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A message from LFMO President, Melanie Omeniho
Dear Friends,
The past few months have been a time of remarkable growth, transformation, and renewed commitment at Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO).
Throughout the last quarter, our organization has undergone significant developments, including welcoming new team members, launching new initiatives, and celebrating continued progress on our ongoing projects.
From March 17-20, we had the pleasure of hosting our annual policy forum in Ottawa, ON, bringing together Métis women from across the Motherland to engage in critical discussions. It was inspiring to connect with so many of you, and I look forward to continuing these conversations at future gatherings. A highlight of the event was the privilege of recognizing 24 extraordinary Indigenous women and gender-diverse leaders with the King Charles III Coronation Medal—an acknowledgment of their unwavering dedication and profound impact in their respective fields.
Last month, LFMO sent a small delegation to UNCSW69 for the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women, a landmark in the fight for Indigenous women’s rights. This anniversary is especially meaningful to me, as my mother led Canada’s Indigenous women’s delegation in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. While there is still immense work to be done to fully realize the promises of the declaration, we draw strength from the resilience and leadership of the generations of advocates who paved the way, and those who continue to lead the charge.
The devastating news of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, and Rebecca Contois—three Indigenous women whose remains were found at the Prairie Green Landfill in Winnipeg—reminds us why our fight against gender-based violence and the MMIWG2S+ crisis remains so urgent. Since the release of the National Inquiry’s Final Report in 2019, its 231 Calls for Justice have largely gone unanswered. Yet, we persist, raising our voices, standing together, and demanding action.
The safety, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people must be prioritized. Indigenous women and gender-diverse people deserve equal safety, respect, and dignity in all spaces. Challenging and eliminating gender-based violence—including bullying, harassment, sexual assault, lateral violence, and intimidation—strengthens communities and affirms the inherent worth and leadership of all Indigenous women. By addressing these harms, we create workplaces, homes, and public spaces where Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals can thrive, lead, and live free from fear. Now is the time for policymakers to implement real, meaningful change—beginning with ensuring equal access to trauma-informed, culturally grounded services, mandating education for service providers, strengthening legal protections, and increasing penalties for their abusers.
As we look ahead, we do so with hope and determination. We know that unity is our greatest strength. When we come together, our voices are louder, our advocacy is more powerful, and our impact is lasting. My vision for the coming months is to see Métis women and gender-diverse people standing side by side, driving forward the priorities that matter most to our communities.
In friendship and solidarity,
Melanie Omeniho
President, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak
News
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2025 LFMO Spring Policy Forum
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Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak hosted our annual Spring Policy Forum in Ottawa, ON, from March 17–20, bringing together dozens of Métis women and gender-diverse individuals from across the Motherland. This gathering served as a powerful space for meaningful discussions on policy, research, and advocacy—driving forward the work we do to support and uplift our communities.
We are deeply grateful for the enthusiasm, passion, and sincerity of all who participated. Your insights and feedback are invaluable in shaping the future of our advocacy for Métis women and gender-diverse people.
This forum was a hopeful reminder that when we come together, we can unite in our shared commitment to progress and collective action.
A special thank you to our keynote speakers, Dr. Laura Forsythe and Prof. Brenda Gunn, as well as Grandmothers Linda Boudreau-Semaganis, Stella Erasmus-Johnson, and Veda Weselake, for their wisdom and leadership. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the LFMO 2-Spirit Committee and the Youth Council for their presence and contributions. Finally, thank you to the LFMO staff and Board of Directors whose hard work and planning made this event possible.
Together, we are stronger. Thank you for being part of this vital conversation!
View highlights from the forum here (https://metiswomen.org/project/2025-spring-policy-forum/) .
King Charles III Coronation Medal Ceremony
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As part of the King Charles III Coronation Medal program, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) was entrusted with 30 medals to personally recognize outstanding Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals for their remarkable contributions.
