Annex B: Métis Priorities

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Métis Priority 1

Métis self-determination and self-government

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

In February 2023, Canada signed updated Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreements with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S), and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) providing recognition that these provincial Métis representative bodies are Indigenous governments with core governance jurisdictions and a commitment to negotiate future treaties. In June 2023, Canada introduced Bill C-53, the Recognition of Certain Métis Governments in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan and the Métis Self-Government Act. Bill C-53 sought to recognize the MNA, MN-S, and the MNO as Indigenous governments and provide a legislative framework to give legal force and effect to future self-government treaties. Bill C-53 was adopted with amendments and reported back to the House of Commons in February 2024 but progress was halted when Parliament prorogued in January 2025. In November 2024, Canada signed the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty with the Manitoba Métis Federation. In March 2025, Canada and the MNA, now known as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, initialed an updated draft of the 2023 Métis Nation within Alberta Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

In addition to co-development work with several Métis governing bodies to advance this Métis priority, consultations with Indigenous groups that may be adversely impacted was undertaken, namely with Métis Governments, as well as with First Nations.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Some Indigenous partners noted the importance of the introduction of federal recognition legislation. Although Bill C-53, aimed at recognizing certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, was introduced on June 21, 2023, it did not receive royal assent. The 2023 Self-Government Agreements include a legally binding commitment to reintroduce the bill in the next parliamentary session if it does not receive royal assent. Some Métis partners expect that Canada will reintroduce Bill C-53 when Parliament resumes in 2025.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 2

Redress for Métis claims and historical wrongs

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

CIRNAC has worked towards the co-development of a Métis Claims Process with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and have had initial discussions with Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Work is underway on a co-developed Métis Claims Process in collaboration with the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, alongside initial discussions with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Métis Nation of Ontario. However, there is a lack of funding to advance discussions or to conduct an exercise that would assess the comprehensiveness of the draft process and identify any potential barriers or gaps. This funding shortfall may hinder the effective evaluation and implementation of the claims process.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Some partners noted that there is currently no federal process or policy for the Métis to address land dispossession, redress historical wrongs, or advance reconciliation regarding land-related claims and outstanding promises. Canada's Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Specific Claims Policy are not accessible to Métis communities, rendering Articles 8, 10, 26, and 28 of the UN Declaration ineffective for them. Although there were some discussions in 2023 about developing a "Métis Claims Pathway," there has been little progress since, prompting renewed calls for the Government of Canada to advance this work and co-develop expedited options to settle the outstanding claims of Métis communities.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 3

Co-developed approach to Métis rights recognition and consultation and accommodation

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

No work has been completed due to lack of funding and resources. CIRNAC plans to begin to advance this Action Plan measure in 2025-2026 on an incremental basis.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: No
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

No work has been completed due to lack of funding and resources.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

The Consultation Agreement with Canada has clarified the Crown's consultation and accommodation obligations to Métis communities, establishing an efficient one-window approach through the Lands, Resources, and Consultations Branch. This has been recognized as a positive model by Canada’s Ministerial Special Representative on Consultation. A request was made in 2024 to negotiate updates, but no meetings occurred, leaving this Action Plan measure incomplete. Plans are in place to renew negotiation requests in 2025, along with a need for funding to support these discussions. Partners urge this measure be shaped in true partnership with Métis, reflecting not only technical goals but also our cultural responsibilities to land, language, and kinship systems.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 4

Reconciliation with Métis Nation British Columbia

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

Through meetings and discussions, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) has developed a detailed work plan including priority items.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Meetings and discussions were held between CIRNAC and Métis Nation British Columbia to find ways to advance this Action Plan measure.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Despite the commitment to address priorities outlined in the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding, in MNBC's view none have been addressed since the release of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan in June 2023.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 5

Upholding Métis self-determination through implementation of child welfare legislation

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: Yes

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

Coordination agreement discussions took place with the Manitoba Métis Federation between April and June 2024.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

ISC, with the Métis National Council, co-developed and signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Canada-Métis Nation Child and Family Services Accord to advance shared priorities. Pre-engagement with the Métis National Council were conducted to develop an engagement approach for the five-year review of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families. The funding related to the Act is needs-based, allowing Indigenous partners to identify their specific needs, while preparation for exercising jurisdiction includes specific funding profiles. Grant funding for jurisdiction is also needs-based, ensuring substantive equality, with all grants subject to the Government of Canada’s financial decision-making process.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Some Métis partners have noted that there has been a lack of progress in implementation over the past fiscal year, particularly regarding sustainable funding for the Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Service Agency, which is the only Métis-specific agency in Ontario and receives no federal funding. Discussions with Canada revealed a significant policy and funding gap, as operational support for Métis agencies is lacking despite available funding for An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families. There is a strong call to explore ways to provide core capacity and operational support to these agencies, enabling them to focus on their work without the constant concern of securing basic operational funding.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 6

