FALL/WINTER 2006 ÉTIS OYAGEUR THEM PUBLICATION OF THE MÉTIS NATION VOF ONTARIO SINCE 1997 MUSIC AWARDS LOUIS RIEL DAY MÉTIS SINGER ANDREA MENARD MÉTIS GATHER ACROSS THE WINS BIG AT THE 2006 CANADIAN HOMELAND TO REMEMBER ABORIGINAL MUSIC AWARDS THEIR FALLEN LEADER ... PAGE 6 ... PAGE 3

Senator Marion Larkman at this year’s Louis Riel Day Commemorative Ceremonies at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

THE JOURNEY OF THE MCPHERSONS TRACKING MÉTIS ANCESTORS FROM THE HIGHLANDS TO THE FUR TRADE ... PAGE 21

NEW ARRIVALS NEW LITTLE MÉTIS ARE SPROUTING UP ALL OVER ... PAGE 2

IN THE LAND OF THE CONDOR THIS SUMMER, 11 MÉTIS YOUTHS FROM ONTARIO SPENT 14 DAYS IN OTAVALO, ECUADOR DOING COMMUNITY SERVICE IN AN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY .... PAGES 9-11

Grandmother Marion 1926-2006 page 14 1785370 PHOTO: Marc St. Germain 2 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

THE COMMUNITY MÉTIS Activities VOYAGEUR GREY-OWEN SOUND MÉTIS COUNCIL editor The Grey-Owen Sound Council has Linda Lord relocated to a new bigger and better site in Owen Sound in design & production order to provide bigger and better Marc St.Germain service to our community. The new address is: Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale Carelli, Congratulations to the family of Senator Gerry Bedford with grandson, Carter, contributors 380 9th Street East, a Métis family from Region 9, Sadie Patricia Humphries. daughter Coral (Credit River Métis Council Scott Carpenter Owen Sound, ON, wish to announce the birth of She was born at 12:51 a.m. on Women’s Rep) and her husband Darryl Dodds. Cherie Dimaline N4K 1P1 their darling daughter, Marly July 25, 2006, and weighed in at Bonny Cann Carelli. 7 lbs 14 oz. Carter Shawn Bedford Katelin Peltier Pasquale refers to Marly as Proud grandma is Susan Dodds has been well decked Karole Dumont-Beckett MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO - TIMMINS ‘my little bundle of joy’. As Johnston, Administrative Clerk, out by his Métis family. His sash Shelley Gonneville I wish to take a moment to thank you can see she is already tak- MNO Ottawa. Sadie is the daugh- is a gift from Senator Reta Gor- Louise Logue Andy Lefebvre for the generous ing the world by the tail, flirt- ter of Stephanie Johnston, the don; his toque was made by Richard Aubin donation of a harvested moose for ing for everyone to see. former receptionist at the MNO Anne Scofield (wife of Region 9 Timothy Mohan our MNO-T community freezer. Andy Congratulations to the head office in Ottawa, and Councillor Eric Scofield); the Rebekah Wilson harvested a bull moose and the entire Carelli family! We wish Trevor Humphries. moccasins were a gift from Gary Lipinski meat has been distributed to those you and Marly a happy and Both Sadie and Stephanie Senator Lois McCallum and Ginny Gonneau in need within our community. For healthy life. are healthy and very happy. were made by Lynne Picotte. Christa Lea Gray more information please call us at Neil Trudel 705-264-3939. Sheila Grantham – Richard Aubin, Alvina Cimon Diabetes Coordinator, Timmins He’ll go far with a name like that Pierre Lefebvre Virginia Barter THUNDER BAY MÉTIS COUNCIL oxanne and Kris father and stepmother, and Andrew Armitage Coulombe announce the Wilma Hildebrand. What lucky Sheila Grantham BY CAMERON BURGESS R birth of their son children to have three grand- Benny Michaud Matthew Riel Coulombe, mothers! Kim Eltherington-Vaughan On October born August 25th, 2006 at 8:27 Both Kris and his father Joel Henley 25th a birthday a.m. at Brantford General Hos- Dave Coulombe are staunch Michele Dale party was held pital. Matthew weighed in at 6 and committed members of the Tracy Bald in honour of lbs. and 14 oz. and has dark Hamilton Wentworth Council Donna Schell Edith McLeod by grey-blue eyes and a lot of dark and work very hard for this Neil Trudel the local Aborig- hair (for now). community. We all wish them Senator Earl Scofield inal community. Edith was a The proud and happy health and happiness with the Senator Reta Gordon founding member of the Native grandparents are Sharon new addition to their family. Senator Ruth Wagner Housing Program, Thunder Bay McRann, Kris’ mother; Candice Kathleen Lannigan Indian Friendship Centre, Ontario and Dave Coulombe, Kris’ – Kathleen Lannigan Louise Goulding Native Women’s Association and Ernie Matton the Métis Nation of Ontario. Very loving and protective big sister Telley (Chantelle), with It was Edith’s 90th birthday, little brother Matthew Riel Coulombe. Contact and a wonderful afternoon filled Linda Lord, editor with some roasting and toasting RR1 Hartington, ON by many friends and family. Sena- OBITUARY K0H 1W0 tor Bob McKay presented Edith Ph/Fx: 613-374-3430 with a beautiful painting of two THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO’S [email protected] polar bears on behalf of the MNO.

If undeliverable return to: Métis Nation of Ontario Announcements CLARA CECILIA BURNHAM 14th 500 Old St.Patrick Street Ottawa, ON K1N 9G4 WEDDING BELLS: In Loving Memory of Clara PH: 613-798-1488 Congratulations on your wedding John Mck- Cecilia Burnham (née ANNUAL [email protected] innon and Kathy Hunter July 29/06 in Demuynck), 96 years, Satur- www.metisnation.org Aurora, ON. day, October 7th, 2006, at Pio- neer Manor, Sudbury. GENERAL Voyageur Deadlines CONGRATS: Wife of John C. Burnham, deadline: date of events: Congratulations to Michel Daoust, predeceased. Loving mother January 1st 15 Feb–15 Apr Jacques Mayer, Arnel Guillemette, of Loreena Richardson (Fred) ASSEMBLY March 1st 15 Apr–15 Jun and Gaston Savage on their ordination to of Wiarton, Carol of Warren, May 1st 15 Jun–15 Oct Permanent Deacon from your fellow Deacon, Dorothy (Myron Martin, pre- has been awarded to the Thunder Bay September 1st 15 Oct–15 Dec Raymond Aubin P. D.. deceased) of Sudbury, John, November 1st 15 Dec–15 Feb predeceased (Donna), Fred Métis Council and is scheduled to run BIRTHDAY WISHES: (Debra) of Copper Cliff, Gerry from July 9th to July 13th, 2007. Happy 60th Birthday to Robert McKinnon (Jude) of Sudbury, Robert of Uxbridge, Ontario, on December 13th, 2006. (Virginia), Florida. Cherished grandmother of Now is the time to start planning your NEW ARRIVAL: 14 grandchildren and of nine week in Thunder Bay. As in 2004, the Congratulations to the family of Chloe Evelyn great grandchildren. Dear Cargill, born April 25, 2006 to Heather (née daughter of Henry and Mary event will be held at Chippewa Park on Mckinnon) and Kevin Cargill of Uxbridge, ON. (Vanderheyden) Demuynck. the shores of beautiful Lake Superior. For Dear sister of the late Alice more news on the AGA watch upcoming WELCOME! Sullivan, George, Joe, Harry, We would like to welcome the newest member of Earnest, Alfred Demuynck, issues of the Métis Voyageur and the MNO the LTC team, Sue Wilson. Sue will be work- Mary Gainy, Theresa Jacob- web site: www.metisnation.org ing in Midland with Michelle Foster-Millard as a sen, Bill Demuynck, Margaret half-time LTC Coordinator. You can reach Sue at: Kelly, Thomas Demuynck. [email protected]. Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Interment St. WE’RE PROUD OF YOU! Charles Cemetery. The Métis Nation of Ontario Training Initiatives, Region 6, would like to congratulate Velvet Johnson on her nomination to receive the CORRECTION Thomson Nelson Scholarship award in recogni- tion of her academic achievement. Velvet gradu- On page 6 of the AGA Special Edi- ated from the Aboriginal Studies Certificate pro- tion of Métis Voyageur we made gram with honours, securing a grade point aver- a mistake. The young girl in the age of 3.98. Velvet has expressed a great desire top right photo is Rebekah to continue her education and I am sure that she Tr udel, not Moreau. We apolo- will succeed in any future academic endeavours. gize to all concerned. Congratulations Velvet! FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 3 LOUIS RIEL DAY 2006

PHOTO: Marc St. Germain Senator Roland St.Germain, Toronto City Councillor Jane Pitfield, Anishnabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage and Métis Nation of Ontario President Tony Belcourt prepare to raise the Métis flag at this year’s Louis Riel Day Commemorative Ceremonies at Toronto City Hall. Flying the Métis Colours

