Métis Financial Benefits and Programs in Canada 2025

Métis people are one of Canada's three recognized Indigenous peoples under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Unlike First Nations status holders, Métis are not registered under the Indian Act, which means the Section 87 tax exemption does not apply. However, Métis people have access to a growing set of dedicated financial programs, bursaries, housing initiatives, and business supports delivered through Métis Nation organizations across Canada.

Who Is Métis?

The Supreme Court of Canada's Powley decision (2003) established a legal test for Métis identity. Generally, to be recognized as Métis you must: self-identify as Métis, have ancestral connections to a historic Métis community, and be accepted by a contemporary Métis community. Each provincial Métis Nation organization has its own citizenship registration process.

Get registered: Registering with your provincial Métis Nation organization is the key step to accessing Métis-specific financial programs. Contact the Métis Nation organization in your province to begin the citizenship application.

Métis Nation Organizations by Province

Province/Territory	Organization
Alberta	Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA)
British Columbia	Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)
Saskatchewan	Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S)
Manitoba	Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF)
Ontario	Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
National	Métis National Council (MNC)

Education and Bursaries

Education funding is one of the most significant financial benefits available to Métis people. Programs include:

Métis Nation bursaries: Each provincial organization offers bursaries and scholarships for post-secondary education
Gabriel Dumont Institute (Saskatchewan): Post-secondary programming and bursaries
Métis Nation of Alberta Education Awards: Annual bursaries for MNA citizens
Manitoba Métis Federation scholarships: For post-secondary students
Federal Indigenous post-secondary funding: The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) does not fully cover Métis, but some provincial programs do

Housing Programs

Métis people have historically faced a gap in housing support compared to First Nations people with on-reserve programs. However, dedicated Métis housing programs have grown significantly:

Manitoba Métis Federation housing: Affordable housing units and homeownership programs for MMF citizens
Métis Nation of Alberta housing: Rental housing and renovation assistance programs
CMHC off-reserve Indigenous housing: Métis people living off-reserve are eligible for CMHC's Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy funding
BC Métis housing: MNBC works with BC Housing to deliver affordable housing for Métis citizens

Business and Entrepreneurship Support

Métis entrepreneurs can access business financing through Aboriginal Capital Corporations (ACCs) and Métis-specific business programs:

Clarence Campeau Development Fund (Saskatchewan): Business loans and grants for Métis entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan
Métis Development Inc. (Alberta): Business financing for MNA citizens
NACCA network: Aboriginal Capital Corporations provide business loans nationally, and Métis entrepreneurs are eligible
CFIB and BDC: Mainstream business financing also available; combine with Métis-specific grants for maximum support

Business tip: Many provincial and federal procurement programs have Indigenous procurement targets. As a Métis business owner, registering with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and the federal Indigenous Business Directory can open contracting opportunities.

Health Benefits

Unlike Status Indians who receive Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) through the federal government, Métis people generally access health services through provincial systems. However:

Some provincial Métis Nation organizations offer supplementary health benefit programs for registered citizens
The Métis Nation of Alberta and Métis Nation of Ontario have both offered health benefit programs for members
Federal Budget 2021 included funding commitments for Métis health initiatives

Employment and Skills Training

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program funds Indigenous organizations — including Métis Nation bodies — to deliver employment training. Contact your provincial Métis Nation organization to find employment supports near you.

Tax Considerations for Métis People

Métis people are not entitled to Section 87 Indian Act tax exemptions. Métis people pay federal and provincial income taxes, GST/HST, and property taxes like other Canadians. However:

Northern residents deductions apply if you live in prescribed northern zones
All standard Canadian tax credits and deductions are available
Métis-specific post-secondary funding may be non-taxable — confirm with the funding body

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Federal Programs for Métis People

The federal government has increased its direct engagement with Métis governments following court decisions affirming Métis rights. Programs delivered through Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) include self-government funding, capacity building, and community infrastructure. These are delivered through Métis Nation governing bodies, not directly to individuals.

Métis people have access to a growing ecosystem of financial programs and supports. The key first step is registering with your provincial Métis Nation organization and staying engaged with the programs they offer. The landscape continues to evolve as Métis governments gain more autonomy and program delivery capacity.