Supporting Métis Identity, Safety, and Accountability: Policy Pathways for Real Change

After publishing The Battle for Métis Identity, I received numerous private messages from individuals and organizations eager to implement the ideas I shared. I want to be clear: I do this work not on behalf of any organization, but as a proud Métis person, for Métis people everywhere. Over the years, I have heard too many painful stories from our community, and I feel a responsibility to contribute something positive that can promote real change.

The momentum around Métis identity, lateral violence, and healing has made it clear that the question is no longer if change is needed, but how to make it real and lasting. To meet this need, I’m sharing the Métis Identity, Safety, and Accountability (MISA) Framework, a free, adaptable guide for any organization. It is rooted in Métis priorities, ethical standards, and a commitment to openness over gatekeeping. By sharing the MISA framework openly, my hope is that we can all move toward safer, more inclusive, and more empowering spaces for Métis people, wherever we are.

This framework is not meant to replace your organization’s current cultural safety practices, but to complement and enhance them. MISA can be woven into existing policies or adapted and changed to suit your unique needs and context. My role here has simply been to research and organize widely available knowledge and best practices into a usable framework, and to give it a name—nothing more. This work is shared openly under a Creative Commons license, and I encourage you to adapt, build upon, and share it as needed, with appropriate credit.

Why MISA?

For too long, Métis people have faced unique barriers in organizational spaces: relentless scrutiny over our identities, lateral violence, exclusion, and silencing. Too often, policies are ignored, misapplied, or used to protect the status quo rather than those experiencing harm. MISA is about shifting this narrative, making Métis safety, dignity, and cultural strength a priority at every level, and ensuring organizations are accountable to the communities they serve.

The MISA Framework: Core Principles

1. Self-Determination & Community Accountability: Métis people define their own identity, governance, and priorities. Organizations must respect and work in partnership with legitimate Métis governments and communities, ensuring policies reflect Métis voices and needs.

2. Cultural Safety & Humility: Prioritize emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being. Implement ongoing Métis-specific cultural safety and humility training for all staff, and create environments where Métis people feel respected, seen, and safe.

3. Transparency & Ethical Engagement: Develop clear, accessible processes for identity verification and grievance resolution, respecting confidentiality and individual autonomy. Engage ethically, respecting Métis protocols, values, and the diversity of community practices.

4. Restorative Justice & Lateral Kindness: Address harm through dialogue, healing, and restorative processes, not punishment. Replace exclusion and suspicion with empathy, support, and community care.

5. Representation & Leadership: Ensure Métis voices are present and influential in decision-making, leadership, and policy development. Include Elders, youth, and Knowledge Keepers in governance and advisory roles.

Key Policy Areas and Actions

1. Cultural Safety Policy

• Mandatory Métis-specific cultural safety and anti-racism training for all staff.

• Display Métis art, language, and symbols; ensure zero tolerance for racism and lateral violence.

• Engage youth, Elders, and all genders in programming and decision-making.

2. Métis Identity Verification and Support

• Recognize self-identification and community connection, not just paperwork.

• Publish clear guidelines for identity claims and ensure no anonymous accusations.

• Partner with Métis governments for verification support.

• Protect privacy and handle all identity-related matters with discretion.

3. Preventing and Addressing Lateral Violence

• Prohibit gossip, exclusion, and mobbing. Outline clear reporting and restorative response mechanisms.

• Facilitate mediation, healing circles, and support for all parties, led by Métis facilitators or Elders.

• Provide counseling and cultural reconnection resources for those harmed.

4. Métis Representation and Decision-Making

• Recruit and retain Métis staff, advisors, and leaders.

• Involve Elders, youth, and Knowledge Keepers in governance and dispute resolution.

• Collaborate with local and national Métis organizations.

5. Privacy and Ethics

• Safeguard all identity-related information and complaints.

• Prohibit unauthorized sharing of personal or cultural details. Respect autonomy and the diversity of Métis experience.

Implementation Steps

1. Form a Committee: Include Métis staff, Elders, and external advisors.

2. Adapt MISA Templates: Use existing open-access policy templates and adapt them to your context.

3. Train Staff: Leverage free resources and Métis partnerships for ongoing learning.

4. Monitor Progress: Report annually on metrics such as Métis retention, engagement, and grievance resolution; ensure transparency and accountability.

5. Continuous Feedback: Regularly seek input from Métis staff and communities, and update policies as needed.

Continuous Improvement & Accountability

To ensure the MISA framework remains effective and meaningful, organizations should treat it as a living process, one that grows and adapts with ongoing input from Métis people and communities. Real change requires more than a policy on paper; it demands continuous reflection, open dialogue, and transparent action.

Key Steps for Ongoing Success:

• Regularly review and report on your organization’s progress on Métis inclusion and cultural safety.

• Provide safe, confidential ways for Métis staff, clients, and community members to share feedback or concerns.

• Publicly acknowledge positive changes, milestones, and Métis contributions.

• Involve Métis people meaningfully at every stage of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Ethical Engagement and Open Access

This framework is meant to be shared, adapted, and improved by anyone. No paywalls, no gatekeeping. Organizations are encouraged to work openly with Métis communities, respect local practices and protocols, and ensure that all policies are accessible and transparent.

A Call to Action

If your organization is ready to move beyond words and into action, now is the time. Reach out to Métis partners, listen to Métis voices, and implement policies that make a real difference. Remember, the MISA framework is a tool. Adapt it, change it, and make it your own. The goal is to create spaces where Métis people are not just included, but truly valued and empowered.

For more information or support in developing Métis-inclusive policies, connect with your local or regional Métis organizations. I welcome your feedback and insights on the MISA framework. Please feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or suggestions for improvement in the comments or through private message.

Resources & Further Reading:

• Métis National Council – About the Métis Nation

• Manitoba Métis Federation – Programs & Services

• Gabriel Dumont Institute – Métis Culture and Education

• Rupertsland Institute – Métis Centre of Excellence

• Principles of Ethical Métis Research

• NSWPB Indigenous Inclusion Guide

• IPHCC Anti-Racism & Cultural Safety Toolkit

• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Cultural Safety and Humility Standard

Open Source License Statement

The MISA Framework is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Please credit Matthew J. Dyck as the original creator when adapting, sharing, or building upon this work.