Building where several dozen he day Louis Riel was hanged, On Louis Riel Day Métis Nation of Ontario President Tony Belcourt spoke people mustered on the steps as November 16th, 1885, in Regina, the following words at the Queen's Park Legislature Building and presented a strong wind came up and cold Anishnabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage with a plaque to rain began to fall. The Todmor- Saskatchewan, was by all accounts a commemorate the eight First Nations men hanged with Louis Riel in 1885. den Branch 10 Canadian Legion T Colour Guard assembled and cold clear day. Since then 121 November lead those gathered through the 16ths have gone by and whether it rained, rain to the flagstaff. The bright In Remembrance blue flag of the Métis was raised snowed or the sun shined, Métis people have in front of the same Legislature In memory of the Cree, Saulteaux, Lakota, and Dakota people who suf- that put a $5000 bounty on the recalled that tragic day with heavy hearts. fered, were unjustly imprisoned, or died during Kah Kee Mi Ah’kah- head of Louis Riel just a few gen- — BY MARC ST. GERMAIN mi’kahk (the Time When Things Went Wrong ) including during and erations ago. after events in 1885 also known as the Métis Northwest Resistance, and The Colour Guard then lead This year’s Riel Day Commemora- Ottawa along the waterways of the congregated on a wind- tive Ceremonies in Toronto the Great Lakes. Many canoes, honouring in particular the following eight men who were hanged whipped march to the Northwest brought out dozens of Métis, First many people in those canoes, together on the morning of November 27, 1885 in Battleford, SK. Rebellion monument. Senator Nation and non-Aboriginal sup- who could speak many lan- Reta Gordon and National Métis porters to remember the great guages.” Chief Beaucage talked Miserable Man Round the Sky Itka Iron Body Youth Role Model winner, Dalton man, despite rain and high winds. about the different people Riel Bad Arrow Wandering Spirit Man Without Blood Little Bear Matthias, laid a wreath in front of At Toronto City Hall, Senator, would meet up with along the a framed portrait of Riel at the Roland St.Germain, opened the way from the west to the east. Presented to foot of the monument. morning ceremonies with a “[Riel] stayed with our people. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Gary Lipinski, Chair of the smudge and some words about Our people looked after them PCMNO, asked for a moment of the doubled-edged nature of and wished them well along the John Beaucage silence and then moved the cere- November 16th for Métis people. way. And we were one--we were monies inside the Legislature “This is a kind of a celebration one family.” In commemoration of the historic Nation-to-Nation relationship building. because we have our flag flown at Next, Métis Nation of Ontario between the Anishinabek Nation and Métis Nation Inside, President Belcourt City Hall and at Queen’s Park,” President, Tony Belcourt, paid LOUIS RIEL DAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, 2006 took the microphone and recog- said Senator St.Germain. “But it tribute to the Métis citizens of nized a very special person who is also a very, very solemn occa- Toronto for “their good work, Presented by had just arrived. Senator Marion sion for Métis. One hundred and their powerful work and for cre- President Tony Belcourt Larkman was greeted by the twenty one years ago we stood ating awareness in GTA that of the crowd with a tremendous round and watched our leader, Louis would lead to such a great hon- of applause. Everyone was on Riel, hung for treason--a man our as having our flag flown at their feet. who did nothing but fight for the Toronto City Hall on Riel Day.” “I am very thankful for this rights of his people.” President Belcourt also spoke great honour,” said Senator Lark- Special guest, Grand Council of the enduring spirit of the Métis man after she gave a short prayer. Chief of the Anishinabek Nation, people despite Riel’s fate. “It is “We are a big nation and we are John Beaucage, spoke about the Riel’s legacy and everything he poem written by Louis Riel while a Proclamation by the City of growing. And we are only going to long relationship between the fought for…that has allowed our he was imprisoned and awaiting To ronto declaring November grow much more.” The spirits of Anishinabek Nation and the Métis nation to continue. After he was his execution. (The poem as well 16th Louis Riel Day in the GTA. all in attendance were lifted by the Nation. “It’s a very strong rela- hanged and John A. Macdonald as video and photos from this After the words of the digni- presence of this esteemed Elder. tionship,” he said. thought ‘well that puts an end to year’s Riel Day ceremonies are taries the Métis flag was raised “There was a time when I Chief Beaucage also painted a the Métis’--here we are today at available on the MNO website: and flew proudly in front of wouldn’t come into this build- picture of the events of Riel’s life this wonderful occasion able to www.metisnation.org) To ronto City Hall for the rest of ing,” President Belcourt went on from a different perspective. raise our flag at Toronto City The events at City Hall were the day. to say. “It will take a long time for “Our communities have stories of Hall.” hosted by long-time Toronto City The ceremonies then moved Louis Riel travelling here to President Belcourt then read a Councilor Jane Pitfield, who read to the Queen’s Park Legislature continued on 13 4 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS COMMUNITY HARVEST 2006: Aboriginal Service Centre Dryden flies the opens at Carleton U. Métis flag proudly

donations, all of the money and BY ALVINA CIMON in Vermillion Bay at the munici- Carleton Aboriginal paid workers would be there. It pal office. Open house was held sounded great! The representa- he Northwest Métis Nation in both communities. Service Centre tive said all that needed to be Council President would like Meetings are every third opens after a long done was a proposal with a to send a very special thank- Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. budget attached. I honestly T you to everybody who at the office. Remember to call struggle. Commu- thought it wouldn’t be long until helped and came to support our the office with changes of we had a centre up and running. harvest feast on Saturday, Octo- address or phone number. nity support is still I wrote the proposal with the ber 28th. It was a success! Wishing you all a Merry help of Tom Milne and Kendra We are starting a social Christmas and the Happiest of needed to keep Tagoona. After it was done I met evening every second Saturday New Years, a very successful again with the representative and of the month at 8 p.m. at the new year to all community Centre thriving somehow everything seemed to Moose Hall lounge. Come out councils out there, to our presi- be on the backburner and as time and enjoy, meet new friends, dent and PCMNO as well as the – BY SHEILA GRANTHAM – went on I lost contact with the learn to jig and square dance. staff at head office in Ottawa VPSS representative. I wasn’t ready On Memorial Day our vet- May your wisdom and knowl- he need for an Aboriginal to let go of everything we had eran, Bertha Masecar, placed a edge keep on leading us. service centre, run by stu- worked for so I continued to con- wreath at the epitaph at City dents for students, came Sheila Grantham jigging at the tact CUSA. The next school term Hall. On Louis Riel Day, Novem- Alvina Cimon is the President from a group of Aboriginal grand opening of the Aborigi- Tom Milne and I met with the ber 16th the Métis flag flew at of the Northwest Métis Nation T VPSS students at Carleton. In the Abo- nal Service Centre at Carleton new and the President of the town hall in Dryden and also in Dryden. riginal lounge at the university, in Univeristy in Ottawa. CUSA. More promises were made between classes, the students but nothing came from it until DRYDEN MÉTIS MAKE THE SCENE: talked about what they would do support, needing money to sup- the next school year. With a new to improve services for the Abo- port themselves and put food on president and a new VPSS, CUSA riginal student population. the table, as well as stresses back approached the Centre for Abo- At the time, the students were home within their communities. riginal Culture and Education already volunteering their time to Having only a small group of indi- with a plan for a service centre to go to classes to raise awareness viduals to provide many volun- be up and running for the of Aboriginal issues and teach teer services proved to be an 2006/07 school year. The budget students about various aspects of additional challenge. We felt that was passed based on the original Métis, Inuit and First Nations cul- many of the services could not be proposal that was written and ture. A few students were volun- retained without an Aboriginal Tom Milne was hired as the Coor- teering to go to the food bank Service Centre. dinator for the centre. and retrieve items for the lounge When we met with the Vice Now, the Aboriginal Service so that Aboriginal students would President of Student Services Centre is running, but it shares not feel any stigma or embarrass- (VPSS) within Carleton University space with REC Hall and has only ment attached to them when Students’ Association (CUSA) in one worker doing the work of they were low on food. the 2003 school term, we really both the coordinator and admin- We even received a donation believed that a service centre was istrator. In the mean time, I of brand new computers, as well a great route to take. The CUSA myself graduated from Carleton as a TV and VCR so we could have representative told us that an last December. However, I am movie nights in the lounge. A Aboriginal Service Centre would always willing to help out at the group of Aboriginal students at have two workers: a coordinator centre, and I encourage other Carleton accomplished all of this and an administrator, in addition Aboriginal students at Carleton, on a volunteer basis. However, it to paid work-study students and as well as people from the local was very difficult to keep up with volunteers. The service centre Aboriginal community, to do so everything. Many of the Aborigi- would be given a budget based on as well. I truly believe it is up to nal students have other issues to what the Aboriginal students felt us to do what we can to support deal with on top of their studies they needed. Funding would pro- it, so that one day the centre will Just thought you would like to see the pictures of the Home and that make it harder to volunteer. vide books and other resources, be what the Aboriginal students Trade Show, that was held in Dryden Sept 7th, 8th, and 9th, 06. Aboriginal students face such excursions, talks and events. at Carleton envisioned and It was a good show and just under 2,000 people attended. The challenges as having a family to Instead of students scraping for worked so hard to create. media gave us great exposure. BY CAROL P. H ANSLIP

