Ottawa has signed a memorandum with Ontario Metis that helps pave the way to advance their rights and settle various claims.
A tentative agreement is to be reached by September that will set up negotiations on Metis self-government, lands, rights and other issues.
Metis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh says her people played an enormous role in the formation of Ontario and Canada.
But she says formal recognition of the Metis as a nation has largely been lacking.