First Nations Challenge Federal Recognition of Métis Government

By Isaac White

First Nations in Ontario are united in opposing a federal legislation—Bill C-53—that seeks formal recognition of a Métis government in the province. Several First Nations communities converged on Parliament Hill in Ottawa last Wednesday to express their dissent on the proposed law.

Although the bill also extends recognition to Métis governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan, the contention arises predominantly from the acknowledgment of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). The First Nations argue that the MNO represents communities lacking historical substantiation, failing to meet the legal prerequisites for Indigenous rights.

A rally, orchestrated by the Chiefs of Ontario, Anishinabek Nation, and the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, saw leaders from various Ontario First Nations vocally opposing the legislation slated for passage this fall.

Several First Nations facilitated community members’ arrival in Ottawa to partake in the demonstration. They contend that the recognition of the MNO reflects Canada’s failure to consult them and to authenticate whether the MNO’s citizens are legitimately Métis.

The Métis Nation, arising in the late 18th century, denotes a distinct people of mixed First Nations and European origins, primarily in the Prairies. However, the current conflict has its roots in the Ontario government’s 2017 decision to recognize six new historic Métis communities in the province, expanding the Métis homeland to areas the First Nations assert never had a recorded Métis presence.

Earlier this year, the Canadian government signed a renewed self-government agreement with the MNO, committing to legislative ratification. The First Nations are demanding the annulment of Bill C-53, a position supported by the Assembly of First Nations, which represents over 600 First Nations across the country. Many First Nations leaders came out with strong words of opposition.

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict said this about the Bill:

“Today we travelled to Ottawa to attended the demonstration to protest Bill C-53.

Bill C-53 recognizes certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. These Illegitimate Métis groups across Canada assert broad and unfounded claims to the lands and waters of First Nations. Bill C-53 will facilitate the false claims by Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC), the BC Métis Federation (BCMF), and others. Despite strong opposition from First Nations across the country, Canada introduced Bill C-53 on June 21, 2023. The Bill is expected to pass in the fall and will irreparably damage First Nations inherent and treaty rights. Canada claims that Bill C-53 won’t affect First Nations rights and that the MNO should be able to claim their own Indigenous rights. First Nations are opposed to this because the illegitimate Metis communities represented by the MNO have no historical basis and do not meet the legal threshold to be recognized as having rights. Assigning section 35 rights to illegitimate Indigenous groups waters down the legitimacy all Indigenous peoples’ rights, including existing Metis communities who also oppose Bill C-53.

For more information on why First Nations leaders are standing in solidarity against Bill C-53 visit: https://fnrightsatrisk.ca/”

MCA District Chief Vanessa Adams said:

“Stop Bill C-53. The Chiefs of Ontario invited all First Nations Leadership, technicians, and grassroots people to attend a demonstration on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 to oppose the passing of Bill C-53. First Nations across the Ontario region, and in other regions across the country, came together to stand in solidarity against Bill C-53, which affirms that all Métis Communities represented by the MNO have the right to self-determination, including the right to self-government under s. 35. The legislation will also recognize MNO as a Métis Government and an Indigenous Governing Body.”

Mohawk Council of Kahnwake Intergovernmental Relations Portfolio holder Ratsénhaienhs Ross Montour said:

“Once again, the Federal Government is bypassing their duty to consult by passing legislation without the free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations and has tabled this legislation without debate or input from the people who will be directly impacted by this proposed bill.”

Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer commented:

“We are here today to remind Ottawa that it needs to be transparent and work with First Nations before creating Métis lands where none have existed historically. The Federal Government’s failure to properly address our collective concerns goes against Reconciliation and is a form of modern colonization.”

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador also spoke their disapproval of the bill.

“It is shameful that they are using our ancestors and families to support their illegitimate claims of being Metis. This legislation and the recognition of non-existent historical communities is yet another glaring example of how far this government will go to usurping our rights,’’ said Dylan Whiteduck, Chief of Kitigan Zibi First Nation.