During a special ceremony at the Infinity Convention Center in Ottawa, ON, President Omeniho presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal to a distinguished group of individuals for their impact in Community Service and Philanthropy, Education, Politics, Public Service and Justice, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Arts and Media.
Community Service and Philanthropy
Sheila Andrews
Suzanne Jackson
Lorelei Lanz
Lisa Pigeau
Shanlee Scott
Theresa Stenlund
Brenda White
Education
Dr. Jennifer Adese
Dr. Lucy Delgado
Nicki Ferland
Dr. Laura Forsythe
Stella Erasmus Johnson
Dr. Yvonne Vizina
Elder Veda Weselake
Politics, Public Service and Justice
Annette Hobart
Sharon Morin
Elder Linda Boudreau Semaganis
Colette Surovy
Bridget Tolley
Florence Pixie Wells
Social Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Chantal Fiola
Dr. Jacqueline Maurice
Lillian Parenteau
Knowledge Keeper Raye St. Denys
Congratulations to all the recipients! Your dedication and leadership continue to inspire and uplift communities. Thank you for your incredible contributions!
Click here (https://metiswomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/King-Charles-III-Medal-Recipients.pdf) to learn more about the recipients.
30th Anniversary of the UN Beijing Declaration, 69th Session of the CSW
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Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) proudly represented Métis women at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW69) in New York from March 9th – 14th, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women.
The Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women champions Indigenous women’s rights, self-determination, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and protection from violence. Signed at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in September 1995, it remains a cornerstone of global women’s rights advocacy. Three decades ago, Marge Friedel—President Omeniho’s mother, and a tireless advocate for Indigenous women’s rights—led Canada’s Indigenous Women’s delegation in signing this historic declaration alongside delegations from 189 countries, outlining calls to action aimed at improving the lives and strengthening the human rights of all women.Indigenous women and gender-diverse people have long been at the forefront of advocacy, driving change to reclaim their autonomy and self-determination.
Decades of activism and global commitments, including the Beijing Declaration, have laid a strong foundation for progress, and today’s youth are boldly and courageously continuing this vital work. By challenging deeply ingrained stigmas and dismantling the systems that perpetuate gender-based violence, economic disparity, and political underrepresentation, Indigenous leaders are shaping a future where safety, equity, and self-determination are realized. Meaningful change is not just possible—it is happening now, fueled by advocacy, collaboration, and global solidarity. The time for meaningful change is now, and ensuring the safety of Indigenous women requires continued advocacy, collaboration, and global solidarity.
We are profoundly thankful for the support and solidarity of the following organizations: The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), The 2 Spirits in Motion Society (2SiMS), Foro Internacional de Mujeres Indígenas/Continental Link of Indigenous Women of the Americas – Mexico (FIMI), Women in Sport Aotearoa, and the Māori Women’s Welfare League.
We also express our deep appreciation to the countless Métis women and gender-diverse individuals who continue to offer their unwavering support from across the Motherland. We look forward to continuing our work together as we demand justice for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.
Read the Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women (http://www.ipcb.org/resolutions/htmls/dec_beijing.html)
Youth Council
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Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak is excited to share our inaugural Youth Council!
Led by LFMO’s Youth Initiatives Manager, Nika Paziuk, the council consists of five diverse Metis women and gender-diverse youth from across the Motherland, including Emerald UnRuh, Angel Sansregett, Sara Cronan, Meagan Young, and Lydia Shields.
The council met virtually for the first time on Friday, February 28th.
The council is led by the principles of Wahkotowin, honouring connection to each other, the land, the animals, the water, plants, earth and spirit, and all of creation.
Our Youth Council and its members will play a vital role in amplifying the voices of Métis youth, ensuring their perspectives are heard and integrated into all aspects of LFMO’s work moving forward.
The Council has many exciting projects in store for the next year, including a youth-centric newsletter that will be distributed on a quarterly basis.
Read the first edition of the Youth Newsletter here (https://mailchi.mp/metiswomen/lfmo-youth-newsletter-march-2025?e=0c3618a63f) and follow us to stay up-to-date with our Youth Council!
