Overview

For generations, the Métis Nation has struggled for recognition and justice in the Canadian federation. As a part of this history, beginning in the 1960's, the Métis Nation joined with First Nation and Inuit peoples, in pan-Aboriginal political organizations, to push forward their collective agendas.

In 1982, as a result of these united efforts, Canada's Aboriginal peoples achieved monumental success with the protection of their existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. In particular, this was a watershed for the Métis Nation, with the explicit recognition of the Métis as one of Canada's three distinct Aboriginal peoples.

Prior to the holding of the constitutionally guaranteed First Minister Conference to further identify and define the rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, it became apparent that the Métis Nation needed to be able to once again represent itself at a national level through its own voice - a Métis voice. The pan-Aboriginal structures of the Native Council of Canada (now known as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples) and its affiliates did not allow the Métis Nation to effectively represent itself. As a result, in March 1983, the Métis Nation separated from the Native Council of Canada to form the Métis National Council (MNC) - its own Métis-specific national representative body.

Since 1983, the MNC has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the Métis Nation's governments from Ontario westward. Specifically, the MNC reflects and moves forward on the desires and aspirations of these Métis governments at a national and international level.

Overall, the MNC's central goal is to secure a healthy space for the Métis Nation's on-going existence within the Canadian federation.