The Chair's projects are aimed at connecting academic insights with practical governance needs, ensuring that cultural values guide leadership and decision-making. These initiatives focus on creating frameworks, fostering collaboration, and enhancing internal processes to support the effective governance of Métis institutions. Each project aims to strengthen Métis governance structures, enhance community engagement, and support the development of a robust and inclusive Métis identity.

Visions of the Nation: Bridging Knowledge and Governance

The Visions of the Nation project is dedicated to connecting the valuable work of Métis scholars with the practical needs of institution-building in Métis governance.

By bridging this academic knowledge with discussions on self-governance, the project aims to make critical insights accessible and applicable to how the Métis Nation governs itself. This includes knowledge regarding conceptions of nationhood, the role of kinship, gender dynamics, and the importance of cultural continuity in governance structures.

Application Thus Far

Visions of a Nation: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Inclusion of Seven Communities into the Métis Nation of Ontario and Its Implications for Métis Legitimacy, Governance and Identity
 
The visions project framework was deployed to support the Métis National Council (MNC) Expert Panel, which was mandated to investigate the inclusion of Métis communities within the broader scope of Métis governance. This report specifically focused on the contentious inclusion of seven communities into the Métis Nation of Ontario in 2017. For more information and to access the findings see below.
 

Distinction and Administrative Equilibrium in Métis Governance

The Chair in Métis Governance and Policy is advancing a distinction-based governance approach for the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S).This research project examines the balance between decentralization and centralization in Métis governance, exploring how cultural values and digital tools can be integrated to create an optimal governance model with a balance between governance effectiveness and community representation.

This project is supported in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

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Métis-First Nations Intergovernmental Relations Project

In partnership with and funded by the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP), the Chair is leading a project focused on strengthening Métis-First Nations relations and intergovernmental governance. This project examines how Métis and First Nations communities can collaborate effectively on governance issues, especially in areas where their jurisdictions intersect. By documenting successful models of inter-Indigenous governance and analyzing the dynamics of these partnerships, this research aims to develop frameworks that support harmonious and effective governance. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of shared sovereignty and collaborative policymaking, ultimately strengthening intergovernmental relations between Métis and First Nations communities.

This project is supported in part by the Institute for Research on Public Policy 

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What is Métis Good Governance?: Developing an Internal Governance Review Framework

The Chair in Métis Governance and Policy is developing a framework for evaluating Métis good governance, focused on ensuring governance processes align with Métis cultural values, transparency, and accountability. This framework provides a tool for strengthening internal governance across Métis institutions.

The framework has already been applied by the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC). The final report can be found here (coming soon). 

Métis Governance Leadership Training Program

In collaboration with MN-S and JSGS Executive Education, the Chair in Métis Governance and Policy is developing a training program for MN-S staff and officials to strengthen governance practices aligned with core Métis cultural values. The program connects values identified by Métis leaders to good governance, offering participants an overview of government processes with a focus on integrating Métis perspectives. It aims to equip MN-S officials with the knowledge and skills to lead while upholding Métis traditions and governance structures.