Project Updates
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Honouring Métis Oral Tradition in Our 2025 Presidential Address & ESDC Report
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At this year’s Spring Policy Forum, LFMO President Melanie Omeniho and Director of ESDC Initiatives Kristena Belcourt presented our 2025 Presidential Address and ESDC report in a way that deeply reflects Métis heritage—through the power of oral storytelling.
In keeping with our traditions, this year’s annual report took the form of a recorded conversation with Gerald Gosselin, Director General of ESDC Canada. For generations, Indigenous knowledge has been preserved and shared through storytelling rather than written records. By embracing this practice, we honour the rich oral tradition that has carried the wisdom of our ancestors forward.
These two videos serve not only as our Annual Report but also as a meaningful step toward embedding Métis traditions into our ongoing communications. This approach sets a new precedent—one that respects and upholds the cultural foundations of our people for generations to come.
Watch the President’s Address (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7Kv7mtTXMc)
Watch the ESDC Report (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teIrMtFPP5c)
UNDA Implementation Engagement
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Throughout the month of February, LFMO proudly led the UNDA Implementation Campaign, which encompassed a dynamic social media campaign, four engagement sessions, four communiqués, four fact sheets, and four infographics.
This initiative brought together Métis women, gender-diverse individuals, youth, and elders to shape the future of UNDA implementation through meaningful discussions and shared knowledge.
* Session 1 (Feb. 11, 2025): Empowering Self-Determination – Participants shared insights on barriers and opportunities in Métis self-governance.
* Session 2 (Feb. 18, 2025): Safety & Well-Being – A powerful discussion on ensuring safety for Métis women and gender-diverse people.
* Session 3 (Feb. 25, 2025): Cultural Rights & Education – Exploring ways to protect and promote Métis culture, language, and education.
* Session 4 (March 4, 2025): Amplifying Voices – Highlighting the importance of participation, consultation, and lived experiences in decision-making.
Impact Made:
* Many Metis women and gender-diverse folks’ voices heard – from grassroots to leadership.
* Stories shared in a safe space that will help to shape policies and advocacy.
* Actionable recommendations made to advance Métis women and gender-diverse folks’ rights, well-being, safety and self-determination.
* 4 infographics and 4 fact sheets posted on LFMO’s website about UNDRIP and UNDA Implementation.
* 4 communiqués shared to keep Metis women and gender-diverse folks’ communities informed and engaged.
This work highlights the power of community, lived experiences, and collective action. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their voices!
Stay tuned for our final report, where we’ll share key takeaways and next steps!
Learn About UNDA Implementation (https://metiswomen.org/project/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-people/)
Nipiy Iskwew onôsêwak di loo lii famm
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Water serves as the lifeblood of Metis traditions, nurturing communities in spirit, culture, and livelihood. For Métis women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, the bond with water is profound—it is sacred, a source of healing, and a vessel of stories. Water is not only essential for life but is intricately woven into the spiritual fabric of Métis culture, carrying teachings that inform the stewardship of this vital resource.
“Nipiy Iskwew onôsêwak di loo lii famm”—translated as “Water Women Folk”—is a workbook designed for Métis women and gender-diverse people. This resource delves into our relationship with water, the earth, and each other, highlighting the fundamental truth that all life springs from water.
View the workbook here (https://metiswomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/water_booklet_LFMO.pdf)
Midwifery Report & Video
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We are pleased to share In Our Hands, a comprehensive report that highlights the diverse perspectives and experiences of Métis Midwives, Doulas, Birth Workers, and Life Givers. This report sheds light on the critical role these individuals play in supporting Métis families and communities through traditional and culturally informed birthing practices, as well as the challenges they face in obtaining reproductive and sexual healthcare services.
By amplifying their voices, In Our Hands seeks to promote awareness, celebrate Indigenous knowledge, and advocate for increased support and recognition of Métis-led maternal and newborn care.
You can read the report here. (https://metiswomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Midwifery-Report.pdf)
Watch the video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z65F9LBPz2I) .