SUNSET COUNTRY MÉTIS COUNCIL: Manitoba talents visit Métis council

BY CHARMAINE LANGLAIS & hosted a family dance in Rainy ANNE-MARIE ARMSTRONG River. Sierra played, jigged and shared stories about Métis music unset Country Métis (Fort and dance. Sierra was well Frances) would like to share received by all. with readers some of our cul- On September 23, a free jig- Stural celebrations. ging workshop was offered and We all remember Sierra Noble 20 participants attended. Young from the 2006 Annual General and old were taught the Red Assembly in Sault Ste. Marie and River Jig and a few advanced how she taught us to jig, even steps. A dinner and dance fol- Six-year old World Junior Jigging Champion Fiddle phenomena Sierra Noble is welcomed to Sunset Country Tony. Sierra visited Fort Frances lowed with approximately 100 Michael “Slick” Harris. with an appropriately decorated cake. in 2005 and we were pleased that people in attendance. Sierra was she returned to this area. On joined by a six-year-old jigger, had most, if not all those in atten- numerous archaeological sites. on Thursdays from 10-11:30 a.m.; September 22, Sierra and her gui- Michael “Slick” Harris, from Win- dance, tapping their toes under After lunch, we observed the traditional beading and game tarist, Danny Flett, introduced nipeg. “Slick” is the World’s the table. Sierra was nominated exhibits of the interpretative cen- nights and community kitchens. two schools to Métis music, his- Junior Men’s Jigging Champion. for an Aboriginal Peoples Choice tre, which accurately detailed the Everyone is welcome. Call 807- tory and culture. Her presenta- Sierra maintained a running nar- Music Award. wildlife and depicted the story of 274-1386 for more information. tions focussed on motivating stu- rative with the audience and her In September, the Health our ancestors’ way of life. Every- Charmaine Langlais is the dents to set goals and find per- love of Métis heritage, music and Branch and citizens visited the one enjoyed the day and found MNO’s Health Services Coordi- sonal gifts. Sierra proved to be a people in general, was obvious. Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical the visit to be both interesting nator and Anne-Marie Arm- very powerful speaker and role Sierra is gracious in acknowledg- Centre, which is a world-class and intriguing. strong is the Aboriginal Healthy model for students, someone ing others and highlighting their museum. As a group, we explored Ongoing programs include an Babies Healthy Children Coordi- they could relate to. On the talents. Throughout the evening, the nature trails, participated in a exercise class on Wednesdays at nator in the Sunset Country evening of September 22, we she continued to entertain and sacred ceremony and visited 11 a.m.; a Kids Being Kids event Métis Counil Fort Frances office. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS: MÉTIS COMMUNITY HARVEST 2006 – MIDLAND: RENDEZVOUS ‘06 PHOTOS BY: Scott Carpenter – BY LOUISE GOULDING –

HANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! As Chair of the Métis Rendezvous Commit- T tee I send many thanks to all Senator Leora Wilson (left) who attended the 2006 Métis presents Heritage Community Rendezvous in Lafontaine, ON. Recognition Award to Patsy Without people like you there Lou Wilson McArthur (right) of would be no community. the Saguingue Métis Council. Thank you to the many, many volunteers who assisted in mak- ing this Rendezvous such a great success. It is only with people Métis like yourselves that we are able to move this great Nation forward. Thank you to the many Historian donors for your generous dona- tions. The food donations were Honoured unbelievable, allowing us to feed over 450 people at dinner. It sim- – BY SENATOR LEORA WILSON – ply would have been impossible without you all! he September General Thank you to the many Meeting of the Grey-Owen demonstrators for teaching our Sound Métis Council, held culture, our heritage and our T at M’Wikwedong Friend- knowledge to all those present. ship Centre in Owen Sound, Thank you to the harvesters was also a celebration of who were able to harvest bear, achievement, when Patsy Lou ducks, geese and fish for our citi- Wilson McArthur of Port Elgin zens in need. It is so greatly was presented with the Her- appreciated. itage Community Achievement A personal thank-you to the Award. This award recognizes committee, what a great job you individuals who have made sig- all did! Congratulations. Thank nificant contributions to cul- you everyone and see you all tural heritage preservation in next year! their communities. Patsy Lou Wilson McArthur Louise Goulding is the Captain is a retired school teacher who of the Hunt for Region 7 and has made it her mandate to Chair of the 2006 Métis Ren- bring to light the contribution dezvous Committee. of the Métis people who arrived in this area in the early 1800’s. She has become a com- MNO COMMUNITY SPORT INITIATIVE: petent spokesperson for her historic heritage through Métis history presentations made to organizations in this area. Métis take over Christie Pits Her tireless fact-finding adventures have brought n Sunday, September 17th, the Region 8 Sport Initia- ents cheering and encour- awareness to the historic Métis tive held its second “Find Your Sport - Try Them All” aging their child. communities in the Lake event. It was one of the last hot days of summer with I would like to honour Huron and Georgian Bay areas, temperatures climbing into the high 20s. It was the the volunteers who helped previously unobserved in local O me make the day run so best participant turn out so far for the Toronto Sport Ini- history books. She has gath- tiative. The event took place at Christie Pits, a large smoothly. I had Ralph ered a remarkable amount of sunken downtown park that offers everything you would Cherneko, whistle in hand, information and because of the refereeing the soccer game. want—soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball nets, a dedication to her heritage, He did a great job and was wading pool, play structures; the list goes on. there is now a publication happy to bring his valued exclusively following the paths BY HEATHER PURDON skills as coach and referee of the Métis in this area. The to the Sport Initiative. I also book, Historic Saugeen and Its The day arrived and the Métis had Natalie, a student vol- Métis People, by the Saguingue flag was hoisted in the air at the unteer who helped with Métis Council of Southampton, MNO-ON-THE-GO sign-up area. sign-ups and waivers. Both and edited by Patsy Lou Wilson We had participants of every age brought an impressive spirit McArthur, is exceptionally and background. A few people and energy to the day, so detailed in stories and pictures stopped to watch the game. thank you both. of early Métis families. Some of them even joined in at The future of the Sport Pat’s research and enthusi- break and the team sizes seemed Initiative is to continue pro- asm has proven invaluable. to get bigger and bigger through- viding equipment for free She actively spearheaded the out the day. sport and recreation that is interest group that resulted in The objective of getting peo- fun and accessible. The win- the placement of a heritage ple active was achieved. The green team and the blue team. I ter is coming and I’m glad plaque at the mouth of the donated water was flowing and believe the blue team won, but the Sport Initiative was able Saugeen River in 2004, recog- people were excited to be out- I’ll say that most people didn’t to host two events before nizing the Hudson’s Bay Post side on what seemed to be the really notice once the game was winter set in. Over the next that occupied that spot in the last real day of summer. After all, over. The old adage, “it’s not year, the Toronto Sport Ini- early 1800’s. it was the middle of September, about winning” was truly put into tiative is partnering with the She previously spent some how many more 28 degree days effect on that day. Aboriginal Ontario Early time at the MNO headquarters did we have left? Next, we moved on to softball. Years Centre to provide free in Ottawa, in the Registry The soccer game ran long as In this instance, all family mem- weekly yoga classes. Watch researching the genealogy of most people were happy to keep bers came and participated; the for times and dates to be those applying for Métis citi- playing. Although the pinafores I whistles and rules seemed to fall posted on our website. zenship. Having personally had made for the ‘teams’ were a by the wayside and a fun time was documented the movements little hot, (I guess a wool-blend had by all. I had gotten a t-ball hit- CONTACT: of many early Métis families, was not the greatest fabric to ter so that younger children Heather Purdon her knowledge is now available use.) I thought it best to use could play too. It was terrific to Community Sport Leader to others. (See book review them because most people did see a little one make a great hit, Region 8 Community Sport Leader Toronto Region 8 office page 19.) not know each other. We had the and it was even better to see par- Heather Purdon hoists the colours. PH: 416-977-9881 6 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL BRINGS FRIENDS AND FAMILY TOGETHER FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR

BY CHERIE DIMALINE INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

hoppers picked up Métis During this year's Traditional smoked whitefish, beaded moc- 2006 TORONTO Teachings, The Indigenous Knowledge of casins, Native Christmas tree Health paid respect to the United angels, turquoise jewellery and Nations International Day for the SHaudenosaunee embroidered jackets. Elimination of Violence Against They could also eat Indian tacos, get a Women. Arvol Looking Horse, from tattoo by a Six Nations artist, watch a POWWOW the Lakota Nation; Verdie Martinez, youth fashion design competition and Human Resources of the Nisich- lacrosse lessons, beading demonstra- Hill and Ontario’s Snake Island. from the Navajo Nation, and Be’sha hear teachings on rights and responsi- awaysihk Cree Nation; and Robert tions, powwow dancing and displays Performing on the main stage Blondin, of the Dene Nation, were bilities of Native men and women. Campbell, Director of Business of historical artifacts. were Six Nations hip hop artist, Josh among the teachers and Elders who The 13th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Development and Public Relations for The powwow, replete with three Hill; Manitoba fiddling sensation, Sierra made it out to this year’s festival. Festival had something for everyone. Tribal Councils Investment Group. huge Grand Entries, attracted dancers Noble; the immensely popular Susan The vendors catered to the youth The event started with Native from all over Turtle Island. Twenty six Aglukark and the phenomenal Kahu- with stitched baseball caps, ‘blinged company, Abormedia, presenting a KIDS EDUCATION DAY separate categories of dance were rangi Maori Dancers from New out’ gold necklaces, Aboriginal hip hop two day economic development con- open to competition with an addi- Zealand who made a huge impact at artists and even rims for cars. How- ference, Leading From Within. The two Friday was set aside for school tional honorarium set aside for Tiny the 8th Annual Canadian Aboriginal ever, amongst the ‘Rez Unit’ t-shirts day conference focussed on Aboriginal groups from across the Greater Tots. Seventeen drums travelled to the Music Awards. In the smaller perform- and Native models calendars, youth mobilizing towards cultural Toronto Area. Thousands of students renamed ‘Roger’s Centre’ to compete ance tent were shows by Michelle remained the staples of braided sweet renewal and economic wellness. Pre- showed up to access traditional les- for the top prize of $5000. Stoney Boudrias, Red Thunder, and Jared grass and star blanket quilts. It was an senters included Sam Gull, founder of sons and demonstrations from the 30 Creek from North Carolina took the Sowan. The Métis Nation of Ontario’s eclectic mix of traditional and modern, the multi–national corporation, Cree teaching stations set up throughout top slot with the top five rounded out Carey Calder brought an edgy folk to match the diverse crowd who Star Systems; Jeff Hunter, Director of the stadium. Some stations included by Whitetail Cree, High Noon, Rock sound to her own performances. made their way to the stadium.

ACTOR/SINGER ANDREA MENARD WINS BIG AT 2006 CAMAS:

Métis singer sweeps 2006 success. “Robert and I are having CANADIAN Canadian a writing session and we’ll get at least two more albums out of it. ABORIGINAL Aboriginal Music Two more are coming, get ready!” MUSIC AWARD She also spoke about her Awards showcase musical tastes. “I love nostalgic WINNERS top talent for music, old time folk singers, old, old country singers and jazz BEST FEMALE ARTIST eighth great year divas; I love that music.” Tamara Podemski The event, which was opened BEST MALE ARTIST by Susan Aglukark and closed by Jared Sowen

BY CHERIE DIMALINE a stellar performance by New BEST GROUP OR DUO Zealand’s Kahurangi Maori Eagle & Hawk Dancers, brought a diverse slice ne hundred and twenty BEST BLUES ALBUM one years after his death, of modern Aboriginal music to Jared Sowen Louis Riel was part of an life. Musicians, including the Eclectically Yours acceptance speech at the Métis Nation of Ontario’s own BEST COUNTRY ALBUM CanadianO Aboriginal Music Carey Calder, who played bass for Mike Gouchie Awards. After winning the Best Weaselhead, brought their talent Bad Boys & Angels and passion to the stage while Song Single award for her song BEST HAND DRUM ALBUM ‘100 Years’, Saskatchewan Métis showcasing the diversity in Northern Cree singer/actress, Andrea Menard, today’s music scene. Slide & Sway gave thanks to her cultural hero. The show was filled out by the BEST FIDDLE ALBUM “(Thanks) to Louis Riel who said house orchestra led by veteran Cliff Maytwayashing

‘my people will sleep for 100 musician, musical director and BEST FOLK ALBUM years and it will be the artists who this year’s Music Industry award Andrea Menard awake them’. When I heard that winner, Donald Quan. Quan Simple Steps quote I knew why I was here on invited the husband and wife BEST ROCK ALBUM this planet. That’s what 100 Years team of Raven Kanatakta and Highway 373 is about.” Shoshona Kish of DiggingRoots No Limits

