Volunteer of the Year Award Winner, Richard Sarrazin
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JANUARY 2009 • THE PUBLICATION OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO SINCE 1997 MÉTISVOYAGEUR The VOLUNTEER CAMAs OF THE ABORIGINAL YEAR AWARD MUSIC AWARDS KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE SUDBURY’S RICHARD SALUTE OUR BEST OLIVINE BOUSQUET DANCERS TAKE THE SARRAZIN HONOURED PAGE 29 MÉTIS JIG ON THE ROAD • PAGE 16 PAGE 15 NEW LEADERSHIP, NEW ENERGY, NEW DIRECTION: AN HISTORIC DAY front row, left to right: MNO President Gary Lipinski; Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Brad Duguid and PCMNO Chair France Picotte. back row, left to right: Métis youth Janine Landry, Senator Elmer Ross and Senator Brenda Powley. On November 18th an historic agreement was signed recognizing the unique history and ways of life of Métis communities in Ontario. This framework agreement sets the course for a new, collaborative relationship between the Ontario Government and the Métis Nation of Ontario. More about the signing and the Special Presidents’ Assembly/AGA on pages 3 to 10. A CANOE CHAIR OF LOUIS HEROES WITH NO MÉTIS RIEL DAY COME IN PADDLES STUDIES MÉTIS ACROSS PROVINCE ALL SIZES UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA GATHER TO HONOUR SEVEN YEAR-OLD MÉTIS GRAND RIVER MÉTIS SELECTED TO HOST THE MEMORY OF A DOES HER PART IN FIGHT LOOKING FOR PADDLES CHAIR OF MÉTIS STUDIES GREAT MÉTIS HERO AGAINST CANCER PAGE 25 40025265 PAGE 13 PAGES 18 + 19 PAGE 26 2 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ January 2009 Métis Community Councils FONDLY REMEMBERED: NEW ARRIVAL LETTERS: THE MÉTIS Praise for a VOYAGEUR Métis Voyageur WINTER 2009, NO.56 contributor editor Hi. I just had to tell you, the arti- Linda Lord cle by Sabrina Stoessinger (See Métis Voyageur, Autumn 2008, design & production page 19, “Practice Makes Perfect”) Marc St.Germain has really moved me, and each time I look a kid-in-care in the contributors face, I now look for more. Scott Carpenter As a worker, this article has Glen Lipinski given me a lot to think about. It is Stephen Quesnelle Verna and Doug Porter would like very well written, thank you for Chelsey Quirk to present to the Métis Nation of being brave enough to write it. Tracy Bald Edith McLeod went where Ontario, their second grandchild, Thank you very much. Doug Wilson Owen Douglas Porter. Owen was Lorraine Cupp Lianne Dumais there was no path and left born on September 6th, 2008 to Kelly Honsberger Stephen and Amanda. Owen Cecile Wagar weighed in at 9 lbs. 2 ozs. He was Leora Wilson a trail for others to follow born in the true Métis fashion, Kathy Bazley It is with great sadness that the and the “no beat’n around the water birth at home. Sandra Morgan Virgina Barter Métis Nation of Ontario says bush” tell it like it is woman. Donn Fowler goodbye to one of its founding Edith was a remarkable person Susan Lecompte PCMNO Senators. Senator with many accolades, honours, CONGRATS! Niel Trudel Edith McLeod passed away and firsts, including: the Gover- Alison Powell November 25th, 2008, at the nor General’s Persons Award; Leora Wilson age of 94. She was loved and The Order of Canada; Native Jeff Wilson respected in the Métis commu- Woman of the Year-Canada; Barbaranne Wright nity and will be deeply missed Native Woman of the Year- by all. Ontario; first Native woman contact President Gary Lipinski appointed to the National Linda Lord, editor expressed his sentiments by Parole Board; Trillium Pin; and RR1 Hartington, ON saying that, “Senator McLeod, the Silver Medal presented by K0H 1W0 and all Senators, are the back- Governor General Léger. Ph/Fx: 613-374-3430 bone of the Métis Nation. They Edith will be sadly missed [email protected] provide support and guidance by her daughter Alma Adams Lest We Forget when needed the most. Sena- (Jerry) and her daughter-in-law If undeliverable return to: tor McLeod will be greatly Ann Desmeules; seven grand- by Senator Jacques Leroux Métis Nation of Ontario missed.” children, Larry Desmeules P. P.C.L.I 3rd Battalion 500 Old St.Patrick St, Edith Francis McLeod, was (Debbie); Cindy Bertolin Unit D born in Pontiex, Saskatchewan (John); Charles Desmeules; Remembering the guys who did- Ottawa, ON and re-located to Ontario set- Gayle Desmeules (Wayne); We would like to congratulate n't come back from Korea—the K1N 9G4 tling in Macdiarmid, north of Melissa Jones (Jason); Eli Jodi and Peter Rivers (PCMNO ones I trained with. LEST WE PH: 613-798-1488 Thunder Bay in 1939. There Adams and thirteen great Councillor, Region 9 and Captain FORGET. We will remember [email protected] she met and married Kenny in grandchildren. She was prede- of the Hunt) on their recent wed- them. www.metisnation.org 1942 and raised two children, ceased by husband Kenny and ding, November 8, 2008. Jodi’s Alma and Larry. son Larry Desmeules. parents