Our Commitment to Privacy
The Métis Thinkers Network is an academic and community-based network that hosts events, facilitates learning opportunities, and supports knowledge-sharing within Métis and broader scholarly and community contexts.
We are committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of the personal information we collect. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information obtained through:
- Our website;
- Event registration forms;
- Email communications;
- Virtual meeting platforms;
- Payment processing platforms; and
- Other programs, services, and activities administered by the Métis Thinkers Network.
Accountability
The Métis Thinkers Network is responsible for all personal information under its control. We have implemented reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification, disposal, or destruction.
We also take reasonable steps to ensure that any third-party service providers that process personal information on our behalf provide comparable level of protection and use personal information only for authorized purposes. We regularly review our privacy practices and security measures to help ensure ongoing protection of personal information and compliance.
Personal Information
In the context of this Privacy Policy, “personal information” means information about an identifiable individual. Personal information may include:
- Name;
- Email address;
- Telephone number;
- Mailing address;
- Educational or institutional affiliation;
- Event participation records;
- Payment-related information; and
- Information voluntarily provided regarding Indigenous identity, including self-identification.
Business contact information used solely for professional communications may not be considered personal information under applicable privacy laws.
By providing personal information, individuals consent to its collection, use, and disclosure for the purposes identified in this Policy, unless otherwise permitted or required by law.
Identifying Purposes
We collect personal information primarily for the purpose of event registration and administration.
When you register for an event or interact with our programs, we may collect the following information:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number (if provided)
- School or institutional affiliation (if provided)
- Self-identified Métis heritage (if voluntarily provided)
This information is used to:
- Register participants for events
- Communicate important event details, updates, or changes
- Coordinate participation in virtual platforms (such as Zoom)
- Improve event planning and accessibility
- Maintain internal records of participation
We do not collect personal information for marketing or commercial sale.
Consent and Use of Information
Your consent is required for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. By submitting your information through registration forms or related platforms, you consent to its use for the purposes described in this policy.
We only use personal information for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the context of event registration and academic programming.
You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal, contractual or operational requirements. Withdrawal of consent may limit our ability to provide certain services or permit participation in certain activities.
Processing and Storage of Information by Third-Party Services
We may use third-party service providers and cloud-based technologies to support our operations, including email, document management, collaboration, communications, registration, payment processing, and data storage services. These providers may include platforms such as Google, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Zoom, Square and other cloud-based services.
These providers may process personal information on our behalf. We take reasonable steps to ensure they handle information securely and only for the purposes we authorize. We do not permit these providers to use your information for their own unrelated purposes.
As a result, personal information may be collected, used, stored, processed, or accessed on servers located outside of Manitoba or Canada. While such information is subject to the safeguards and security measures implemented by both our organization and our service providers, it may also be subject to the laws and lawful access requirements of foreign governments, courts, law enforcement agencies, or regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where the information is stored or processed.
We do not sell personal information to third parties. Personal information shared with service providers is limited to what is reasonably necessary for them to provide their services.
Payment Processing
When payments are required for events or services, transactions are processed securely through Square. We do not store full credit card information on our systems.
The Métis Thinkers Network does not receive or retain complete payment card information. Payment information is collected, processed, and safeguarded in accordance with the privacy and security practices of Square.
Users should review the privacy policies of Square for additional information regarding their handling of payment information.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies, analytic tools, or similar technologies to:
- Maintain website functionality;
- Understand website usage patterns;
- Improve user experience; and
- Enhance website performance.
Most browsers allow users to disable or manage cookies through browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functions. Analytic information is generally aggregated and does not directly identify individual users.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. Retention periods are determined based on the nature of the information, the purpose for which it was collected, legal and regulatory requirements, and operational needs.
Destruction of Information
When personal information is no longer required, we will securely destroy, permanently delete, anonymize, or otherwise dispose of it in a manner that prevents unauthorized access, use, disclosure, reconstruction, or recovery. Appropriate physical, administrative, and technical safeguards will be applied throughout the destruction process, considering the sensitivity of the information and applicable legal requirements.
Safeguards
We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification. Access to personal information is restricted to individuals who require it to perform their duties within the organization.
Safeguards may include:
- Password-protected systems;
- Restricted access controls;
- Secure cloud-based storage;
- Staff and volunteer confidentiality obligations;
- Secure disposal procedures; and
- Periodic review of privacy practices.
Privacy Breaches
If a privacy breach involving personal information occurs and poses a real risk of significant harm, we will take reasonable steps to:
- Contain and assess the breach;
- Notify affected individuals where appropriate;
- Notify regulatory authorities where required by law; and
- Reduce the risk of future incidents.
If you receive emails, messages, or other communications that appear to originate from our organization and you believe they may be suspicious, fraudulent, or unsolicited spam, we encourage you to report them to us promptly. Reporting such communications helps us investigate potential security incidents and protect our users and systems.
Access, Correction and Complaints
Subject to legal exceptions, individuals may request:
- Access to their personal information;
- Information regarding how their personal information has been used or disclosed;
- Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information; and
- Deletion of information where appropriate.
Requests should be submitted in writing to metisthinkersnetwork@gmail.com. We may require verification of identity before processing requests.
Minor’s Privacy
Our services are generally intended for adults and post-secondary learners. Where personal information is collected from minors, we will take reasonable steps to obtain appropriate consent from a parent, guardian, or authorized representative where required by law.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in practices, technologies, or legal requirements.
The most current version will always be posted on our website and will indicate the date it was last updated.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Métis Thinkers Network
Email: metisthinkersnetwork@gmail.com
