Métis Nation of Ontario South West Region

The Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) South West Region—formally Region 9—represents Métis citizens living throughout southwestern Ontario. Our region includes four Chartered Community Councils: the Clear Waters Métis Council, Grand River Métis Council, Niagara Region Métis Council, and Thames Bluewater Métis Council, as well as Métis citizens residing in the Windsor/Essex area. These councils form the local foundation of Métis governance in the region, ensuring that citizens have a voice in the MNO as their Métis Government.

As a region, we respectfully acknowledge that we are visitors on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Chippewa, Odawa, Potawatomi, Attiwonderonk, and Delaware Nations. We honour the treaties specific to this area, including the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty/Silver Covenant Chain, the NANFAN (1701) Beaver Hunting Grounds Treaty, the McKee Treaty (1790), the London Township Treaty (1796), the Huron Tract Treaty (1827), and the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.

While southwestern Ontario is not traditional Métis territory, our councils play a vital role in representing the interests of rights-bearing Métis citizens living outside their historic communities. They help ensure access to cultural programming, community services, and opportunities to engage in the governance of the MNO.

Through strong collaboration between Community Council leadership (Council Presidents), the Regional Councillor, and the Regional Manager, we work together to meet the needs of citizens, strengthen community connections, and advance the MNO’s ongoing path toward modern Métis self-government.

As a region, we are committed to building a future rooted in the values, traditions, and aspirations of Métis people—one that supports cultural resurgence, enhances community wellbeing, and upholds our shared responsibility to future generations.