Métis implementation of Self-Government Fiscal Policy

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

Canada has established the Métis Fiscal Policy Co-Development Process with the four federally recognized Métis governments. The participants are engaging in the co-development of a policy annex and governance funding methodology to adapt Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy to the Métis context.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Canada's officials met with each federally recognized Métis government frequently over the 2024-2025 fiscal year to establish and launch the Métis Fiscal Policy Co-Development Process. Since its launch, officials have been meeting with each of the four Métis governments reguarly to co-develop the Métis adaptation of Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Some partners noted that significant progress has been made in advancing the Action Plan measure despite the lack of funding from Canada to support this initiative or fiscal negotiations. Work has been prioritized with limited available capacity, highlighting the importance of these negotiations. The Interim Fiscal Financing Agreement (IFFA) with Canada, intended to provide interim funding until a long-term fiscal agreement is established, is set to expire on March 31, 2026. There is a strong hope to conclude fiscal negotiations with Canada promptly to ensure the approval of the Annex before the IFFA ends.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 7

Canada-Métis Nation Accord and renewed fiscal relationship

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

The 2017 Canada-Métis Accord commits the parties to work to renew the fiscal relationship and move towards predictable and sustained funding for Métis partners in order to promote the delivery of programs and services that support self-determination. This has resulted in the development of sub-accords and identifying the financial resources being sought. CIRNAC provides logistical support for the Canada-Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism (PBM) and facilitates the discussions between Métis partners and the lead departments on various priority areas. Where CIRNAC provides direct funding support, it retains the responsibility for management of the funding agreement and the reporting obligations. Where another department is responsible for the funding supports, CIRNAC's role is limited to a support role if needed.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

CIRNAC maintains regular engagement with Métis partners through monthly bilateral meetings, bi-monthly technical level discussions, and scheduled meetings related to the PBM for the Métis Nation Council and its Governing Members. CIRNAC also met in person with representatives upon request to discuss and advance shared priorities. However, following the withdrawal of two Governing Members from the Métis Nation Council in Fall 2024, the primary means of engagement in 2024-2025 shifted to direct bilateral discussions.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 8

National security threats to Métis

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

In 2024-25, CSIS continued its collaboration with Métis partners, re-engaging with the Métis Nation Council (MNC) in February 2025 after a pause during the MNC's governance transition, and identified new areas for collaboration, including ongoing information-sharing. The relationship with the Métis Nation British Columbia remains positive, characterized by regular bilateral collaboration and support from CSIS in addressing recent questions and concerns. Additionally, when Bill C-70 was introduced in May 2024, a technical briefing was provided to the MNC. However, engagement with other Métis partners, such as Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Ontario, did not occur in 2024-25 due to limited interest and capacity from those partners.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

In May 2024, the MNBC visited CSIS National Headquarters to launch a training video developed with CSIS support. The two organizations maintain regular quarterly bilateral meetings to discuss priorities as needed. Additionally, a technical briefing was provided to the MNC in Spring 2024 regarding Bill C-70 and amendments to the CSIS Act, followed by an introductory visit from the MNC to CSIS in February 2025. However, engagement has been limited due to the capacity and interest of partners, as well as the CSIS team's ability to conduct follow-ups.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 9

Justice and Policing Sub-Accord with Métis Nation

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: Yes

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

Within this reporting cycle, a working group for the Justice and Policing Sub-Accord was able to meet monthly and make some progress. The high-level Workplan and Terms of Reference were approved and endorsed at the April 25, 2024, Senior Officials Meeting. In May 2024 the co-lead for Canada transitioned from Public Safety Canada to Justice Canada. During that time, the working group worked on co-developing the content of the Sub-Accord. In June 2024, the working group was utilized as the forum through which co-development of the Indigenous Justice Strategy (IJS) took place.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Some of the activities completed by the Working Group in fiscal year 2024-2025, include the Terms of Reference and Work Plan for the Sub-Accord. These materials were endorsed at the April 25, 2024, Senior Officials Meeting. The Working Group also co-developed the content of the Sub-Accord and Métis-specific funding availability reporting with the goal of identifying programmatic and service gaps. Lastly, in 2024-2025 the Working Group served as the forum through which co-development of the IJS took place. Governance changes noted above have created some challenges for moving forward with this measure.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Some Métis partners would like to finalize a Justice and Policing Sub-Accord through the Canada-Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism to address over-representation in the justice system, reduce recidivism, and ensure culturally responsive restorative justice for Métis citizens while advancing their rights to self-determination. Some limited progress was made with Crown agencies, including initial discussions with the CSIS with further talks planned for 2025.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 10

