-being of Métis citizens, the Métis Nation and Métis prosperity. The Métis Nation is deeply connected to the land and water, and to ensuring that natural resource developments enhance Métis socio-economic, and ecological well-being. This means protecting the land is a sacred responsibility while also creating opportunities that strengthen the prosperity of our Nation. Across the Homeland, we are lucky to have many natural resources. The Métis must be involved from the outset and through every stage in how these resources are used in order to preserve our natural heritage for generations to come. Métis businesses and citizens are already highly involved within the natural resources sectors, whether it be in forestry, mining, oil, and gas, or energy transmission. The MNC remains committed to ensuring that GMs are equal partners in decision-making through co-development processes that respect Métis jurisdiction and guarantee a meaningful role in shaping natural resource policies, developments, and projects across the Homeland. Supporting them and ensuring that Métis GMs share in the benefits of sustainable industrial activities and a just transition across the Homeland is a priority for the MNC.
Emergency Management
Métis citizens face distinct challenges, including geographic isolation, systemic barriers, and social vulnerabilities that affect how emergencies are managed. Despite strong Métis community leadership, gaps in data, resources, and consistent inclusion in provincial planning limit capacity… Emergency management within the Métis Nation is a coordinated, flexible effort balancing shared priorities with local needs. It integrates all phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, while fostering engagement and collaboration across Indigenous governments.
-MNC Emergency Management Strategy
The Métis Nation is uniquely positioned to develop and contribute to whole of society emergency resiliency within Canada. Métis culture, knowledge, science and lifeways are founded upon an identity of resiliency and adaptability that spans generations. As the Métis Nation and Canada face economic, social and environmental uncertainties in a changing climate and geopolitical landscape, the MNC is actively working to develop the advocacy, capacity and partnerships necessary to build resilient communities.
The past several years have made it clear that a vital part of climate change adaptation is how we, as a Nation, prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies. Wildfires, floods, heat waves and a global pandemic have tested and highlighted the Métis Nation’s ability to adapt and overcome through community cooperation and resiliency. As we look forward, the MNC Environment Team is focused on developing strategies and action plans that support GM priorities, mobilize the Métis community spirit and promote resiliency. The MNC is co-developing emergency management preparedness planning and strategies that align with national realities to champion a “whole of society” approach. This approach will support the priorities of GMs and their communities, ensuring that the Métis Nation continues to build upon the Métis legacy of resilience. Projects championed by the MNC Environment Team and supported by GMs include:
- Development of the “Métis Wildfire Research Project” 2022
- Development of the “Métis Nation Emergency Management Report” 2022
- Representation on the National Adaptation Strategy – Disaster Mitigation and Resilience Table
- Representation on the Board and Working Group of the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
- Participation in the redevelopment of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
- Participation in Climate Proof Canada
- Support for GMs in Emergency Management policy development
- Participation in the development of the G7 Kananaskis Wildfire Charter
- On June 1st, 2023, the MNC and the Government of Canada added Emergency Management, Preparedness, and Response to the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism’s standing agenda to strike a Canada-Métis Nation Emergency Management Working Group. This Working Group is working towards developing long-term, emergency management capacity. Providing sustainable and long-term funding to develop integral capacity and training in emergency management.
Adaptability and community cohesion are at the core of Métis identity. With this in mind, the MNC Environment Team seeks to further the Métis legacy of coming together during our darkest moments to shine bright.
COMING SOON: The Métis Nation Emergency Management Strategy & Métis Nation Ignite Project
Métis citizens face distinct challenges, including geographic isolation, systemic barriers, and social vulnerabilities that affect how emergencies are managed. Despite strong Métis community leadership, gaps in data, resources, and consistent inclusion in provincial planning limit capacity… Emergency management within the Métis Nation is a coordinated, flexible effort balancing shared priorities with local needs. It integrates all phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, while fostering engagement and collaboration across Indigenous governments.
-MNC Emergency Management Strategy
The Métis Nation is uniquely positioned to develop and contribute to whole of society emergency resiliency within Canada. Métis culture, knowledge, science and lifeways are founded upon an identity of resiliency and adaptability that spans generations. As the Métis Nation and Canada face economic, social and environmental uncertainties in a changing climate and geopolitical landscape, the MNC is actively working to develop the advocacy, capacity and partnerships necessary to build resilient communities.
