OTTAWA — First Nations in Ontario and the Manitoba Métis Federation are raising concerns over nearly $1 billion in federal funding allegedly directed to a group they claim is fraudulently asserting Métis identity. The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations in the province, provided data indicating that $819,836,061 has been allocated from the federal government to the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) over the past two decades.

Leaders from First Nations argue that the MNO lacks legitimacy and that this funding diversion undermines their rights. "This data shows just how badly First Nations in Ontario are being harmed by the diversion of government funding to the MNO and away from the needs of First Nations and other legitimate groups," the Chiefs of Ontario stated in a media release. They questioned why the government continues to allocate substantial funds to the MNO despite evidence challenging its claims.

The funding has come from various federal departments, including Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations, Parks Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. The MNO has also received financial support from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Impact Assessment Agency for projects affecting their communities.

The dispute between First Nations, some Métis groups, and the MNO intensified following a 2017 decision by the Ontario government to recognize six "new, historic" Métis communities. Additionally, a federal bill introduced in 2023, which did not pass, aimed to affirm the MNO's right to self-governance. Critics argue that the communities represented by the MNO do not have legitimate claims to Métis heritage and that both Ottawa and Ontario lack the authority to recognize them.

A recent report by history professor Leila Inksetter from the University of Quebec in Montreal, commissioned by the Wabun Tribal Council, concluded that there is no evidence of a mixed-ancestry community in the council's territory in northeastern Ontario. The MNO dismissed this report, asserting that attempts to discredit them have not changed the historical facts. "The facts of history will not change because a new 'expert' has been paid to peddle the same Métis denialism," the MNO stated.

The MNO referenced a 2003 Supreme Court of Canada decision that recognized a Métis community in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, although this case did not address the six new communities recognized in 2017. Another report, commissioned by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, also found no evidence of a distinct Métis community in their southwestern Ontario territory. The report noted that while there were individuals and families of mixed ancestry, this does not substantiate a claim to a distinct community.

Jennifer St. Germain, MNO chief strategy officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration between Métis and First Nations. "We have worked together throughout our shared history to push colonial governments to respect the rights of Métis and First Nations peoples," she said. St. Germain called for a return to cooperative efforts based on shared values of honesty and respect.

The Chiefs of Ontario criticized the lack of adequate research conducted by Canada and Ontario before recognizing the MNO. They expressed disappointment that the governments have not consulted First Nations or shared the research that informed their decisions. "Pan-Indigenous approaches do not work and only devalue the true rights holders," they stated.

The ongoing disputes over Métis heritage claims have previously threatened the unity of the Métis National Council, which has seen several provincial members withdraw due to concerns about the MNO's legitimacy. The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and Métis Nation British Columbia both left the council, citing issues with the MNO and its citizenship registry.

Will Goodon, minister of identity protection and inter-Indigenous affairs for the Manitoba Métis Federation, highlighted the limited public funding available for Métis communities. He argued that this funding should not be shared with groups not connected to the historic Métis Nation, primarily recognized as descendants of the Red River communities in Manitoba.

Concerns have also been raised regarding a Parks Canada grant awarded to the MNO, intended to secure land and create an ecological corridor along the north shore of Lake Superior. Goodon noted that such funding raises alarms for both Red River Métis and First Nations regarding potential land claims by the MNO.

The Manitoba Métis Federation expressed discontent over the federal government's recent invitation to MNO leaders for a meeting on controversial major projects legislation. The federation boycotted the meeting, arguing that the MNO's participation undermined the integrity of the discussions and jeopardized the government's agenda. "Canada and Ontario are pushing pro-development agendas. They say they will consult with 'Indigenous communities,' but in Ontario, the only consultations that should occur are with the rights holders — First Nations," the Chiefs of Ontario reiterated.