Métis co-development principles

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

CIRNAC and Métis partners have continued to make progress towards co-developing implementation principles, namely through the co-development of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord Principles of Co-Development. CIRNAC, the Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members engaged regularly to co-develop the Principles through the Canada-Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism (PBM) between 2022-2024, and were endorsed in January 2024 at a Leaders level. Following the withdrawal of Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MN-S) and Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) from the MNC, approval of the Principles by the Prime Minister and MNC President and Governing Members’ Presidents, and the co-development of an implementation workplan have both been delayed. Once approved, the Principles will help guide the parties to work together on joint initiatives affecting the Métis such as legislation, regulations, and the content of policies, programs and services.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

CIRNAC engaged regularly with Métis partners through monthly bilateral meetings and bi-monthly technical discussions, as well as scheduled meetings under the (PBM). Between 2022 and 2024, the department collaborated with the MNC and its Governing Members to co-develop implementation Principles, which were endorsed by federal and Métis leaders at a PBM Leaders meeting in January 2024. However, as the Métis landscape began to shift, the anticipated approval of these Principles was delayed and may need to be revisited.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 11

Métis co-development of distinctions-based health legislation

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: Yes

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

The Mental Wellness Program, which received incremental funding most recently through Budget 2024, has collaborated with Métis governments and organizations to enhance access to health services and improve outcomes. Over the past year, the program provided funding for various wellness initiatives, including land camps, mobile outreach, and counseling. Additionally, a total of 10 engagement reports and position papers on Indigenous health legislation were received from Métis partners, leading to the identification of common themes and the preparation of a public summary report. Ongoing discussions with partners have focused on strategizing next steps for policy and legislative options.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

The Mental Wellness Program, as mentioned above, held quarterly meetings with Métis partners, fostering open dialogue and updates on ongoing investments and activities. Additionally, engagement and co-development discussions on health legislation concluded in September 2023, leading to requests for updated policy authorities that were received in October 2024. This resulted in no engagement sessions being held in 2024-25, although some Indigenous partners utilized carry-forward funding from previous years to maintain their participation. ISC officials collaborated with national and regional Indigenous partners, including Métis partners, on the design and implementation of the Indigenous Health Equity Fund, which provides funding to Indigenous communities to help address the unique challenges Indigenous peoples face when it comes to fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health services. Métis partners are receiving $19 million annually for 10 years, starting in 2024-25, through this fund. This funding represents a long-term commitment to supporting Métis self-determination in health, providing Métis communities with the flexibility they need to address their health priorities, whatever they may be. Overall, these efforts reflect a commitment to supporting Indigenous health initiatives through collaboration and strategic planning.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 12

Métis indicators of poverty and well-being

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

In March 2024, an Engagement Protocol Agreement (EPA) was established with the Métis National Council (MNC) to facilitate the co-development of Métis-specific indicators for poverty and well-being. The funds transferred to MNC through the EPA enabled the hiring of an external consultant to create a detailed work plan, initiate research, conduct a preliminary environmental scan, and start developing a draft social policy framework. Building on this initial phase, MNC intends to design an engagement and publication plan, with the goal of finalizing a Métis-specific indicator framework by Spring 2026. Given the evolution of the MNC's mandate, ESDC will explore ways to bilaterally engage all other Métis Nation governments.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Over the past year, ESDC officials collaborated with Métis National Council (MNC) partners to establish an Engagement Protocol Agreement designed to enhance MNC's capacity for co-developing indicators for poverty and well-being, which was successfully finalized in March 2024. Following this, working-level discussions commenced to review MNC's workplan and advance the project through regular check-in meetings every six to eight weeks. Throughout this process, the MNC has been actively involved in decision-making at all stages, with both parties agreeing on key decisions regarding funding, work plans, and the frequency of meetings.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 13

K-12 Métis education co-development

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2024-25

The work on Métis Nation elementary and secondary education has been ongoing since 2022, under the purview of the Canada-Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism. This work is centred on the co-development of a federal policy and Sub-Accord, and is carried out within the Métis Nation Elementary and Secondary Education Working Group. Current efforts are focused on clarifying the Métis Nation vision for elementary and secondary education, and jointly developing the text for the draft Sub-Accord.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Throughout the year, consultation with Métis Nation partners occurred through the Métis Nation-Canada Permanent Bilateral Mechanism (PBM) table and bilateral meetings. Métis Nation partners play a crucial role in the decision-making process, and the federal government is committed to supporting their self-determination in education, ensuring that their vision and priorities inform the co-development of federal Métis Nation elementary and secondary education policy. ISC noted the best practices of referencing existing foundational policies and frameworks to ensure that the co-development efforts align with previous agreements.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

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