Aside from her duties as co- to assist with the 2006 ensemble. BEST RAP OR HIP HOP ALBUM host of the 8th annual music Sitting in was the 16 year old REDDNATION awards celebrating the best in fiddling sensation, Sierra Noble, Now or Never Native music, Menard made who has twice earned the title of BEST POWWOW ALBUM–TRADITIONAL three appearances on stage to Manitoba Junior Fiddling Cham- Red Bull pick up glass statues. The pion. The Manitoba star has been Enter the Circle dynamo who recently received a playing her fiddle since fiddling BEST POWWOW ALBUM–CONTEMPORARY Gemini nod for her work on Moc- legend Tommy Knot began train- Northern Cree casin Flats won Best Folk Album ing her, saying that he could trust Nikamo-Sing! honours. Picking up this award the existence of the people’s BEST FEMALE TRADITIONAL ROOTS ALBUM she joked: “I was up for Best Folk music in this little girl’s hands. M’Girl Album three years ago and I had Métis Artists’ Collective member, Fusion of Two Worlds a jazz album. So I’m happy to Ryan Rogers, performed on the BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR actually have a folk album this upright bass, and Saskia Tomkins, Andrea Menard year.” a British born woman of mixed Simple Steps Menard also snatched the cov- Aboriginal/Black and European BEST SONGWRITER eted Best Album of the Year heritage, delivered on her violin. Tamara Podemski award out from under Eagle & Cree traditionalist, Joseph BEST SONG/SINGLE Hawk and the immensely popu- Naytowhow, earned the Keeper Andrea Menard 100 Years lar Susan Aglukark. Praising her of Traditions in Aboriginal Music co-writer and producer Robert honour while Germaine Langan BEST PRODUCER/ENGINEER Walsh, she expressed shock at picked up the Lifetime Contribu- Peter Bacsalmasi the honour. “I’m so stunned. I’m tion to Aboriginal Music award. The Journey- Donna Kay with Little Island Cree an artist and we’ve all worked our Langan dedicated her award to buns off to get these albums out her mother, her children and BEST ALBUM DESIGN there.” She added: “Next time grandchildren. “I would like to David R. Maracle Sacred Healing around get a jazz category remind them and all children to because I think it’s going to be a follow their dreams, because BEST MUSIC VIDEO jazz album.” dreams do come true.” Susan Aglukark In the interviews following the I Will Return show, Menard stressed the Métis singer and actor Andrea Menard co-hosted this year’s Canadian Visit www.canab.com for com- important role Walsh plays in her Aboriginal Music Awards and took home three awards. PHOTO: BARRY RODEN plete festival details. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 7 MÉTIS HARVESTING RIGHTS NEWS BITS: Métis Nation of Ontario asks court to uphold Métis claims in Maritimes leap by MNO MNR the - Interim Harvesting Agreement thousands BY and the Honour of the Crown ST. JOHN, NB - In the three years GARY since the country’s top court LIPINSKI defined Métis rights for the first time, thousands of people in Nova ear Friends, this will Scotia and New Brunswick have serve as an update on come forward to claim Métis sta- our North Bay court DEFENDING tus. The 2003 Supreme Court of Canada decision, known as the appearance on June D Powley ruling, recognized a commu- 16th, 2006. As you know, the nity in Ontario as Métis and gave Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) them the aboriginal right to hunt for continues to defend citizens with food -a decision seen as a first step valid MNO Harvesters Cards who toward granting full aboriginal rights have been charged by the Min- MÉTIS RIGHTS to hunt and fish for food out of sea- istry of natural Resources (MNR). son or without a provincial licence. At this time, the MNR continues to The New Brunswick Aboriginal Peo- lay charges against legitimate MNO ples Council estimates 1,000 peo- Harvester Card holders, who are ple have come forward in recent harvesting south of a unilaterally years claiming Métis status. imposed MNR line, even if these individuals are harvesting within their traditional territories and following MNO’s Harvesting Policy. The MNR has decided to lay these charges in complete viola- University of Toronto tion of the Four Point Agreement hires first aboriginal (Interim Agreement) the MNO initiatives coordinator President entered into with the Minister of the MNR on July 7th, TORONTO—Shek:Li, Tan’si and 2004. The Interim Agreement Boozhoo. In Oneida, Cree and that was negotiated and agreed Objibwe, respectively, these to was and remains clear and phrases are a greeting and a wel- unambiguous. It commits that all come - messages that U of T is MNO Harvesters Card holders (up eager to send to Aboriginal Peoples. to a maximum of 1250 in 2004), With the hiring of Kelly Powless as who are harvesting in their tradi- the human resources co-ordinator tional territories and are not in for aboriginal initiatives, U of T has violation of any conservation or created a buzz in both the aborigi- safety rules, will not be charged nal and the Ontario university com- by the MNR. munities. “This is the first time an Specifically, the Interim Agree- Ontario university has deliberately ment states that the MNR will because of disputes with respect the Interim Agreement. designed a position to encourage apply its Interim Enforcement In light of the MNR’s to evidence, cross-examination of For the MNO’s part, we have aboriginal applicants for employ- Policy (IEP) to MNO Harvester witnesses had to take place on not wavered from our commit- ment,” said Powless, who is herself Card holders in the same way breach of the Interim June 16th in court rather than out ment to the Interim Agreement. Oneida. “Many universities and peo- they do with First Nation har- Agreement, the MNO of court. This meant that on June We stand committed to undertak- ple from across Canada are very vesters in the province. The IEP 16th the Crown spent the entire ing the associated work contem- interested in seeing how it unfolds.” explicitly states that under nor- has had to resort to day cross-examining President plated in the Interim Agreement mal circumstances (i.e. no con- the courts in an Belcourt. Not only was the whole such as an independent evalua- servation or safety issues), Abo- day spent doing this, but another tion of our Harvester Card sys- riginal harvesters will not be ‘sub- attempt to force the day has been scheduled to con- tem and getting on with joint ject to enforcement procedures’. MNR tinue the cross-examination of research. However, in good con- Aboriginal Women Simply put, the MNR should not to uphold its President Belcourt on October science, we cannot do this until be charging MNO harvesters who commitments and 13th. Following that, it will be MNR implements the Interim Leaders Recognized are harvesting within their implement the Interim MNO’s turn to cross-examine the Agreement in full. How could we for Contributions to respective traditional territories. MNR’s witnesses, which is sched- sit at a table with the MNR when their Communities As a part of agreeing to the Agreement in full. uled for November 2nd. they are not honouring the Interim Agreement, the MNR had Upon completion of these explicit commitments in the TORONTO—The Ontario govern- and has an interim map of our cross-examinations, another date Interim Agreement but are con- ment is celebrating the achieve- Métis traditional harvesting terri- and Harvester Card holders are will have to be set for Judge tinuing to charge our harvesters? ments of Aboriginal women by rec- tories where the Interim Agree- Marc Laurin, Shawn Lemieux and Rodgers to hear the arguments We will not go back to a table to ognizing three Aboriginal leaders ment is to apply. Roger Lemieux. from the lawyers on the merits of negotiate down from the clear with the “Leading Women, Building Despite the clarity of the The basis of our request to the the case. Realistically, it looks like and unambiguous deal President Communities Award,” Sandra Interim Agreement and the very court is that MNR is not uphold- we are not going to have a deci- Belcourt reached with Minister Pupatello, Minister Responsible for public commitments of the Min- ing the Interim Agreement or fol- sion from the court on this mat- Ramsay on July 7th, 2004. When Women’s Issues announced ister for the MNR, the MNR con- lowing the law of the land, as set ter until next year. the MNR finally decides, or is recently. tinues to charge MNO Harvester out by the Ontario Court of I know most of you are won- forced to honour the Interim ”We’re recognizing and paying Card holders south of its unilater- Appeal and the Supreme Court of dering what that means for oth- Agreement in full, we will eagerly tribute to Aboriginal women who ally imposed line (i.e. in areas Canada in R. v. Powley and other ers who have already been return to the table to get on with have made significant achieve- south of Sudbury and North Aboriginal rights cases. We are charged, or who may be charged the work that is needed. Your ments in areas of culture, law, pub- Bay). The MNR has been recog- asking the court to interpret the in the future. The MNO and the negotiations team looks forward lic health and social change,” said nizing and not charging MNO Har- Interim Agreement, as it is writ- Crown have agreed to have these to that day. Minister Pupatello. “Their hard vester Card holders in traditional ten, and to stay these three charges adjourned pending the Related to this update, the work, vision and leadership are an territories north of Sudbury and charges. If successful, we hope outcome of our application for Captains of the Hunt and PCMNO inspiration to all women.” North Bay. this would result in the MNR staying charges against the above have approved a new process The three award recipients are: In light of the MNR’s breach of dropping similar charges against mentioned three Métis har- and fee for MNO Harvester Card Elder Lillian McGregor D.D.L., a the Interim Agreement, the MNO our harvesters south of its unilat- vesters. This means that existing application and renewal. Please member of the Whitefish River First has had to resort to the courts in erally imposed line and respect- and future charges will be dealt see your Captain of the Hunt or Nation, Birch Island and Elder for an attempt to force the MNR to ing the Interim Agreement fully with after Judge Rogers renders our website for information on Ontario’s Aboriginal Healing and uphold its commitments and (i.e. not charging any MNO Har- his decision on the stay applica- Harvester Card renewal or for Wellness Strategy; Madam Justice implement the Interim Agree- vester Card holders in their tradi- tion in R. v. Laurin, Lemieux and first time applications. Rose Boyko, a Tsek’ ehne woman ment in full. The MNO has decided tional territories who are follow- Lemieux. Our hope is that when Of course, if you have any from McLeod Lake, British Columbia to defend our citizens and our ing the MNO’s Harvesting Policy the court provides its ruling on questions please feel free to con- and the first Aboriginal woman to rights by asking the court to stay and respecting conservation and the interpretation of the Interim tact me, the Captain of the Hunt be appointed to a superior court in charges (i.e. drop the charges) safety rules). Agreement, all such charges will for your region, or the MNO Head Canada in 1994; Sylvia Maracle, against three of our harvesters in The MNO had hoped that on be withdrawn and we can try, Office in Ottawa. from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Terri- the North Bay area who were June 16th, Judge Rodgers would once again, to establish a respect- tories and Executive Director of the fishing pursuant to the MNO’s have been able to hear the case in ful working relationship with the Gary Lipinski is the PCMNO Chair Ontario Federation of Indian Friend- Harvesting Policy and the Interim full and render his decision MNR based on the MNR uphold- and the MNO’s Chief Harvesting ship Centres. Agreement. These MNO citizens shortly thereafter. However, ing the honour of the Crown and Rights Negotiator. 8 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Nuestros amigos del sur court, was also able to greet the resources and lands. We have suf- Indigenous CONAIE delegates using the MNO’s fered discrimination and system- new teleconferencing technology. atic extermination practices. So, Ecuadoran President Belcourt spoke about we struggle to recuperate our ter- international issues he had been ritories and have our rights recog- reps pay timely involved with, particularly with nized.” the Aymara in Peru and the Q’e- Vice President de la Cruz visit to MNO qchi in Guatemala. He also spoke described the battle to have about the ongoing Métis struggle indigenous peoples’ collective head office for recognition of our rights and rights recognized in Ecuador’s recent victories in that fight, like Constitution. In the late 1990s – BY MARC ST.GERMAIN – the Powley Case. CONAIE mobilized thousands of

he Métis Nation of Ontario was honoured to host repre- It is important to build alliances between sentatives of the Confedera- indigenous peoples, because there are com- cion de Nacionalidades Indì- mon issues and problems we all face. genasT del Ecuador (CONAIE) (National Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Ecuador), Coincidentally, the CONAIE dele- indigenous people and with other when they paid a visit to head gates arrived in Ottawa just as 11 Ecuadorian social movements office in Ottawa this summer. Ontario Métis were about to organized massive demonstra- The visit on August 9th was travel to Ecuador as part of the tions. In 1998 these actions part of an extensive networking Métis Youth Global Adventure, a resulted directly in Constitutional mission undertaken by CONAIE to partnership project between the reforms that included recognition meet with indigenous groups and Métis Nation of Ontario Training of indigenous self-determination non-governmental organizations Initiatives and Canada World and promises to preserve tradi- in Canada and the United States. Youth’s Global Learner Program tional political structures. Unfor- The delegation, made up of (page 7). The youth sat in on the tunately, since then the Ecuado- CONAIE Vice President, Santiago de CONAIE visit as part of their orien- rian Government has simply la Cruz, and Director of Planning, tation session. ignored these reforms and indige- Gerardo Obando, along with Vice President de la Cruz, nous people continue to be translator Marcelo Saavedra-Var- spoke about CONAIE, the work treated unjustly. gas sought to exchange informa- they do and some of the recent “It is important to build tion and develop alliances PHOTO: Marc St.Germain struggles of Ecuador’s indigenous alliances between indigenous throughout North America. CONAIE Vice President Santiago de la Cruz people. peoples, because there are com- Formed in 1986, CONAIE is the “The main struggle we have mon issues and problems we all largest indigenous advocacy development by foreign multi- Executive Director Pete Lefebvre been facing is protecting our nat- face,” said Vice President de la organization in Ecuador where national corporations. They also presented an overview of the MNO ural resources, our territories and Cruz. about 30% of the population is stand in opposition to U.S. mili- operations and a briefing on our indigenous rights,” said Vice Before they left, the delegates native. CONAIE’s main focuses are tary involvement in Ecuador and Métis history and culture. Pete led President de la Cruz through were treated to a traditional Métis strengthening indigenous iden- South America in general. the CONAIE delegates on a tour of translator Marcelo Saavedra-Var- lunch of moose stew and ban- tity, protecting the land and With the aid of English/Span- head office and the MNO Registry. gas. “Like other indigenous peo- nock, courtesy of AHWS Coordi- resource rights of indigenous ish translation from President Bel- Although on business in Mani- ples across the world we have suf- nator Lisa Pigeau and Senators people, and resisting destructive court’s assistant, Leticia Larsen, toba, MNO President, Tony Bel- fered the plunder of our Reta Gordon and Lois McCallum.

