Inside “The Métis Place,” located not far from the food court in an east Ottawa mall, visitors will find a captivating exhibit of Indigenous artifacts and artwork. The floor-to-ceiling display features tanned pelts, fringed buckskin moccasins, and woven birch-bark baskets, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Red River Métis of western Canada. The shop also offers art for sale, featuring the recognizable brightly colored Woodland painting style created by Anishinaabe artist Norval Morisseau.
However, the cultural center and shop have come under scrutiny, as critics claim that the group behind it is not Indigenous at all. The Métis Nation of Canada (MNOC), a self-proclaimed Indigenous group not recognized by the federal government, Métis, or First Nations, allows anyone with a single Indigenous ancestor to join, regardless of how distant the connection. This has sparked debate and controversy, especially among recognized Métis political associations.
The MNOC has accessed provincial and federal public funding and even applied for Indigenous-only federal funding in 2017. The group has affiliations with a former white rights activist who made derogatory remarks about First Nations people in the early 2000s.
The opening of “The Métis Place” in Ottawa has highlighted the need for more stringent verification processes for Métis businesses. The Métis National Council, representing recognized Métis political associations, has criticized the use of the term “Métis” by the MNOC, calling it appropriation and misleading.
MNOC’s national chief, Karole Dumont, defends her group’s right to exist, emphasizing their desire to claim their Indigenous identity. While the Supreme Court of Canada has defined Métis in a specific way, Dumont disagrees and believes that the first Métis baby was born shortly after first contact.
The controversy surrounding the MNOC raises important questions about Indigenous identity and the need for accurate representation. Critics argue that the group’s actions perpetuate colonization and harm Indigenous communities. As the debate continues, it is crucial for Canadians to educate themselves and support authentic Indigenous organizations and businesses.