Summit condemns co-opting Indigenous identities by groups

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A two-day summit on Indigenous identity fraud concluded with a call for action against the growing epidemic in Canada. Hosted by the Manitoba Metis Federation and Chiefs of Ontario, leaders united to combat individuals and organizations falsely claiming Indigenous identity.

Leaders passed resolutions targeting specific organizations, including the Metis Nation of Ontario and the NunatuKavut Community Council, for exploiting Indigenous identities for personal gain. Manitoban Metis Federation President David Chartrand emphasized the importance of protecting their identity:

“We have every right and all responsibility to stand up for ourselves and protect our identity. The time to bring this to a head is now.”