STORY BEHIND THE PICTURE: MÉTIS YOUTH The Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council has STONE HOUSE HAS MÉTIS CONNECTION a full contigent! Here they are again: The City of Sault St. Marie and the Historic Sites

REG 1 Amber Griffiths Board recently asked Senator Jacques Leroux to REG 2 Sean Barrie smudge and bless the Ermatinger Old Stone House. REG 3 Scott Russell You might well ask what we Métis have to do with REG 4 Joni Labbe REG 5 Dan Lesperance old stone houses; in this case, quite a lot. REG 6 Tara “Benny” Michaud REG 7 Alison Croft REG 8 Chantel Kondraki – BY LINDA LORD – between the posts there were a REG 9 Cherice O’Neil few scattered houses belonging harles Oakes Ermatinger, to retired voyageurs and their of Swiss descent, launched families. C his fur trade career in 1797 Upon their arrival, Ermatinger or 1798 in the Sandy Lake area and his employees began to build near the headwaters of the Mis- the post and a cabin to house the Captain’s sissippi River. It was here that he Ermatingers. The post itself met and married Mannowe, the would have been built of logs Corner daughter of Katawabeda, an influ- complete with a finished bark ential policy chief of the Sandy roof. The windows would have by KEN SIMARD Lake tribe. been covered with parchment CAPTAIN OF THE HUNT Ermatinger was associated and the chimney would have Senator Jacques Leroux stands with dignitaries in front of the REGION 2 with the North West Company by been made of compacted clay Ermatinger Old Stone House in Sault Ste. Marie June 9th, 2006. Hello to all Métis citizens: 1799, and continued in their and grass. It’s time to gather food, and cut employ until 1807, when Charles Ermatinger began work on the attacked Sault Ste. Marie with a the house served as a tavern, our fuel to keep warm for this win- and the company went their sep- property now known as the force of 150 troops. They burned courthouse, post office, dance tery cool weather coming. As for arate ways. This led Ermatinger Ermatinger Old Stone House in most structures, including the hall, tea room, and apartment those hunters who are ready for to resume his status as an inde- 1812. Situated on 252 acres (30 of North West Company post, but building. In 1965, it was pur- the harvest, make sure you hunt in pendent trader. With his wife and which were cleared), the house Ermatinger’s house escaped chased by the City of Sault Ste. a safe manner at all times. Follow four children, he made his way to measured thirty-five feet by forty- unscathed. Marie and restored. It now stands the rules and come home safe with Sault Ste. Marie where he estab- five feet. It was constructed using After the Ermatinger family as it did originally at a cross roads your successful harvest. lished a permanent residence a typical Quebec masonry left Sault Ste. Marie in 1828, the of Canada’s history on the St. If you have any encounters or and post. method: stones of varying sizes house was variously occupied by Marys River and a testament to problems in the forest make sure The site he chose was a were applied to both faces of the a caretaker, a missionary, The the Métis entrepreneurial spirit. to contact the Captain of the Hunt wooded lot on the bank of the St. walls and then covered with a Church of England, a collector of in your region. Mary’s River about a mile and a lime mortar without any attempt customs and post master, and in Summarized from http://col- Good luck to all! half below the rapids and the at pointing. 1852 the “Stone House Hotel”. lections.ic.gc.ca/ssm/pages/eng- North West Company post. In In 1814, American troops Over the next several years, lish/stone.html FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 9 MÉTIS YOUTH IN ECUADOR IN THE LAND OF THE

his summer, 11 Métis youths aged 18-29 from across These young people were afforded a chance to increase ellers and they share some of their experiences and impres- CONDOROntario went on a 14-day trip to Ecuador to do com- their understanding of Ecuador and its culture by living and sions with us in the articles which follow. T munity service in Otavalo, an Indigenous community. volunteering in an Ecuadorian community. Of course, being For more stories and pictures visit the Metis Youth web- This project was a partnership with the Métis Nation of immersed in a culture different from one’s own stimulates site. To get involved in the next Metis Youth Global Adven- Ontario Training Initiatives and Canada World Youth’s Global thought about one’s own identity and culture as a Métis per- ture contact the MNO’s Provincial Youth Services Coordinator Learner Program. Youth were responsible for fundraising a son. This mutual sharing of history, values, traditions and Ginny Gonneau by email: [email protected] or portion of the total costs (approx. $2000-$2500/person). pride in arts and culture has enriched our young Métis trav- phone: 1-800-263-4889, 613-798-1488 ext 105.

top row left to right: Sheila Grantham, Benny Michaud, Fernanda Yanchapaxi (Ecuadoran guide), Kimberley Eltherington-Vaughan, Katie Pile. bottom row left to right: Anita Tucker, Carey Calder, Alison Croft, Irene Gonneau, Farah Holst, Ginny Gonneau and Nancy Gonneau. PHOTOS BY: GINNY GONNEAU ECUADOR: A VISIT TO A DIFFERENT WORLD learned a lot from my Ecuador experience. At first I was really out of my comfort zone and thought I would not enjoy myself at all. ble twos’ phase. Koorie is nine ing was the volcanoes and moun- I My host family was absolutely amazing but they live very differently years old and people will often tains that surrounded Otavalo. than I do. They have cold showers; their mattresses are not mattresses see him on the ‘Welcome to Our group was lucky enough to like the one I sleep on; they wash their clothes by hand and their food Otavalo’ posters. I will never for- be able to climb a mountain. I was primarily soups, rice and beans. Every morning they get up very get the generosity this family can honestly say it was the most early—and the rooster makes sure of that at four every morning! It was showed me when I stayed with challenging thing I have ever hard at first to adapt, but eventually I got into a routine every day. them and I hope someday I will done. I suffered really bad alti- be able to return the favour. tude sickness but I never felt BY SHEILA GRANTHAM Life in Otavalo was very inter- prouder than the moment I esting. Once a week they host the reached the top. My placement was not at all admired that a great deal. world’s largest indigenous mar- Overall, my experiences in I will never forget what I expected. I was shocked at My host family were Quichua, ket, where for one day a week the Ecuador have taught me many how run down the daycare was, the indigenous people from that streets are made for vendors and things. I learned that stepping the generosity especially the children’s tables— region. My host mother was a not cars. I picked up a lot of out of my comfort zone was this family one actually collapsed while the nurse and I was very grateful for indigenous crafts for my family great. It forced me to learn other showed me when children were using it. The that! I got really sick while I was and myself. things I had not known before. teacher was amazing. Impalita, there and she made me herbal The restaurants are very cute Going to Ecuador made me more I stayed with always maintained her cool even teas and took care of me. in downtown Otavalo. Our group laid back and it taught me to have them and I hope when the children of all ages My host father, a teacher, was ended up eating several times at more respect for other cultures. I were running around in every incredibly passionate about main- one of the few restaurants that also have a greater appreciation someday I will be direction. She could always draw taining his culture and protecting made pizza. The decor was enter- of all I have. Although my host able to return them back in with her interactive the indigenous knowledge. They taining as they had bean bag seats family didn’t have much, they games. I was impressed by how have two children, Camie and in one section and they provided had all that they needed and it the favour. laid back she was, never yelling or Koorie. Camie, the baby, is live latin music on certain nights. really did make me realize how getting upset over anything. I adorable, but is still in the ‘terri- But what was most breathtak- great my life truly is. 10 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS YOUTH IN ECUADOR

