Métis Rights, Recognition, and Reconciliation Take Centre Stage at Indigenous Justice of the Peace Gathering

Press Release

June 19, 2025

For the first time, the Indigenous Justice of the Peace Gathering put Métis rights, recognition, and self-determination in the spotlight, marking a shift toward including Métis perspectives in Ontario’s justice system. While previous years featured First Nations and Inuit communities, the 2025 edition offered a meaningful and immersive opportunity for Justices of the Peace to deepen their understanding of Métis rights, culture, and lived realities.

Presentations highlighted landmark legal decisions that have shaped Métis rights and recognition in Canada and the significant work still to be done to address systemic discrimination and marginalization.

Métis Nation of Ontario Regional Councilor for Region 7, Greg Garratt, addressed attendees by acknowledging the significance of the gathering and the need for Métis representation in the justice system, stating, “Reconciliation means fully acknowledging and responding to the realities of Métis people. We are too often left out of the data, policy discussions, and solutions. This invisibility makes Métis representation within the justice system even more urgent.”

On the first day of the conference, MNO’s in-house legal counsel provided a two-part presentation, Overview of Métis Rights Recognition: Powley s. 35, Daniels who is Métis 91(24), and Beyond. The speakers shared an overview of these milestone legal decisions that have shaped Métis rights and recognition in Canada, focusing on R. v. Powley and Daniels v. Canada. The discussion explored the implications of these rulings for Métis identity, federal and provincial jurisdiction, and pathways to self-governance.

MNO’s Community Wellbeing branch led a presentation on the second day that explored how Gladue principles must be meaningfully applied in a Métis context. Their presentation highlighted the systemic discrimination and marginalization Métis individuals continue to face and called for justice processes that reflect the distinct histories, realities, and rights of Métis people, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for Métis communities in Ontario.

Along with the keystone presentations, there were opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Métis communities in Ontario. One such opportunity was an interactive music and dance workshop, where local musicians introduced participants to the cultural significance of fiddle music, jigging, and social dance in Métis traditions.

This year’s gathering underscored the urgent need to address the historic and ongoing exclusion of Métis people from justice policy and decision-making. As the democratically elected, provincially and federally recognized Métis government in Ontario, the Métis Nation of Ontario continues to advance justice initiatives that deliver results for rights-bearing Métis communities and contribute to a more inclusive justice system for all.

Learn the facts about rights-bearing Métis communities in Ontario at ontariometisfacts.com

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