are Miriam and Don The next Voyageur deadline Those who knew Edith will Edith McLeod went where Tourangeau. Peter’s parents are OBITUARY is March 1st, 2009 miss her wit, straight forward- there was no path and left a Myrta and Ernie Rivers from Sault ness, uncensored comments trail for others to follow. Ste. Marie. Myrta Rivers along with other immediate family and friends travelled to the celebra- tion held in Windsor. Peter’s “It has been a busy father Ernie Rivers was unable to attend the happy occasion for winter and I hope that , health reasons. everyone had a wonderful holiday. Even though my means of transportation is s flying, I would like to intro- WE’RE PROUD of YOU PJ duce another means of transportation the Métis Ewen Raymond s people used and that is the Kid voyageur canoe. Moreau r March 5, 1935 - December 25, 2008 rne “Did you know that some of Co the voyageurs’ canoes were With great sadness, the Oshawa made of birch bark? These Métis Council announced the canoes were used by the passing of Oshawa Métis Coun- Métis voyageurs across the cillor, Ewen Moreau, on the provinces. The roll of birch morning of December 25, 2008. bark, coils of spruce roots Mr. Moreau passed peacefully and strips of cedar and in his sleep at home in Oshawa. spruce were turned into a Predeceased by his wife Verna, vessel for transportation he was the cherished father of throughout the Ontario We are pleased to announce that Kevin Moreau, dear brother of the successful candidate for the Arthur (Zeila); Allan (Leona); waterways. The voyageurs MNO Primary Care Manager is Manley; Barbara Woodcock transported beaver pelts Lisa Pigeau. Lisa brings a Bac- (Wayne); the late Marjorie Bre- and various goods to many calaureate Degree from Nipissing sette; Earlin; Mae Geroux; Bever- trading posts. University with a double major, in ly; Joseph and Edward. psychology and sociology, as well He will be fondly remem- “Today, we use our canoes as many years of experience in a bered by his nieces, nephews for pleasure and enjoy the variety of MNO health programs. and friends. A funeral service was wonderful outdoors. Spring The Primary Care Manager is held at Nicholls Funeral Home is around the corner and we responsible for Primary Care on Monday, December 29th. If can enjoy the Ontario lakes including Mental Health, Addic- desired, memorial donations to and rivers.” tions and Family Violence, the Heart and Stroke Foundation Research and Long Term Care. would be appreciated. January 2009 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 3 Special Presidents’ Assembly / AGA 2008 MNO President Gary Lipinski (right) gives a “State of the Nation” speech to delegates of the MNO’s Special President’s Assembly /Annual General Assembly. BUILDING A MÉTIS NATION NOVEMBER 17th Morning session he business of the Annual General Assembly (AGA) began in earnest when the flags of the Métis Nation, the Province of Ontario, and of Canada were marched in and posted to the accompani- T ment of fiddler Roger Giroux and guitarist Aline Geroux who led the Grand Entry of dignitaries. Chair, France Picotte called to the gathering. First, Grand the 15th AGA of the Métis Nation Chief Randall Phillips brought of Ontario (MNO) to order and greetings from the Association of Senator Reta Gordon offered the Iroquois and Allied Indians. opening prayer. Grand Chief Phillips spoke about HONOURED AGA GUESTS INCLUDED: Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. In her welcoming remarks, the challenge of getting the Chair Picotte recognised the long attention and support of the trip some people had made to be provincial government. He noted part of the growth of the nation. that obtaining recognition and a She appreciated the positive atti- voice were issues shared by the tude that delegates brought with MNO and his association, issues them to the AGA and looked for- which needed to be addressed by ward to the successful comple- all levels of government. At the tion of business. same time, the Chief said that it Vice-chair, Sharon McBride, was time that governments reflected on the emotions stirred realised that it was not a ‘one bas- by the Grand Entry. She congrat- ket fits all’ situation and that ulated and welcomed the newly there was a need to focus on the PCMNO Chair, France Picotte and Co-Chair, Senator Joseph Poitras and PCMNO Chair, France elected and re-elected Senators: differences in the multi-faced Sharon McBride, present Grand Chief Randall Picotte, present Ontario Regional Chief Angus Gerry Bedford, Reta Gordon, family of the indigenous peoples. Phillips of the Association of Iroquois & Allied Toulouse from the Sagamok Anishinabek First Joseph Poitras, and Ruth Wagner- However, he felt that it was to all Indians with a thank-you paddle. Nation with a thank-you paddle. Millington. Sharon then our advantages to work together announced the results of the in common areas.