The Métis Community Diversion Program began in 2018 as a response to a legal-needs assessment, showing that Indigenous justice service providers lacked awareness and recognition of Métis rights and identity. This caused significant barriers for Métis people in Ontario to access justice services, demonstrating the need for Métis-lead justice programs.
Presenters:
Maria Guiho | Métis Community Diversion Coordinator, Métis Nation of Ontario
Maria Guiho has a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Equity Studies from Brock University (focusing on the impacts of Diversion programs on Indigenous peoples/communities), and a French Bachelor of Social Work with a certificate of Intervention with Women from Laurentian University. She is a registered social worker and is currently a Métis community diversion coordinator at the MNO.
Mitchell Frenette | Supervisor, Advocacy Program Métis Nation of Ontario
Mitchell Frenette is a Métis citizen living in the Treaty 3 area (Kenora, ON). He is currently a supervisor in the Advocacy Program at the MNO, specializing in restorative justice and diversion circle facilitation. Previous to his role at the Métis Nation, he worked for MAG as a court registrar, becoming familiar in both the criminal and family law processes.
Conlin Delbaere-Sawchuk | Métis Youth Community Diversion Coordinator, Métis Nation of Ontario
Conlin is a proud Métis-Ukrainian originating from the Red River settlement, and a Métis Nation of Ontario Citizen. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Conlin Articled at The Biking Lawyer LLP and was called to the Ontario Bar in June 2023. Conlin is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice issues.
Presented by the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee on November 4, 2025.