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 its 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.
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) South West Region, formally MNO Region 9, represents MNO citizens living in southwestern Ontario. MNO’s South West Region is comprised of the four Chartered Community Councils which represent Métis citizens within the region at the local level—the Clear Waters Métis Council, Grand River Métis Council, Niagara Region Métis Council, and Thames Bluewater Métis Council, as well as the citizens of Windsor/Essex. These councils serve as the foundation of the MNO’s efforts toward self-government, empowering Métis citizen participation in the MNO as their Métis Government within their catchment area.
As a region, we recognize and respect that we are visitors on the traditional territories of the Annishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Chippewa, Odawa, Potawatomi, Attiwonderonk, and Delaware Nations.
We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.
While southwestern Ontario is not traditional Métis territory, each Community Council represents the voices and interests of rights-bearing Métis citizens living outside of their home communities, ensuring they have access to cultural programing and social services offered by the MNO. Through collaboration between council leadership (Council Presidents), regional leadership (Regional Councillor) , and regional staff (Regional Manager), we work tirelessly to meet the needs of MNO citizens and strengthen our collective path toward realizing modern Métis self-government. This shared effort not only advances the aspirations of Métis citizens but also helps build stronger, more vibrant Ontario.
Together, we are carving out a future that reflects the values, traditions, and priorities of Métis people, ensuring a legacy of self-determination for generations to come.
Regional Councillor Welcome
Welcome to the South West (SW) Region’s website. As the SW Region’s Regional Councillor, I welcome you to explore this page and the other council specific pages. It is filled with lots of information and pictures of our events, both up-coming and past, that should inspire everyone to get involved one way or another. Whether you are someone who has strong connection to the Métis Nation or just starting your journey you will find our region welcoming.
Our region is filled with over 4,100 Métis Section 35 Rights Bearing people that have chosen the Métis Nation of Ontario to be their Métis government. We all have one thing in common, we do not live on our tradition territory. As such, we work to ensure our citizens are connected respectfully to the land that they do live on and provide opportunity to feel the sense of community and celebration of the uniqueness of who we are.
If you have any questions on engagement with us regarding education of who the Métis are and our unique role in Canada before Canada was Canada, our role in the founding of Canada, or our experience in Canada over the years please reach out. Or maybe you are interested in supporting the work we do to build strong vibrant communities within southwestern Ontario through your time or financial donation please reach out to southwestregion@metisnnation.org.
Kathleen Anderson
PCMNO Regional Councillor, South West Region (Region 9)
Provincial Secretary for Economic Development and Government Infrastructure
Upcoming Events
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!
View Event
Regional Leadership
- Kathleen Anderson
PCMNO Regional Councillor, South West Region. Provincial Secretary for Economic Development and Government Infrastructure - Jim Tolles
Traditional Knowledge Holder. Captain of the Hunt Liaison, South West Region. Métis Displays, Games, and Cultural Teachings - Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell
Youth Representative, South West Region - Lisa Boivin-Rutherford
Regional Manager, South West Region
Contacts Us
Email us at: SouthWestR@metisnation.org
- Follow us on Facebook: MNO.SouthWestRegion
- Follow us on Instagram: mno_southwest
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @MNOSouthWestRegion
News & Updates
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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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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South West Region Community Councils
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is built from the ground up by its Chartered Community Councils. In the South West Region, four councils serve our citizens across a wide geographic area: Clear Waters Métis Council, Grand River Métis Council, Niagara Region Métis Council, and Thames Bluewater Métis Council.
Councils are the local foundation of Métis self-government. Operating under MNO Charter Agreements, and guided by the Community Code, Community Electoral Code, and other MNO governing documents, each Council is mandated to represent its citizens, uphold transparent governance, and support good fiscal management. Regional interests are brought forward to the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) through the South West Region’s Regional Councillor, who serves as the link between local communities and provincial decision-making.
Beyond governance, our Community Councils play a vital role in cultural support, education, and community connection. They organize workshops, cultural gatherings, youth programming, land-based learning opportunities, seasonal celebrations, and community initiatives that bring Métis families together. Councils actively participate in MNO-wide events, collaborate with local partners, advocate on behalf of their citizens, hold Annual General Meetings, and contribute to local-level Indigenous Education Circles.
All Council members are elected volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, and energy to strengthening Métis identity, culture, and community in their areas. Their service is deeply valued, and we are grateful for their continued commitment.
If you would like to learn more about MNO’s laws, codes, or governance structures, please contact:
Lisa Boivin-Rutherford
South West Regional Manager
To connect with one of our South West Region councils, please visit the council’s individual page or reach out to PCMNO Regional Councillor Kathleen Anderson or Regional Manager Lisa Boivin-Rutherford for support.
South West Region Councils
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.