A Place from Which We Grow
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We are pleased to introduce A Place from Which We Grow, a Métis trauma-informed toolkit designed to equip service providers with foundational knowledge and principles for effectively supporting Métis women, gender-diverse individuals, and their families.
Rooted in Métis culture, traditions, and ways of knowing, this toolkit offers a holistic approach to understanding trauma and its impacts while promoting healing, resilience, and culturally safe care.
By integrating trauma-informed practices with Métis perspectives, A Place from Which We Grow aims to foster stronger, more compassionate support systems that honor the unique experiences and strengths of Métis communities.
View the toolkit here: https://metiswomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trauma-Informed-Toolkit-Report-1.pdf
Caring for Self & Kin: A Metis GBA+ Perspective on Palliative Care
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The Caring for Self & Kin: A Metis GBA+ Perspective on Palliative Care report emphasizes the importance of palliative care for Indigenous people, providing comfort and support to people facing life-limiting illnesses with the goal to ease suffering for both patients and their families.
Métis communities have long understood illness and dying as a natural part of life’s journey. However, the lasting effects of colonialism have disrupted intergenerational knowledge, relationships, and access to quality healthcare, making it harder for many Métis people to receive dignified, community-based palliative care.
There are many successful approaches to improving palliative care for Indigenous peoples, but a national strategy is needed to ensure equitable, high-quality care. With support from Health Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) engaged Métis women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis to share their perspectives on palliative care. The findings from this engagement are detailed in this report.
Read the report (https://metiswomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Paliative-Care-Report_2024_Final-Version2025.pdf)
Blood Memory Project
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Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) is proud to introduce the Blood Memory Project—an initiative guided by Elders to preserve and pass down Métis cultural traditions, values, and pride for the next seven generations.
At LFMO’s Spring Policy Forum, Andrea Jenkins, Culture & Knowledge Keeper Manager, introduced the project, which gathers Michif Knowledge Keepers to create a Métis-specific healing and wellness resource. This trauma-informed bundle awakens ancestral blood memory teachings and safeguards traditional knowledge for future generations.
The Blood Memory Project is a vital step in reconnecting Métis people with their heritage, addressing the deep loss caused by colonization and forced assimilation. Grandmothers Linda Boudreau Semaganis, Veda Weselake, Stella Erasmus Johnson, and LFMO Knowledge Keeper Sharon Morin emphasized its importance, sharing how Métis identity is not just a label but a way of knowing, living, and engaging with the world.
By centering Elders and Knowledge Keepers, LFMO is ensuring that Métis culture and teachings remain a source of strength, resilience, and connection for generations to come.
Read more about the LFMO Blood Memory Project here (https://metiswomen.org/project/blood-memory-project/) .
Announcements
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New Staff
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As our organization continues to grow, we are pleased to welcome several new staff to our team.
Marc Molnar is bringing a rich background in financial management to his new role as Finance Director.
Alayna Antoine is joining us as the Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Initiatives Manager. In this newly created role, Alayna will work to develop meaningful and inclusive policies surrounding gender-equity.
Barbara Hachey has joined the LFMO team as Early Learning & Child Care (IELCC) Initiatives Manager, working alongside researchers, educators, and Indigenous early IELCC experts to develop better and more accessible policies for Metis women and their families.
Lastly, Azra Ahmad is transitioning to a permanent role as Policy Strategy Lead. Azra has worked with LFMO since 2024, and her dedication and commitment to LFMO’s mission have made her an essential member of our team.
Indigenous Women’s Circle
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We are thrilled to announce that LFMO President Melanie Omeniho has been reappointed as a member of the Indigenous Women’s Circle for a second term.
Launched in 2018 by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), the Indigenous Women’s Circle brings together Indigenous women leaders and experts from both public and private sectors to discuss the challenges they face and share their ideas for advancing gender equality with the Government of Canada.