The past several years have made it clear that a vital part of climate change adaptation is how we, as a Nation, prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies. Wildfires, floods, heat waves and a global pandemic have tested and highlighted the Métis Nation’s ability to adapt and overcome through community cooperation and resiliency. As we look forward, the MNC Environment Team is focused on developing strategies and action plans that support GM priorities, mobilize the Métis community spirit and promote resiliency. The MNC is co-developing emergency management preparedness planning and strategies that align with national realities to champion a “whole of society” approach. This approach will support the priorities of GMs and their communities, ensuring that the Métis Nation continues to build upon the Métis legacy of resilience. Projects championed by the MNC Environment Team and supported by GMs include:
- Development of the “Métis Wildfire Research Project” 2022
- Development of the “Métis Nation Emergency Management Report” 2022
- Representation on the National Adaptation Strategy – Disaster Mitigation and Resilience Table
- Representation on the Board and Working Group of the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
- Participation in the redevelopment of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
- Participation in Climate Proof Canada
- Support for GMs in Emergency Management policy development
- Participation in the development of the G7 Kananaskis Wildfire Charter
- On June 1st, 2023, the MNC and the Government of Canada added Emergency Management, Preparedness, and Response to the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism’s standing agenda to strike a Canada-Métis Nation Emergency Management Working Group. This Working Group is working towards developing long-term, emergency management capacity. Providing sustainable and long-term funding to develop integral capacity and training in emergency management.
Adaptability and community cohesion are at the core of Métis identity. With this in mind, the MNC Environment Team seeks to further the Métis legacy of coming together during our darkest moments to shine bright.
What on Earth Podcast
Listen to the podcast through the link below to hear stories from the first Emergency Preparedness training organized by the MNC.
“And I remember, as soon as we hit the city limits, that excitement and that energy in the truck just completely changed.”
March 3rd Episode beginning at 14:40. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-429-what-on-earth
Wildfire Videos
As wildfires continue to increase in size, frequency and devastation in Canada’s forests, the MNC seeks to further the Métis legacy of putting good fire on the land. Colonial policies and practices that have disconnected Métis people from the land and the fires we have used as stewards of the lands, waters and skies to which we belong. This has resulted in the current paradigm of frequent catastrophic wildfires. Through putting good fire back on the land via Métis hands, there is an opportunity to revitalize Métis culture; provide climate solutions; develop wildfire resiliency; and action Truth and Reconciliation.
The Métis Nation is proud to have citizens that continue to carry the flame that has been passed down through generations by our ancestors. These videos highlight not only the work currently being done to put good fire back on the land but also highlight the profound connection between Métis fire and stewarding our relations.
Partnerships
Climate Leadership Program
Reports
Emergency Management Report
Climate Change
Conservation
Natural Resources
Emergency Management
“We are at the tipping point, and we know it’s on us. We’re under significant pressure. They say it’s enough to make a diamond. Most people would quit by now. But how can we quit? We can’t quit our Nation. We can’t quit our culture. It’s not fair, but we need to keep going to make it better for the next generation.”
– Métis Youth Representative
We are in a climate crisis because our relationship with Mother Earth is broken. While the scientific consensus is clear that climate change poses a profound threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, human societies, and economies worldwide, Indigenous Peoples around the world have long been sounding the alarm. Sadly, our collective voices have often been neglected, dismissed, and misrepresented.
The Métis Nation’s citizens and their way of life are currently exposed to significant impacts of climate change. As climate change continues to disrupt the ways in which we interact with the land and waters, our communities and our culture, the MNC must not only support the preservation the Métis way of life in light of these globally felt changes, but also support GMs in building a brighter, cleaner and more sustainable future for all Métis citizens.
The Métis Nation is in the unique position of being able to combine our deeply held connection to the lands, waters and skies across the Métis Homeland with our distinct history of adaptation and resiliency. This provides the much-needed leadership and solutions needed to address the numerous challenges posed by the changing climate. Stewardship of the land is at the core of the Métis identity and continues to guide our path towards a stronger, healthier, more resilient Nation.
In April 2024, the MNC and GMs released the first-ever Métis Nation Climate Change Strategy, outlining Métis climate leadership and providing an urgent roadmap and call to action. Through the Strategy, we are writing the next chapter in the ongoing legacy of Métis environmental stewardship and leadership, self-determination and the bridging of two worldviews.