PHOTOS BY: Ginny Gonneau A group of young children in an Indigenous community in the hills outside of Otavalo. These children attended Sheila Grantham & Alison Croft's daycare. They loved having their picture taken. OTAVALO: More than meets the Canadian eye became more of a joke than an And then there was Never judge insult. I had truly underestimated Mojanda—the mountain that how much of a punch little almost claimed my life—if not my a town by Otavalo could pack. life, then my legs at the very least. In my naivetè I had even I believe my initial reaction upon the amount underestimated the enormity of first seeing the distance that we of dust rising the market. The market scene on were all expected to climb was to a Saturday in Otavalo is the most pee behind a bush before we from the intense expression of local started. I’m not sure I had to go Indigenous culture. Believing I until I saw that mountain. road. had become somewhat familiar I’m not sure I could have – BY BENNY MICHAUD – with certain locations in down- climbed Mojanda at all if it hadn’t town Otavalo, I got off the bus at been for the expertise of my y first impression of senses are overloaded. The our usual stop on Saturday and climbing crew, Carey and Allison. Otavalo came as I was vibrant local culture is exactly was stunned at how unrecogniz- I feel compelled to speak like a being jostled around in that—vibrant. It seems as though able our little street had become. professional mountain climber the back of a pick up everything in Otavalo is exagger- The entire downtown had trans- and call them ‘my crew’ because truck with my fellow par- ated. Everything is larger than formed into the largest Indige- this was no hill. After an hour of ticipants on our way to life—the mountains, trees, mar- nous market in all of South Amer- my slow paced climbing we had meetM our host families. After ket place—not to mention the ica. The Otavalo market absorbs fallen so far behind the rest of being dropped off with Katy and serving sizes at lunch (the main the energy of the multitudes that our group that it seemed as Farrah I peered through the meal in Ecuador). Had I not been walk through it and becomes a though we were the only three cloud of dust the truck created as absolutely enamoured with my living entity, pulsating with the people on the mountain at all. I it left and saw the little town ultra-hospitable host family I sounds, smells and colours of the can recall many times during our where I was to be staying. would surely have believed they local population. Everything in climb when I turned to Carey and I’m embarrassed to admit that were fattening me up to kill me at the market screams life, and not Allison (who had become my I immediately began wondering Christmas. Being the most rotund one ounce of space is wasted on spiritual tug-line) and expressed what we would do in a town so of their three Canadian guests, I the mundane. Everywhere I the doubt I had the ability to quiet you can hear the bus com- had the sneaking suspicion that looked there were brilliantly reach the summit. It took every- ing up the dirt road long before they believed beyond my lips lay coloured tapestries and blankets. thing I had and all the motiva- you can see it. Little did I know an enormous black hole that Vendors raised their voices in tional phrases they could muster that by the end of the day I would could never be filled. But how my broken English to potential cus- to get me up that mountain. I meet the local bootleggers, taste host mother tried! Needless to tomers, attempting to be heard owe them one of the best experi- contraband liquor, hand pick say, my drink of choice while in above the music which is quick- Katy Pile & Sheila Grantham on the ences of my life. lemons from a tree grown by Ecuador quickly changed from paced, lively, and constant. I 3 hour climb up Mt. Fuya Fuya (4.275 Lesson learned in Otavalo? nuns, and end up tossing pop- cervasa (beer) to Pepto-Bismol. could not have imagined any- m). "On the way up we saw an Never judge a town by the corn in my soup. Humour transcends language, thing more exhilarating than the Andean condor (we thought it was amount of dust rising from the Otavalo is a place where one’s thankfully, and my squeamishness Otavalo market. an eagle at first) soaring in the sky." road. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 11 MÉTIS YOUTH IN ECUADOR right: Ginny Gonneau and Carey Calder (not pictured) present a Metis sash to local Quichua Indigenous family. This couple demon- strated the process of making wool and weaving. Quichua indigenous women also wear sashes made of bright colours.

left: Kim Eltherington-Vaughan and Irene Gonneau (front row left side) with their host family. right: Two young girls doing very skilled crafts at their mother's booth in the Otavalo market. LESSONS: A MÉTIS TRAVELLER LEARNS A FEW I have only a few paragraphs in which to share all of Ecuador with you. I am not even sure where to start, so I will share just a few thoughts about all my adventures, because the adventures were many.

BY KIM ELTHERINGTON-VAUGHAN

Lessons Learned: needed to emphasize the extreme scariness), horseback 1) There are many ways to riding in the Andes, and riding a communicate and the spoken bus to Otavalo (I needn’t say word is not always the most anymore for those of you who important, a little charade goes a came along), but I am sure that I long way. will never fear death so many 2) Being rich has nothing to times in two hours ever again. do with money and everything 6) I have something to learn to do with family and friends. from ever person I pass on my dirt or a runny nose; live in the then I stopped. My tears were 3) Your cultural roots will keep journey. We are ALL teachers and moment and wash your hands not a weakness, I cried because I you grounded, and respecting we are ALL students! later! was brave enough to feel so another’s culture is the greatest 7) Shrug it off and RELAX; it Don’t worry 11) Ketchup is not the same as strongly, to love these people I gift you will ever give them. really makes life so much easier. tomato sauce. Do not attempt to knew for only a brief time. My 4) We are never too old to 8) Goat head soup does not about a little make spaghetti from it. YUCK!!! tears were of thanks and sadness enjoy blowing bubbles—Irene taste good and no amount of 12) Oh yes, mustn’t forget that and more than anything of hap- brought bubbles for the chil- popcorn will make it better, but dirt or a not everyone sees the need to piness. I had finally lived one of dren, a marvellous idea—it if someone makes it for you EAT name a horse. You should my dreams; checked off one of entertained our ENTIRE family it and smile, because they went runny nose; expect a very strange look if you my “to do’s” on that unwritten for many hours. (It’s the little to the trouble of making it. enquire as to a horses name; life list, and they had lived it things that matter the very 9) The world would be a lot live in the they are all named ‘HORSE’! with me. They had welcomed an most.) better place if we saw things as unknown adventurer. Our paths 5) Being scared should moti- children do: if we didn’t care moment and Reflections on lesson #1: met and they have changed my vate you, not cripple you. I said about the colour of skin and the life in ways I will never be able ‘yes’ instead of letting my fear language we spoke, and if we wash your Our final day: the van arrived to thank them for. So I gave talk; I said ‘yes’ before I could understood just how much a and as Irene and I walked away I them my tears and then they even think, and then there I was hug can help, and how powerful hands later! asked Milton, our brother, to tell gave us theirs. Without any with an intense fear of heights a smile is. our family they had touched our words we spoke the same lan- climbing Mt. MOJANDA (capitals 10) Don’t worry about a little hearts. I turned away to cry, but guage. 12 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Searching MÉTIS ARTS FEST far & wide – BY BONNY CANN –

– BY REBEKAH WILSON – Rudy Couture uly 14th, 15th and 16th Black performing at Creek Pioneer Village came alive y name is the Métis Arts yet again to the Métis Artists’ Col- Rebekah Festival at Black Jlective’s yearly spectacular. Wilson. I Creek Pioneer The first day was ‘children’s day’ am a Métis Village in and brought in more youth than any YMouth and aspiring Toronto. Métis children’s day in the past. Native journalist/song- Child & Family Services camp partici- writer from the pants provided art work that was dis- Grey Owen Sound area. This is a played at the main stage. The theme song-turned-poem that I wrote of their art work was music and dance. about following your dreams. I am Some of the highlights included 18 years old and just graduated main stage performances featuring high school so this topic has been James Cheechoo’s fiddle accompanied MNO President Tony Belcourt and on my mind for a while now and I by his wife Daisy on a Cree bearskin Toronto City Councilor Jane Pitfield. just wanted to share it. drum; singer-songwriter Sandy Scofield; Morning Star River, tradi- available too. We were very pleased to Push it to the Limit tional drumming and dance; Ottawa have Mme Guilbault-Lanoix sharing Jiggers, On the Fly and Anne Leder- her extraordinary sash weaving tech- People always ask me where I’m man, fiddler extraordinaire, singer of niques with us again this year, and Mr. going, And most times, I’m not songs old and new, composer, impro- Joe Paquette to provide Fire by Fric- even really sure, All I know is I’m visor and multi-instrumentalist. tion and traditional story telling. not running from my past, But run- A variety of workshops were also Thank you to Fire Keeper, Denis Ther- ning to catch up to my future. conducted by the likes of singer song rien for his hard work. writer, Dr. Annette Chretien; Nukariik, Congratulations to the Métis I’m not hiding from the questions, Inuit culture and music performers; Artists’ Collective and Black Creek But searching far and wide for Rudy Couture, Owen Sound Métis fid- Pioneer Village! answers, I’m not scared to take dler; Sweet Water Women, drumming; They are looking for volunteers, some risks, I’m not scared to take and the Métis Fiddler Quartet, con- performers, visual artists and vendors some chances. sisting of Alyssa, Conlin, Nicholas, and for MAF 2007 which will be held July I won’t be held back by failure, I’m Danton Delbaere-Sawchuk. 21st (Kids Day), July 22nd and Sunday not scared to be alone, I’m not wor- A variety of demonstrations was July 23rd. ried about what I’ll lose or the opportunities I’ve blown. MNO TRAINING INITIATIVES SUCCESS STORIES: All that really matters, Is what I’ve got right now, And all the open doors in life, That I’ll be hunting down. A very large ‘thank you’ Sometimes you just gotta push it to ED MCCARTAN is a long-time citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario nity. He and his wife have two children, both now in their teens. the limit, Hold on tight until you and has sat on the Hamilton Métis Council. He is a strong advocate of Whenever possible, Ed volunteers to assist people in any way that he get it, And you’ll find you’re so Métis traditions and culture and works diligently at acquiring skills and can. The staff in the Hamilton office are proud that, as well as suc- much stronger in the end. knowledge at every opportunity. The McCartans originate from the cessfully completing his intervention, he excelled at his studies and Sometimes you just have to go on Midland/Penetang region, from the Drummond Island Métis commu- made the Dean’s list at the college. — Kathleen Lannigan and give it, Forget about dying, you’re still living, Follow your dreams and you’ll be happy in the know this is a little late as trades—having not worked in will be happy to know that I position with Hamilton Health end. well as long over due, the previous 18 months my have graduated with honours. Science starting June 5th /06. however, the purpose of practical and technical skill The hard work I invested in Wow! Is there a thank you I’m heading down the longest road why I’m putting together needed revamping. Part of the myself has bounced back in a large enough? I appreciated I’ve ever seen, Behind the wheel, aI letter, is to recognize the pro- program contained a three very positive approach to the everything the Training Initia- and I’m in control, I don’t know fessional work of Kathleen Lan- month work term, which I next achievement, which was tive Program has offered. It’s where this life will take me, But I’ve nigan. Not only does she, coor- completed at Hamilton Health finding work and after having renewed my confidence and never been more ready to go. dinate the Training Initiative Science. The other parts of the secured employment at the the shot of self-esteem doesn’t Program for the Hamilton area program focused on Low Pres- Canadian Pacific Railway (fuel hurt either. And when I’ve finally made it, No Métis residents, she utilizes all sure Boilers, Residential Air clerk) since January 06. There Yours truly, doubt, I’m gonna tell the world, the program has to offer in a Conditioning, Gas Tech. #3, Oil have been many job opportuni- Edward P McCartan About the passions and the dreams, caring and meaningful manner, Burner Tech. #3 TSSA. License, ties since, (interviewed by Hal- May 18, 2006 Of this little small town girl. which I found was extremely and Water/Wastewater Collec- ton Municipality Re: Plant After all the sleepless nights I’ve beneficial. tion and Distribution. Operator, and successful testing had, And all the sweat and tears, I’ll In February, 2005, I started a I have completed the pro- at the City of Hamilton Re: Kathleen Lannigan is the know that it’s all worth it, Because Utility Operator Program, at gram and with the support of Plant Operator). Regional Employment and it’s still me who’s standing here. Mohawk College (Stoney Creek my family and the Métis Train- To cap everything off, I now Training Coordinator for Campus) to re-enter the skilled ing Initiative Coordinator, you have accepted a millwright Region 9. ‘Catch A Fish Not A Buzz’ program for youth