The Indigenous Women’s Circle is made up of members from national, provincial, and regional Indigenous women’s and gender-diverse organizations and individual Indigenous women across Canada. These representatives are appointed by the deputy minister of WAGE through a nomination process.
Since its inception in 2018, LFMO President Melanie Omeniho has been a strong advocate for Métis women, girls, and gender-diverse people, ensuring that discussions and commitments within the Circle reflect the unique needs and priorities of grassroots Métis communities.
Now reappointed for a second term, President Omeniho and LFMO remain dedicated to uplifting and empowering grassroots Métis women and gender-diverse individuals across the Motherland.
Learn more about the Indigenous Women’s Circle here (https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/indigenous-womens-circle.html) .
Featured Person
Adele Arseneau (ᒪᐢᑿᓱᐤᐃᐢᑵᐤ): A Life Woven Through Story, Art, and Resilience
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“My colonial name is Adele Arseneau (née Caron), paternally from the Batoche Carons and with maternal family connections to Beardy’s FN. Tan’si, Maskwasowiskwew nitsihkason. Niya – nehiyaw ekwa apihtawhikosisan.”
Adele is a Métis and Cree multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and Knowledge Keeper whose work is deeply rooted in identity, resilience, and reclamation. Born into a lineage of strong, resourceful people, she carries forward the traditions of her ancestors while forging new pathways for Indigenous artistry, accessibility, and cultural continuity.
Before dedicating herself fully to art, Adele was an Indigenous Geomatic Engineer in British Columbia, designing highways between Vancouver and Prince George at a time when few—if any—Indigenous women held such positions. She even built her own two-story West Coast timber-frame floathome, following in the footsteps of her grandfathers who built their own homes. However, her life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when she suffered a stroke, losing her languages, her ability to play music, and aspects of her cognitive and physical abilities. With no rehabilitation available, she turned to art as both a means of recovery and a way to sustain herself.
Adele’s art is a language in itself—a way to tell the stories that history often tries to erase. “We are the stories we hear and tell each other,” she says. Her work encompasses painting, beadwork, hide tanning, carving, and digital media, each piece interwoven with cultural knowledge, language, memory, and advocacy. She works to revitalize Northern Michif, preserve traditional Métis practices, and create awareness around disability and accessibility.
Her project Tapis: A Love Letter to our Dog Kin is a profound example of her dedication to storytelling and historical reclamation. Through this exhibition, currently touring Canada, she explores the legacy of Indigenous dog blankets (li tāpis/tuppy) and the significant role of Indigenous dogs in cultural and survival practices. The project was born out of a deep personal connection with her Alaskan Malamutes and a realization that much of this knowledge is out of reach for many.
Her contributions go far beyond her artwork, as she has lived a life filled with community, mentorship, and advocacy. She has served as an Indigenous advisor, mentor, and advocate in numerous capacities, including:
* MNBC elections invigilator and Woman’s Representative
* Decolonization & Indigenization Consultant for the Canadian Association of Geographers
* Board Member of MNBC’s Culture, Language, and Heritage Working Group
* Former RCMP & Military Officer (Navy & Army)
* Indigenous Disability Advocate
Her connection to the Métis and Cree communities is deeply personal. She grew up surrounded by her grandfather’s brothers in northern BC, where storytelling, music, and traditional skills were a way of life. Fiddling, jigging, and sharpshooting competitions were integral to her upbringing. Though her mother’s experiences as a residential school survivor initially distanced her from some cultural practices, Adele later reclaimed them—learning beadwork and reclaiming hide tanning following her great-grandmother’s legacy as a tanner and taxidermist.
Today, Adele continues to push boundaries in Indigenous arts and accessibility, mentoring others, advocating for cultural knowledge, and working toward her dream of having her work exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada.
Through every stitch, carve, and brushstroke, Adele reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics—it is a vessel for survival, healing, and the continuation of stories that must never be forgotten.
Follow her journey at metiscaron.com or on IG/Bluesky or Patreon: @metiscaron.
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Contact:
communications@metiswomen.org