2025 Spring Policy Forum
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 even amidst political division, 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!
Honouring Métis Oral Tradition in Our 2025 Presidential Address
At this year’s Spring Policy Forum, LFMO President Melanie Omeniho presented our 2025 Presidential Address in a way that deeply reflects Métis heritage—through the power of oral storytelling.
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.
This video serves 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.
Highlights from Our Gathering
At the 2025 Spring Policy Forum, attendees engaged in meaningful dialogues on key priority areas, including health, education, safety, environment, and leadership, through panel discussions and engagement sessions. The 2025 President’s address and the ESDC Report were delivered orally at the gathering. The event also featured project updates and renewed commitments to ongoing initiatives. In a special ceremony, 25 women and gender-diverse attendees were honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their exemplary service, and all attendees were gifted a sash during the Sashing Ceremony, celebrating their resilience and achievements.
Engagement
Métis Women’s Leadership Needs – Alayna Antoine, WAGE Initiatives Manager; Kristena Belcourt, Director of ESDC Initiatives
Exploring the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing journey of Métis women in leadership, as well as the pathways to empowerment and self-determination.
Health Priorities – Santana Sanftenberg, Director of Health Initiatives; Jamie McIntyre, Mental Health Project Coordinator
Examining the unique health and mental wellness priorities of Métis women and gender-diverse people, providing insights for service providers, and addressing the gaps in Métis-specific, trauma-informed health and mental wellness services.
Gender-Based Violence/MMIWG – Kristen Gilchrist, Director of MMIWG2S Initiatives; Andrea Jenkins, Culture & Knowledge Keeper Manager
Addressing the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and homicide targeting Indigenous women, exploring how communities and governments can respond, and identifying ways to create and strengthen policies that protect Métis women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Mental Wellness Framework – Jamie McIntyre, Mental Health Project Coordinator; Santana Sanftenberg, Director of Health Initiatives
Examining the pillars of mental health and wellness for Métis women and gender-diverse people and how their priorities can be integrated into mental wellness settings and service delivery.
Environment and Climate Change: Priority Setting – Azra Ahmad, Policy Strategy Lead; Mariana Liberman, Director of Environment & Climate Change; Sharon Morin, Métis Knowledge Holder & Climate Change Coordinator
Exploring the environmental priorities of Métis women and gender-diverse people, the impact of climate change on Métis communities and traditional practices, and identifying meaningful solutions to mitigate environmental harm.
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Priorities – Kristena Belcourt, Director of ESDC Initiatives
Discussing the challenges and barriers to Métis childcare and education services, the need for culturally-informed learning resources for both service providers and Métis children, and envisioning what an enriching and accessible IELCC (Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care) framework would look like.
Panel Discussions
LFMO Youth Council – Nika Paziuk, Youth Initiatives Manager; Angel Sansregrett, Youth Council Member; Lydia Shields, Youth Council Member; Emerald UnRuh, Youth Council Member; Meghan Young, Youth Council Member
An introduction to LFMO’s inaugural youth council and its members.
Advancing UNDA Implementation – Lisa Pigeau, Director of Intergovernmental Relations; Mariia Dias, Intergovernmental Relations Associate
An update on our UNDA/UNDRIP engagement efforts and the progress made toward advancing Métis rights and representation.
Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee Strategic Plan – Nic Taylor, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Initiatives Manager; Sheila Andrews, Committee Member; Topher Burke, Committee Member; Lucy Delgado, Committee Member; Britney Supernault, Committee Member; Pixie Wells, Committee Member
Introduction to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee and its members, and an overview of their current projects and initiatives.
Leadership in Action / The Way Forward: Priority Setting – Cherish Anderson, Board Member; Sheila Andrews, Board Member;
Melissa Dean, Board Member; Melanie Omeniho, President; Suzanne Jackson,
Secretary; Raye St. Denys, Board Member; Brenda White, Vice-President
A presentation from LFMO’s Board of Directors discussing current, future, and ongoing governance initiatives.
Project Updates
MMIWG Database – Kristen Gilchrist, Director of MMIWG2S Initiatives
An introduction to the LFMO MMIWG2S Database Project, which aims to document and catalog Missing and Murdered Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit individuals in Canada.
Health – Santana Sanftenberg, Director of Health Initiatives, LFMO
A review of LFMO’s health research and policy initiatives, including our work in palliative care and MAiD, sexual and reproductive health, and Métis maternity and birthing practices.
Mental Wellness Framework – Jamie McIntyre, Mental Health Project Coordinator; Santana Sanftenberg, Director of Health Initiatives
An introduction to LFMO’s mental wellness framework, outlining the pillars of mental health and wellness for Métis women and gender-diverse people, which will guide our approach to Métis mental wellness initiatives.
IELCC Quality Improvement Project “Helping our Helpers in IELCC” – Kristena Belcourt, Director of ESDC Initiatives; Dr. Jennifer Adese, Canada Research Chair in Métis Women, Politics, and Community Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Toronto Mississauga; Dr. Jerry Flores, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Toronto Mississauga
Introducing the research initiative, “Helping Our Helpers in IELCC,” which aims to bring together IELCC experts to develop stronger policies and more accessible, Métis-specific IELCC services.
Blood Memory Project – Andrea Jenkins, Culture & Knowledge Keeper Manager, LFMO
Introduction to the Blood Memory Project, a trauma-informed initiative guided by Elders to preserve and pass down Métis cultural traditions, values, and pride for future generations.
King Charles III Medal Ceremony
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.
Sashing Ceremony
The Sashing Ceremony was a deeply meaningful event where many of the women in attendance were honoured for their accomplishments, resilience, and contributions to their communities.
Keynote Speakers
Plenary Keynote Address: Métis Coming Together – Dr. Laura Forsythe, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg
Exploring the concept of Métis identity—not just as a label, but as a way of being, knowing, and existing.
Plenary Keynote Address: Understanding UNDA/UNDRIP Métis Women’s Perspectives – Brenda L. Gunn, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba
An exploration of UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and UNDA (United Nations Declaration Act) and their legal implications for Métis women and gender-diverse people.
More Memories
Related Resources
The following resources are associated with this project. Click ‘View All’ to explore our Resource Library.
