Latest News
The South West Region includes four Métis community councils serving citizens across southwestern Ontario. Visit each council’s page to learn more about local programs, events, and leadership.
Looking back at our 2026 Powley Day Regional Rendezvous!
On September 19, our South West Métis community gathered at Guelph Lake Conservation Area for a wonderful day of culture, community and connection. Here are just a few of the moments captured throughout the day—from live music and cultural demonstrations to hands-on activities, family fun, community connections and time spent together celebrating Powley Day.
Read MoreThird Time’s a Charm! NRMC Youth Hit the Water
After a few weather-related delays, third time was a charm for the Niagara Region Métis Council Youth Group! On Thursday, August 6, the rain finally let up and youth were able to head out for a day of canoeing on Sixteen Mile Creek in Niagara.
Read MoreFresh from the Community Garden
Our community garden has been growing beautifully this summer! Citizens have been able to enjoy fresh lettuce, tomatoes, yellow beans, and an abundance of herbs grown right in our community.
Read MoreA Day of Culture and Community at Rendezvous
On June 13, community members gathered at Ska-Nah-Doht Village & Museum for a wonderful day of culture, learning, and connection. Senator Rathan opened the gathering with a prayer and shared reflections on the importance of the Constitution.
Read MoreSummer Fun at Kustermans Adventure Farm
On July 25, families enjoyed a fun-filled day together at Kustermans Adventure Farm! Participants explored the many activities around the farm, visited and fed the goats and cows, learned fun facts about chickens and pigs, and enjoyed lunch together.
Read MoreCelebrating Caleb Rowe
Congratulations to Caleb Rowe, a cadet with Sarnia’s 44th Imperial Squadron, who was selected to serve as a Staff Cadet at Blackdown Cadet Training Centre this summer.
Read MoreGreat deals at Columbia Employee Store
Thames Bluewater Métis are invited to shop from Aug 28 – Sept 20!
Read MoreGrowing Community: Fruit Tree & Berry Bush Distribution
The Thames Bluewater Métis Council (TBWMC) recently hosted a fruit tree and berry bush distribution, giving Métis citizens an opportunity to bring something home to plant, nurture, and enjoy for years to come.
Read MoreGet Involved with Clear Waters Métis Council!
The Clear Waters Métis Council (CWMC) is looking for volunteers to help support upcoming community events, activities, and council business.
Read MoreClear Waters Council at the AGA
Members of the Clear Waters Métis Council were proud to gather with citizens and council representatives at this year’s Annual General Assembly.
Read More“Stop the Spray” Métis Dot Art Initiative
Jim Tolles, our Captain of the Hunt Liaison has launched a regional “Stop the Spray” Métis Dot Art initiative, inviting each of our Community Councils to get creative while helping raise awareness about an important environmental issue.
Read MoreThe South West Regional Logo is Here!
The South West Region has adopted a new logo, created by a Métis designer (Aspire Métis Design Services), and inspired by ideas shared by citizens during our 2025 regional logo contest.
Read MoreAbout Us
The South West Region, formally Region 9, represents Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens living throughout southwestern Ontario. The MNO is the democratically elected and recognized Métis government representing Métis communities and citizens in Ontario. The South West (SW) Region and it’s leadership are the democratically elected representatives of the Métis citizens living within our region.
The region includes four Chartered Community Councils made up of volunteers. These councils are Clear Waters (CWMC), Grand River (GRMC), Niagara Region (NRMC), and Thames Bluewater (TBWC). The region also includes those living outside of council boundaries, such as citizens residing in the Windsor-Essex/Chatham-Kent area. The councils form the local foundation of Métis governance in the region, ensuring that citizens have a voice in the MNO as their Métis government.
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. As all regions within the MNO, 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.
Upcoming Events
Join us at upcoming events across the South West Region. From cultural gatherings and workshops to youth activities and community meetings, these events offer opportunities for citizens to connect, learn, and celebrate Métis culture together.
MNO Urban Portage Challenge
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Urban Portage Challenge is back, and with exciting news!
View EventHarvest Dinner
You are invited to join us for our annual Harvest Dinner on Sunday October 4th at Club Richelieu in Welland.
View EventEscape Room: The Missing Finger – Métis Youth Group Sign-Up
The Métis Youth Group is a fun, supportive space for Métis youth to stay active, connect with community, and explore Métis culture and traditions. We meet once a month and offer exciting activities, cultural learning, and time to just be together. We’re inviting you to join us for an exciting evening at Adventure Rooms Canada as we take on one of their escape rooms — The Missing Finger.
View EventRooted in Community: Fall Tree Planting
Following the tremendous success of our spring tree planting, Clear Waters Métis Council is excited to gather once again for a fall planting event on October 25.
View EventCommemorating Louis Riel Day
On November 21, 2026, the Clear Waters Métis Council, in partnership with the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Public Library (HPL), will proudly host the second Louis Riel Day Celebration at the Hamilton Central Library. The day will bring together Métis and non-Métis citizens alike for storytelling, music, exhibits, and learning, creating an inspiring and inclusive community event that is open to all.
View EventMNO Programs and Links
Calling all Métis youth artists!
We are looking for Métis youth artists (citizens aged 16-29) to help design a community report created in collaboration with the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC), Healing and Wellness branch, and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. This report is based on a project that explored the health priorities and research engagement preferences of Métis youth. Up to four Métis youth will be chosen to design the report, at least one must be a graphic designer with digital art skills. All four artists will receive a $1500 gift card as compensation for their work.
Apply TodayLearn Michif-Fransè App!
Learn Michif-Fransè app, created by the Métis Nation of Ontario, provides audio playback for over 500 phrases and vocabulary terms. This app is designed to help you learn and enhance your understanding of the Michif-Fransè language as spoken in Ontario.
Learn MoreMNO School Food Program
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud to introduce the MNO School Food Program. This program aims to work progressively toward improved access to nutritious food; and help Métis children meet their nutritional and health needs, develop healthy food-related behaviours and attitudes, as well as food and nutrition knowledge and skills.
More Information HereFinancial Assistance Program
Are you a MNO citizen looking for funding support to help with the costs of Post-Secondary Education? The MNO can help!
More Information HereHome Child Care Provider
The Métis Nation of Ontario is pleased to offer a Home Child Care Program to MNO citizens interested in becoming a Licensed Home Child Care Provider. Through this program, Métis Home Child Care Providers will receive start-up support, funding, and access to resources and professional development opportunities. Discover if Home Child Care is for you!
More Information HereMNO Wetland Field Survey & Prizes!
The Environment and Climate Change team is asking for your help! We want you to be among the first to have access to the newly developed MNO Wetland Field Survey. This survey is for MNO citizens to record observations while out on the land and waters across Ontario. As you know, wetlands play a vital role in supporting wildlife, protecting water quality, and sustaining healthy ecosystems. By sharing what you see, you can help shape the MNO's wetland conservation efforts. At the end of the calendar year, we will have a draw for 1 of 3 $250 Canadian Tire gift cards! Each time you submit a survey for a unique wetland, you will be entered for a chance to win – the more wetlands you visit, the higher chance you have of winning!
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