Today’s announcement is the result of several years of hard work and efforts by the Métis Nation of Ontario, in partnership and collaboration with the Ontario Government and the Council of Ontario Universities, to see this unique Research Chair become a reality.

The Chair is the first of its kind in Ontario and its goal is to increase research and create a greater common understanding of the Métis people in Ontario, past and present. This initiative also supports Ontario's Aboriginal Education Strategy for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. The strategy is intended to help close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and increase knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives among all students.

In 2007, the McGuinty Government provided an endowment of $2 million to the Council of Universities to support the creation of a Chair. In 2008, this commitment was enhanced by the McGuinty Government by an additional $1 million. The University of Ottawa has also committed an additional $1 million to support the Chair position, bringing the total support for the Métis Research Chair to $4 million.

Eight Ontario universities competed in an independent selection process established by the Council of Ontario Universities with the support and input from the Métis Nation of Ontario. An arms-length Selection Panel chose the University of Ottawa from the proposals submitted. The Panel was chaired by Dr. David Strangway, Founder and Chancellor of Quest University Canada. Other distinguished Selection Panel members included Dr. Arthur May and Dr. Harold Shapiro, and Dr. Harry Swain, Secretary.

“For the Métis Nation, this announcement represents a new and exciting chapter in our history as a distinct Aboriginal people in this province – a chapter where the stories of our people, our communities and our contributions to Ontario will finally start to be told. We look forward to working with the Research Chair and the University of Ottawa as we begin to write the largely untold history of the Métis people in this province and share that history with fellow Ontarians,” said President Lipinski.

France Picotte, MNO Chair, added, “This announcement demonstrates the successes that can be achieved when Aboriginal peoples work in collaboration with government and academic institutions to achieve shared goals. Through partnerships like this, we can build stronger and more inclusive academic institutions which benefit Métis students as well as all Ontarians.”

“Establishing a Research Chair in Métis Studies honours the significant contribution the Métis people have made to Ontario and it ensures that more Ontarians will learn about the vibrant Métis culture,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

“The Ontario Government is committed to forging stronger relationships with Aboriginal people based on trust and respect,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid. “The work of the Métis Research Chair will help increase understanding of the history and important contributions that Métis people have made and continue to make in our province today."

“We recognize the importance and relevance of the Chair in Métis Studies. The University of Ottawa is extremely honoured and privileged to have been chosen as the recipient,” explained Mr. Allan Rock, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This is yet another opportunity for us to enhance our existing relationships and commitments to Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples.”

The University of Ottawa will begin their search immediately for a distinguished candidate for the Research Chair position and will submit the nomination to the Selection Panel for approval. It is expected that the Chair will be installed early in the 2009-10 academic year.

President Lipinski concluded, “On behalf of the MNO, I want to thank the McGuinty Government for working with us to see this dream of the Métis people in this province become a reality. This announcement represents yet another positive development in the Métis Nation’s new relationship with the Ontario Government, as a part of our ongoing discussions to arrive at a MNO-Ontario framework agreement,” said President Lipinski.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, with an ancestral homeland that extends across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and into the Northwest Territories and the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities from Ontario westward.