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.
Call for Entertainers – Powley Day Regional Rendezvous 2026
The South West Region is inviting entertainers to be part of our Powley Day Regional Rendezvous 2026 — a full day of Métis culture, community, and celebration. We are seeking family, hobby, youth/child performances that celebrate and reflect Métis culture.
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All Council Meeting Highlights – March 29
What a great day of connection, learning, and a little friendly competition! We were proud to bring together 33 elected representatives from across the South West Region, including regional leadership and community council members from all four councils. These gatherings are such an important opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and build momentum together.
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Continuing the Conversation Across the South West Region
We’re pleased to share photos from our recent Conversation & Community Meal gatherings in Sarnia, Exeter, St. Catharines, and Welland. Thank you to everyone who joined us — for your time, your thoughtful reflections, your questions, and your willingness to be part of these important conversations.
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Vendor Call – Powley Day Regional Rendezvous 2026
Vendor applications are still open for the South West Region’s Powley Day Regional Rendezvous 2026, and spaces are beginning to fill.
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March 2026 – The Launch of our Regional Website
We are excited to announce the official launch of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s South West Region website! It’s a new digital home designed to keep our citizens informed, connected, and engaged.
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Our Deepest Condolences to Kelly Brishke’s Family & Communities
With sadness in our hearts the Niagara Region Métis Council is letting our Métis Community know of the passing of long time Councilor Kelly Brishke.
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Conversation & Community Meals Across the South West Region
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of gathering in Hamilton, Brantford, Chatham, Windsor, Stratford, and Guelph for meaningful conversations about Métis self-government.
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Building Stronger Pathways for Métis Business
On February 18th, representatives from the Métis Nation of Ontario met with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in Ottawa to strengthen relationships and explore enhanced funding opportunities for Métis entrepreneurs.
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Sweet Success at the Kids Baking Class
On February 7th, Métis children ages 7–12 (and their families) gathered at The Grove @ Western Fair for a fun and hands-on Baking Class filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of sweet treats.
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TBWMC Winter Feast
On January 31st, the Thames Bluewater Métis Council gathered at the Lambeth Legion in Lambeth to celebrate its annual Winter Feast, an evening filled with community, connection, and shared updates.
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December 2025 – Early Learning & Child Care Christmas Party
What a joyful day filled with holiday cheer! We enjoyed ornament making, cookie decorating, dot art, and more. Pizza and snacks kept everyone fueled, and Santa made a special visit once again!
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December 2025 – Métis Joy, Laughter & Community – MNO Family Rendezvous Kids Christmas Party
PCMNO Regional Councillors brought festive cheer at the Métis Family Rendezvous Kids Christmas Party in Huntsville, Ontario, fully decked out in holiday spirit!
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.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
On behalf of the Niagara Region Metis Council, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to attend the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The gathering will be an in-person meeting at Council Office, 3250 Schmon Parkway, Unit 1A, Thorold.
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Sausage Making with Jim Tolles, Captain of the Hunt Liaison
Join us fora sausage-making workshop in partnership with Growing Chefs. Enjoy this exciting opportunity to learn new recipes and make your own sausage alongside our Captain of the Hunt, Jim Tolles.
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Harvesters Meeting
The Niagara Region Métis Council has partnered with Jim Tolles, South West Region's Captain of the Hunt Liaison to host a Harvester's meeting.
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Koffee with Kathleen
You’re warmly invited to Koffee with Councillor Kathleen (PCMNO South West Regional Councillor) on Monday, May 4th, 2026. May the Fourth Be With You!
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Family Fun Day
Join us for Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 9th at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area!
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Tree Planting Event
You are invited to join Clear Waters Métis Council for a Citizen Tree Planting Event on Saturday May 9th, 2026 from 12:30pm to 4:00pm at the Alton Community Ctr. (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr. Burlington, ON).
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Café 55
Our guest will be staff from Service Canada who will give us information and answer questions about federal programs for seniors. Please register in advance by emailing Senator Kilby at dianekilby.grmc@gmail.com to register.
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Cars and Coffee
Join TBWMC for breakfast sandwiches and snacks for sale. All proceeds go towards food security for our citizens. Coffee is free!
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Early Learning and Family Camp at Balls Falls
Come on out and connect with the Niagara Region Métis Community! Learn more about the Métis Way of Life and Métis traditions. Set up your own family campsite, and spend the day immersed in Métis culture! Families will move and learn together through hands-on activities, and finish the evening with a shared meal and community campfire.
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TBWMC’s Rendezvous
This event will be held at Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum. More information coming soon!
View EventMNO Programs and Links
MNO ELCC's ONE Application is OPEN!
The Early Learning and Child Care’s One App is accepting applications. The application closes April 24, 2026, at 4:30 pm EDT.
More Information Here
Financial 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 Here
Infinite Reach Facilitators
Join the Infinite Reach Student Solidarity Network — the one and only mentorship program for Métis post-secondary students in Ontario. Apply to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator!
More Information Here
Forests for the Trees Initiative
The Métis Nation of Ontario is helping grow stronger communities—one tree at a time. MNO citizens can apply to receive a minimum of five trees to plant in their communities through the Forests for the Future program.
Request for Trees Survey
Summer Child Care Subsidy Program
Métis parents—need child care or day camp this summer? The MNO Summer Subsidy Program offers financial support for licensed care, day camps, or both.
One App Portal
Volunteer of the Year Award
Do you know a Métis citizen who has shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the Métis Nation of Ontario and their community? Consider nominating them for the MNO Volunteer of the Year Award!
More Information Here
Women Honouring Women Award
The 2026 Women Honouring Women Award nominations are open! This award celebrates the remarkable contributions of Métis women who have a made a difference through volunteerism, leadership, and cultural advocacy. Nominations are open from March 1 to May 31, 2026.
More Information Here
Home 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 Here
MNO AGA 2026 Vendor Fair
The Vendor Fair at the MNO 2026 Annual General Assembly will take place August 14–16 in Thunder Bay. Métis businesses, artists, and creators from the AGA’s Host Community (Region 2) are invited to apply by April 27. Métis businesses, artists, and creators from other MNO regions will be invited to apply by June 1.
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