New Report Reinforces Utter Lack of Historical Evidence of Métis in Ontario Region
(Toronto, Ont.–July 25, 2025) There is no documented evidence of a Métis presence in the territory of six First Nations represented by Wabun Tribal Council, according to a new report published this week by the council.
The report looked at over 100 historical documents spanning more than a century leading up to the signing of Treaty 9 in 1906 and concluded “no evidence of a mixed-ancestry community was found in the documentation examined.”
This new report adds to a growing and robust body of evidence that refutes false claims that there was a distinct and historic Métis presence throughout what is now known as Ontario.
“While Canada and Ontario are making deals and promises they can’t possibly fulfill with fraudulent organizations, First Nations are doing the work to ensure their rights, jurisdiction and sovereignty remain intact,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.
This new report, taken together with all of the other peer-reviewed, academic research reaffirms our position that Canada and Ontario must cease negotiations with fraudulent organization claiming to have rights through corporations and not a rights-bearing Nation,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “The evidence is overwhelming: First Nations are the true rights-holders in these lands. We must be respected as such.”
The report found that colonial representatives did use the term “half-breed” in some correspondence, but it was in reference to individuals, not distinct ethnic communities. It also notes while there were fur-trading posts throughout the council’s territory, they were too transitory and small in nature to foster distinct ethnicities and nations.
Another report published last month by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation also found there was no historical evidence of a distinct Métis people in their territory. In September, the Métis-Nation Saskatchewan submitted a report to the Métis National Council found the Ontario “communities” which called their legitimacy into question. In an April press release, the organization said the “Ontario communities in question are in direct opposition” to the accepted national definition of Métis.
“This new report adds to the overwhelming evidence that discredits claims of a Métis community in the traditional territory of Wabun First Nations. It supports substantial academic research reaffirming our position that First Nations are the true rights-holders in Treaty No. 9 territory. Canada and Ontario must stop negotiations with the Métis Nation of Ontario, which is not a rights-bearing Nation.” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
In August 2017, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Province of Ontario jointly recognized six new so-called “historic Métis communities” in the province. This was done without consulting First Nations whose territories are now threatened by the MNO’s claims. This new report provides only the newest findings in a growing mountain of evidence proving no historical presences of Métis communities within First Nations territories across Ontario. The Chiefs of Ontario continue to call on the Government of Ontario to release all the evidence and analysis that was used to justify the 2017 identification of the six so-called “historic Métis communities” in the Ontario region to allow for the full picture to be shown as to how this decision was made.
Despite these findings, the MNO continues to twist the truth and push its false narrative. First Nations are united on this issue and will continue to stand up to any groups looking to usurp their rights.
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario
Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
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Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
Declan Keogh
Strategic Advocacy Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: (514) 591-5375
Email: declan.keogh@coo.org
Michael Heintzman
Director of Communications
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Telephone: (807) 621- 4965
Email: mheintzman@nan.ca
For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca