Scholar in Residence: Métis Legal Principles and a National Definition of Métis

Tawow!

In November, the Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge was happy to welcome our 2025/2026 Scholar in Residence, Professor Larry Chartrand for his public seminar “Applying Métis Legal Principles to the Question of a National Definition of Métis.” 

Professor Chartrand, renowned Métis legal scholar and a Professor Emeritus at the University of Ottawa, spoke about his experience on the Métis National Council Expert Panel which provided the MNC Expert Panel’s Report. This report focused on a historical review of communities in Ontario to determine whether seven mixed-ancestry communities in Ontario are Métis, based on the National Definition and in accordance with contemporary Métis governance. Ultimately, the panel found that the seven communities reviewed met the National Definition of Métis, and are an integral part of the Métis Nation.

At his seminar, Professor Chartrand shared that the investigation process was an extremely important part of the inquiry. For example, he spoke about meeting people in person, and how similar the way they greeted and treated him was to what he was familiar with in northern Alberta Métis communities. He also spoke about the importance of applying Métis legal principles to the process. The process was guided from the beginning by the Grandmother’s Council, and youth were actively involved and consulted. In addition to community guidance, a main principle that guided the inquiry was the Métis legal concept of miyotehew. Miyotehew, as explained both in the seminar and in the Report, “embodies the relational responsibility of caring for oneself and others through collective efforts.” Professor Chartrand spoke to this legal principle and emphasized the importance of being good relatives. 

Do you see other ways that Indigenous legal principles and processes can help ground the legitimacy of findings related to Indigenous identity and citizenship?  

Stay tuned for our upcoming Scholar in Residence event with Professor Chartrand, “Understanding Internal and External Attacks on Métis Identity and Rights Recognition in Canada,” which will be taking place February 11. Register here to attend!