Métis Nation of Ontario Hosts Youth Climate Change Forum

[Ottawa, ON] - On Saturday, February 18, The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)’s Land, Resources and Consultations (LRC) Branch in partnership with the MNO Youth Council (MNOYC) hosted a Youth Climate Change Forum, inviting Métis youth from across Ontario to participate in discussions and workshops around climate change and global warming.

“Métis people have been at the forefront of the impacts of climate change and must be central to tackling the climate crisis,” said MNOYC President, Jordyn Playne. “This especially holds true for the next generation of Métis youth as we see the impacts of global warming progressively worsen.”

Ontario Métis youth from ages six to 29 were invited to attend, hearing from speakers like MNO President, Margaret Froh, LRC staff members and representatives from the Toronto Zoo, Muskrat Collective, and Reserva: The Youth Land Trust. Climate anxiety, activism, and species endangerment were topics covered, with accompanying brainstorms and discussions.

“It’s so important for Métis youth to have spaces to learn, explore and discuss the impacts of climate change on our communities and how to work towards a more positive future,” said Jordyn. “We know there’s passion from our young people around how to get involved.”

For the first time last year, Health Canada’s national climate change and health assessment included a chapter focused on the impacts of climate change on Métis, First Nations and Inuit communities. The report outlined how Indigenous communities are likely to face climate change in ways most Canadians won’t. For example, an increase in extreme and unpredictable weather events poses a threat to traditional lands and could lead to evacuation.

Along with this online forum, the MNO provides other educational and engagement opportunities throughout the year focused on the environment, including a community-based water quality monitoring program which gives youth hands on experience in environmental monitoring and tools to take into post-secondary studies.

“We all share in the responsibility to be good stewards of no tèr pi noz o (our lands and waters), said MNO President, Margaret Froh. ‘We know that it will take the skills, knowledge and active participation of Métis youth to carry our communities forward for generations to come.”

“This year, the MNO is celebrating 30 years since its foundation and 20 years since the landmark Supreme Court Powley decision,” said President Froh. “While it’s a time to celebrate these successes, it’s also a time to reflect on challenges we’re currently facing and how the MNO can contribute to a better future, especially as we advance Self-Government.”

About the MNO:

In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and their communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific, democratic, province-wide governance structure. The MNO represents and advocates on behalf of its citizens who are rights-bearing members of Métis communities that collectively hold rights, interests, and outstanding claims protected by sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including, but not limited to, the right of self-government. Ontario is home to the 2003 Powley decision, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the existence of the Métis right to harvest for food that is protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Powley was—and remains—the only Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) decision affirming Métis rights protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.