Métis National Council

On June 19, 1816, a party of primarily Métis North West Company employees, led by a young Cuthbert Grant, defended its people and the Métis way of life at the Battle of Seven Oaks.

Most accounts of this encounter are one-sided. The widely held belief that the battle was against the Selkirk Settlers and that Cuthbert Grant attacked Governor Semple has been shown to be false. The battle was a culmination of the Pemmican Wars and the escalating fur trade disputes between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. In fact, the first shot was fired at François Boucher from Governor Robert Semple’s side. The Métis were skilled sharpshooters and the consequent exchange of gunfire and hand-to-hand combat left Semple and twenty of the HBC party dead, with one dead and one wounded on the Métis side. The fighting did not exceed fifteen minutes.

This pivotal event was a defining moment in Métis history, demonstrating the strength, unity, and determination of the Nation. It was not just about trade; it was about sovereignty. It reinforced the Métis Nation’s identity and set the stage for the political and legal recognition of Métis rights. The Battle of Seven Oaks was one of the first times the Métis asserted themselves as “the New Nation” with rights to trade and travel on their land as they wished.

Today, we remember the bravery of those who stood for their people and honour their legacy.

Pride doesn't end when June does.

Allyship means showing up year-round by listening, learning and speaking up against discrimination. Here’s how you can show up for 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities every day in meaningful ways:

- Listen more than you speak
- Challenge colonial binaries in your thinking
- Amplify 2SLGBTQQIA+ voices
- Learn from Two-Spirit voices and resources
- Let lived experiences guide your education

Celebrate Pride. Respect its history. And remember that allyship is an ongoing practice, not a one-time gesture.

Every step you take helps build a world rooted in justice and belonging.

Department Spotlight: Economic Development and Trade

The Economic Development and Trade Department collaborates closely with Governing Members and the Métis Capital Corporations to strengthen overall economic well-being and prosperity for the Métis Nation.

Through distinctions-based policy advocacy, relationship-building, and co-developed programming, the Economic Development and Trade Department proudly supports Métis economic institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs, guided by the priorities set by our GMs.

Seeking to build national and international trade partnerships
Advance federal procurement opportunities
Promote inclusive economic policies that reflect the unique needs and strengths of the Métis Nation.

Grounded in the principles of Economic Reconciliation, the work is directed at fostering long-term, sustainable prosperity for Métis citizens and contributing to Canada’s overall economic growth.

The Economic Development and Trade Department is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of Métis economic innovation and entrepreneurship, expanding trade opportunities in emerging sectors and ensuring Métis citizens have the tools, networks, and resources they need to thrive.

President Victoria Pruden was honoured to join Métis leaders, Elders, families, and community members at Alberta Métis Fest this past weekend at Métis Crossing.

Gatherings like Métis Fest create space for connection, celebration, and community. From music and jigging to storytelling, art, and family activities, the event was a powerful reminder that Métis culture is not something we simply preserve, but something we live, experience, and celebrate every day.

The Métis National Council thanks the Otipemisiwak Métis Government for the invitation and for bringing together organizers, volunteers, performers, artists, and community members to celebrate the strength, vibrancy, and diversity of Métis culture.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is just around the corner, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of this important celebration of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, histories, and contributions across Canada.

Join the Métis National Council this Sunday for “Rhythms of the Homeland”: an afternoon of Métis music, traditional jigging, food, and community at Ottawa's Minto Park.

📍 Minto Park, 102 Lewis Street, Ottawa
🗓 Sunday, June 21, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Featuring performances by Donny Parenteau and The Jason Lepine Band, this family-friendly Métis Kitchen Party is an opportunity to come together, connect with community, and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Métis Nation.

The event is free and you can grab your tickets below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhythms-of-the-homeland-tickets-1992003273414

The inaugural Métis Policy Forum (MPF) concluded today, convening Métis governments from across the Homeland, alongside Métis youth, Elders, and veterans, to advance shared housing priorities and reinforce a renewed commitment to coordinated, technical collaboration that will drive improved housing outcomes for Métis communities.

The Métis Policy Forum was established to provide a non-political, collaborative space for Métis governments and organizations to come together on shared policy priorities while fully respecting the distinct rights, jurisdictions, and governance authorities of each participant.

To read the full press release click the link below:
https://www.metisnation.ca/metis-governments-advance-shared-housing-priorities-at-inaugural-metis-policy-forum/

Today the Métis National Council (MNC) participated in the welcoming ceremony and reception for the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter of 1670 in Winnipeg, as the historic document begins a new chapter in public stewardship. President Victoria Pruden was invited to attend and was represented by Secretary Sarah Wolfe from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, who attended on behalf of the MNC. Following its purchase by the Weston and Thomson families, the Charter has been entrusted to a consortium of four public Canadian institutions: The Manitoba Museum, The Archives of Manitoba, The Canadian Museum of History, and The Royal Ontario Museum where it will now be jointly stewarded and made accessible to Canadians.

For the Métis Nation, the Charter holds particular and lasting significance. The fur trade economies and kinship networks that developed under the Hudson’s Bay Company contributed to the historical conditions that supported the emergence of Métis Nation as a distinct Indigenous People, with our own culture, traditions, languages, and nationhood that continues to thrive across the Métis Nation Homeland today. While the Charter itself did not create the Métis Nation, it shaped many of the historical realities through which Métis communities flourished and our Nation emerged.

To read the full statement click the link below:
https://www.metisnation.ca/metis-national-council-welcomes-engagement-on-future-stewardship-of-the-hudsons-bay-company-royal-charter-of-1670/

Today, President Victoria Pruden appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to present the Métis National Council’s recommendations as part of the federal pre-budget consultations for Budget 2026.

In her testimony, President Pruden highlighted the importance of renewing distinctions-based investments that support Métis participation in housing, economic development, workforce development, and Canada’s broader nation-building agenda. She emphasized that Métis governments are ready to be full partners in building stronger, more resilient communities and contributing to Canada’s economic future.

To learn more, read the Métis National Council’s full Pre-Budget Submission here:
https://www.metisnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MNC-Pre-Budget-Submission-Spring-2026-FINAL.pdf