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Ontario First Nations leaders urge mining industry not to consult with Métis organization
As the mining industry convenes in Toronto, some Ontario First Nation leaders are calling on the sector to engage only with legitimate First Nations rights-holders when developing projects on Indigenous lands.
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Urban Indigenous Communities in Ottawa
March 4th 2025
As the mining industry convenes in Toronto, some Ontario First Nation leaders are calling on the sector to engage only with legitimate First Nations rights-holders when developing projects on Indigenous lands.
Speaking Monday at a Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention press conference, the leaders affirmed their willingness to collaborate with the industry but cautioned against consulting or signing any impact benefit agreements with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). They claimed that the MNO is not a legitimate rights-holder and even accused it of “falsely” identifying as a First Nation, describing it as a “Crown Corporation” rather than a nation with historical or ancestral ties to the land.
Jason Batise, executive director of the Wabun Tribal Council, said the council has already invested over a million dollars in legal challenges to counter what they describe as MNO’s false claims. Batise argues the Ontario and federal governments are enabling these assertions by treating MNO as an equal to First Nations in consultation processes, despite its lack of a historical land base.
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“How can an organization with no land base claim to be impacted by mining development?,” Batise said. “We want to speak out for our communities. The mining industry needs to know that there is a consistent, safe place for responsible industry to operate with First Nation communities — but only if they engage with the rightful landholders.”
Canada’s National Observer reached out to the MNO for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. However, MNO president Margaret Froh has previously defended the organization's legitimacy and historical claims, saying it represents Métis communities with deep-rooted connections to Ontario.
The gathered First Nation leaders rejected those claims.
“Our rights come from our relationship to the land and to each other,” said Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier of the Temagami First Nation. “That is something new to the MNO, which has only existed since 2017. Yet, Ontario has been allowing them to be in our territory without our permission. This is a fight we are prepared to take as far as necessary.”
The group warned that mining companies engaging with MNO could face increased costs, potential litigation, and delays in obtaining project approvals. They argued that the provincial and federal governments are unfairly burdening the mining industry by requiring consultation with the MNO, despite what they called its lack of legitimate land rights.
“The message for the industry is clear — make sure you're talking to the right folks,” said Scott McLeod, regional chief of Lake Huron Anishinabek Nation. “First Nations are ready to work with you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you against false assertions of Indigenous communities that simply do not exist.”
The group warned that mining companies engaging with MNO could face increased costs, potential litigation, and delays in obtaining project approvals. #Ontario First Nations #Mining industry.
According to the MNO website, it was established in 1993 to provide a “Métis-specific governance structure” for Métis people and communities in Ontario. The organization says it does not represent all individuals who claim Métis ancestry, but rather those who are part of the broader Métis Nation.
MNO says its governance structure includes a province-wide registry of over 28,000 Métis citizens, approximately 30 chartered community councils, a provincially-elected governing body, and an annual general assembly where leaders report back to members.
The organization says it administers over $100 million annually and employs more than 450 personnel across Ontario to support Métis citizens and communities.
The group of First Nation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to responsible resource development, saying they have a proven history of working with the mining industry to balance economic opportunities with environmental and cultural protections.
Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative
March 4th 2025
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