President of Métis Nation of Ontario accuses MMF president David Chartrand of 'self-serving' motives

Letter to the Editor from Margaret Froh, president, Métis Nation of Ontario, regarding the Windspeaker.com story titled Future of Métis National Council uncertain as Manitoba Federation gets mandate to pull out

The article Future of Métis National Council uncertain as Manitoba Federation gets mandate to pull out on July 22 paints a false portrait of the state of affairs at the Métis National Council (MNC) and contained misinformation about the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and our criteria for citizenship. We are disappointed that the Star ran this article without asking us for comment or verification.

In the article, Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand says the MNO is allowed to register people who do not fit the MNC’s definition of Métis. This is categorically false, as the MNO uses the same national definition of Métis that all other Métis governments do.

Moreover, MNO has been leading the fight for Métis rights under s.35 of the Constitution Act, and is home to the only Métis community recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada as having s.35 rights, the Powley Community.

Mr. Chartrand is attempting to distract from his undemocratic actions within the Métis National Council and how he is facing a losing court case as a result. His motives are self-serving and have nothing to do with the interests of Métis people.  

My priority is to govern for the Métis citizens who elected me and to advance the rights of all Métis people. Mr. Chartrand should do the same.

Sincerely, Margaret Froh, President, Métis Nation of Ontario