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.
Strawberry Picking 2026
On June 27th, our GRMC community gathered at Hoffman’s Strawberry Farm in Waterloo for a wonderful day of strawberry picking.
Read MoreGrowing Together in Community
On May 24th, our GRMC community had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a tree-planting morning with the City of Guelph.
Read MoreGRMC Community Rendezvous
On June 21, we gathered at Camp Brébeuf in Rockwood, Ontario, for our GRMC Community Rendezvous. We couldn’t have asked for better weather as we spent the day together, surrounded by the beauty of nature and our wonderful GRMC community.
Read MorePollinators & Climate Change Forum
Join a Virtual Pollinators & Climate Change Forum exploring the vital role pollinators play in the health of the land and how changing climates are impacting these species that Métis citizens have long understood as part of a living, interconnected environment.
Read MoreMNO 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.
Read MoreYouth Councillor Vacancy on Clear Waters Métis Council
Clear Waters Metis Council has a vacancy for a youth representative. This is an excellent opportunity for a young person looking to deepen their knowledge of their Metis heritage, while at the same time contributing to their Metis community.
Read MoreStudent Volunteers Needed – Earn Up to 8 Volunteer Hours at the South West Regional Métis Family Rendezvous!
The South West Regional Métis Family Rendezvous is looking for enthusiastic student volunteers to help make this year's event a success! Students can earn up to 8 volunteer hours while gaining valuable experience working alongside Métis community leaders, volunteers, and staff in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment.
Read MoreDiscover and Learn Michif-Fransé!
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.
Read MorePresident Derrick Pont receives the Town of Lincoln Mayor’s Medal
Congratulations to Niagara Region Métis Council President Derrick Pont on receiving the Town of Lincoln Mayor’s Medal.
Read MoreSouth West Region Launches New Regional Website to Strengthen Community Connection
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) South West Region is proud to announce the official launch of its new regional website!
Read MoreSouth West Region’s Powley Day Regional Rendezvous 2026 – Volunteer Positions
We’re looking for 4 key volunteers to support the South West Region’s Powley Day Regional Rendezvous 2026 🎉
Read MoreCall 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.
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.
TBWMC Food Pantry
The Thames Bluewater Métis Council are very excited to announce a new food pantry available to all citizens in our region! Thanks to our partnership with Harvest Hands, we can now offer additional food support to strengthen food security in our community.
View EventKoffee with Kathleen – PCMNO’s South West Regional Councilor – Aug 25 (12PM & 6:30PM)
You’re warmly invited to Coffee with Councillor Kathleen Anderson (PCMNO South West Regional Councillor) on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 12PM & 6:30PM. Bring a tea or coffee and join a friendly, open conversation about whatever matters to you—your MNO questions, Métis heritage, the constitution process, community updates, or anything else on your mind.
View EventFruit Tree and Berry Bush Registration
The Thames Bluewater Métis Council is very excited to announce that, thanks to Tree Canada and Northbridge, we can purchase some fruit trees and berry bushes for our citizens to plant at your own homes.
View EventSummer Community Social in Sarnia – September 13th – CANCELLED
It is with disappointment that we have to announce that our Summer Community Socials have been cancelled.
View EventSouth West Region Powley Day Rendezvous
Registration is open for the 2026 South West Region Powley Day Rendezvous! Join the South West Region on September 19 from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area for a day of celebration and camaraderie. Lunch will be provided and guests will enjoy a day full of music, activities, and cultural sharing
View EventSummer Community Social in London – September 27th – CANCELLED
It is with disappointment that we have to announce that our Summer Community Socials have been cancelled.
View EventLouis 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!
Learn More