Implementation Guide
A practical, phased approach to embedding the MISA Framework into your organization's policies, practices, and culture. Start small, build momentum, and sustain change.
Five Key Steps to Get Started
These foundational steps will set you up for successful implementation.
Form a Métis Advisory Committee
Include Métis staff, community members, Elders, and external advisors. Give them real authority. Compensate them fairly. Provide support.
Conduct a Baseline Assessment
Review your current policies, practices, and outcomes through a Métis-specific lens. Identify gaps and opportunities. Engage Métis staff and community members in the assessment.
Adapt the Framework to Your Context
Select priority threads based on your assessment. Adapt language and examples to fit. Develop a phased implementation plan with clear timelines.
Invest in Training and Education
Prioritize Métis-specific cultural safety training for all staff. Partner with Métis educators and communities. Create ongoing learning opportunities beyond mandatory training.
Establish Accountability Mechanisms
Set clear goals, metrics, and timelines. Create transparent reporting processes. Ensure consequences for non-compliance and harm. Celebrate progress openly.
First 90 Days with MISA
A realistic starting point for organizations new to Métis-specific work. You don't need to do everything at once, aim for steady, good-faith progress.
Getting Oriented
- Form a small MISA lead team (2–5 people, including at least one Métis staff member if possible)
- Read the key pages: About This Framework, Who We Mean When We Say 'Métis', and Quick Start for Frontline Staff
- Map your context: Where do Métis staff, clients, or community members show up in your work?
First Changes
- Do a quick self-assessment using the Cultural Safety Audit Checklist
- Choose one policy area to focus on first (e.g., lateral violence or identity verification)
- Make 1-3 simple, visible changes: Add 'Métis' as its own option on forms, update your website to name local Métis organizations, and include Métis resources in staff learning
Building Momentum
- Finalize your first Métis-specific policy with input from Métis staff or a local partner
- Identify 1–2 key roles for basic training (e.g., HR, intake, supervisors)
- Walk them through the Quick Start guide and Identity Verification dos and don'ts
- Decide on next priorities for the coming year
Phased Implementation Approach
A 3-year roadmap for embedding MISA principles into every aspect of your organization. Smaller organizations may combine phases or take a lighter-weight approach.
Foundation
- Form Métis advisory committee
- Conduct baseline assessment
- Develop or adopt Métis-specific cultural safety training
- Review and update core policies including identity verification, lateral violence, and privacy
- Establish partnership with at least one Métis Nation government or organization
Building Capacity
- Roll out Métis-specific cultural safety training to all staff
- Implement recruitment and retention strategies for Métis staff
- Create safe reporting mechanisms for lateral violence and discrimination
- Develop Métis-specific communications guidelines
- Begin tracking Métis-specific metrics
Embedding and Sustaining
- Integrate MISA principles into all policies, programs, and practices
- Establish regular monitoring and public reporting processes
- Create ongoing learning pathways and community engagement opportunities
- Review and adapt based on feedback and outcomes
- Celebrate progress and plan for continuous improvement
Measurement & Accountability
How to know if your MISA implementation is actually working, and what to do when it's not
What to Measure
What You're Putting In
- •Number of staff trained on Métis cultural safety
- •Number of policies reviewed and updated
- •Budget allocated to Métis-specific initiatives
- •Number of Métis advisors/partners engaged
What's Actually Changing
- •Retention rates for Métis staff
- •Reported experiences of safety and belonging from Métis people
- •Number of lateral violence incidents reported and resolved
- •Changes in service access/outcomes for Métis clients
How to Measure
Collect Métis Data Separately
Always report Métis numbers separately from other Indigenous groups. Otherwise, you won't see the real patterns or where Métis people are being left behind.
Center Métis Voices
Regular surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one check-ins with Métis staff, clients, and community members. Ask about their actual experiences, not just your policy compliance.
Track Over Time
Establish baselines and measure progress annually. Look for trends, not one-time snapshots.
Report Publicly
Share progress, challenges, and plans openly. Transparency builds trust and accountability.
Accountability Structures
Measurement is meaningless without accountability. Build structures that ensure follow-through:
- Métis Advisory Committee with real authority to review data, raise concerns, and influence decisions
- Annual public reporting on MISA implementation progress, including successes and failures
- Leadership goals tied to MISA commitments (so leaders are held responsible too)
- Clear consequences for non-compliance, harm, or failure to meet commitments
- Regular check-ins and changes based on what you learn and what Métis people tell you
When Things Go Wrong
Implementation won't be perfect. Harm will happen. What matters is how you respond:
Acknowledge harm quickly and publicly
Don't wait. Don't minimize. Name what happened and take responsibility.
Center those who were harmed
Ask what they need. Follow their lead on repair processes.
Fix the system, not just the person
If one person caused harm, look at the systems that allowed it. Fix those too, don't just punish someone and move on.
Report back on actions taken
Close the loop. Let people know what changed and why.