– BY ERNIE MATTON – tive behaviour, the most effective Schools are also encouraging learn by not learning. prevention programs concen- students, staff, and parents to rec- And Remember, ‘Youth don’t s we continue from my trate on helping them develop ...the most effective ognize the many positive experi- care how much you know; they last column, one key topic constructive ways to manage prevention programs ences that families provide, and want to know how much you A for parents to explore is stress in their lives. They present they are expanding the definition care’ how to develop and maintain factual information about the concentrate on of ‘family’ to include blended, sin- their natural leadership in the consequences of drug, alcohol, helping them develop gle-parent, extended, and foster For comments or inquiries: home. This involves good com- and nicotine addiction, and families. The goal is to encourage [email protected] munication of values and appro- demonstrate the fallacy of the constructive ways family closeness and support, sat- www.catchafishnotabuzz.com priate expectations, active listen- belief that drugs can alleviate to manage stress isfying the needs of youth that Ph: 706-533-1579 ing to their children’s concerns, their pain. otherwise might drive them to and good family problem solving. Good programs offer skills in their lives. gang membership. Catch A Fish Not A Buzz Parents may feel particularly vul- building curricula, which cover Fishing is a common thread Box 5177 nerable and face a myriad of new clear communication, anger man- time when their families are not between the generations. Most Penetanguishene, ON, L9M 2G3 child rearing issues when their agement, conflict resolution, and home. There, they can engage in people you talk to have come children approach adolescence. self-esteem. Afternoon and week- sports and other group activities into contact or have actually par- Because youths experiment end programs, considered essen- that allow them to feel good ticipated in fishing activities. I Ernie Matton I.C.A.D.C., is an with drugs for the same reasons tial by many experts, provide a about themselves, and receive have created a program that is Addiction Behavioural specialist that they engage in other nega- safe place for youths to spend educational support. not intrusive and helps kids to from the Midland area. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 13 COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS – GREY-OWEN SOUND:

A LITTLE HELP FOR HEALING From left to right: Senator Leora Wilson, Malcolm Dixon, Keith Wilson (under the canoe), and Louise Chase. Photo courtesy of the Sun Times, 23 October, 2006. Métis portage for HANDS local Education Centre NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

BY SENATOR LEORA WILSON Centre by Parks Canada, and was the new building where an FOR MÉTIS STUDENTS built by First Nations people at opening celebration was held, he Grand Opening of the Tobermory, under the direction and a ribbon cutting ceremony PURSUING HEALTHCARE Outdoor Education Centre of Lenore Tobias-Keeshig, a observed. The Métis were proud near Wiarton featured a pro- Parks Canada employee, who is to be part of this day, and even CAREERS! T cession that led to the newly also a noted author of aboriginal more pleased to be featured on completed facilities. This proces- stories and children's books. The the front page of the Owen sion followed a small portion of Métis carried the canoe for the Sound Sun Times. the old portage route between first leg of the procession, then There have been many posi- Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. it was handed over to the school tive comments on this picture, The Métis Nation of Ontario The idea was to represent all the principals, who in turn passed it including: "It was almost eerie; it is offering scholarships, bursaries and ways that that land had been to the teachers’ group. The pro- could have been an old, old pic- used up until the present time. cession was joined by the school ture. You were walking in the training assistance to Métis students The canoe was loaned to the children, and made its way to footsteps of your ancestors." pursuing careers in health

LOUIS RIEL DAY 2006 -- TORONTO As of January 15th, 2007 more information on eligibility requirements, continued from 3 MNO President me to forgive and forget that Tony Belcourt a list of eligible health professions and Ontario and this legislature presents Anishn- the application process will be made placed a bounty of $5000 on abek Nation Louis Riel’s head in 1872. It Grand Council Chief John available online at: caused Riel never to be able to Beaucage with a take his place in parliament, even plaque to com- though he was elected three memorate the www.metisnation.org times to represent the riding of eight First Provencher.” Nations men or by calling us at: 613-798-1488 xt. 113 President Belcourt stressed hanged with Riel that in spite of past injustices the in 1885. or toll free at: 1-800-263-4889 Métis people remain strong, even though our struggles are not over. “We have had a dark period since then when many of our west Resistance. President Bel- oured to call him and you my people, particularly in this court paid tribute to these friends.” province, had to go underground unjustly persecuted men and Other dignitaries paid their and not stand tall and proud as presented Chief Beaucage with a respects to the memory of Riel we do today,” said President Bel- memorial plaque in their honour. with speeches: Garfield Dunlop, court. “But the Métis people have (see sidebar on page 3 for more) MPP for Simcoe-North; Steve persevered and we’re here. Louis “I want to thank Tony for the Peters, the Provincial Minister of Riel left us a great legacy.” kind invitation to be here,” said Labour; Michael Prue, MPP for President Belcourt then spoke Chief Beaucage who then spoke Beaches-East York and Anita about the eight First Nations’ about the traditional relationship Neville, MP for Winnipeg South This unique health education initiative has been made possible leaders who were hung at Battle- between the Anishinabek Nation Centre. through a partnership between the Métis Nation of Ontario, ford, SK on November 27, 1885, and the Métis Nation. “I am hon- A feast followed and the Spirit Métis National Council and Health Canada. for their part in the Métis North- oured to be here and I am hon- of Louis Riel lived on. 14 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

MARION LARKMAN 1926-2006

t’s hard to imagine an Annual used at home, and Marion maintained resorts, and then worked for 20 years General Assembly or a Riel her fluency in Ojibway. Her family his- or so in Toronto. At one point she Day without Marion Larkman; tory was truly Métis, a blend of Ojib- worked in the post office on Front she has always been there way, Cree, French and Irish. Street all day, and then walked next with her sparkling eyes and When Marion reached the age of 11 door to the Union Station and cooked her determined chin. her father decided that it was time for all evening. IWhen the Voyageur interviewed her to go to work, so she did. Because Despite her busy life, Marion was Marion in 1998, she recalled some of her father hunted and trapped for a liv- active in Métis and non-status Indian the events of her long life. She spoke ing, she went to work for the local fur concerns since the early 70s. She was about walking 11 miles to school and buyer, and then for a short time she one of those who threw her energy 11 miles home, everyday. It took her worked in the General Electric plant in into the fight for Bill C31. She worked about three hours each way. Of course, Peterborough. with Tony Belcourt, President of the that was only during the good weather. In 1939 the Second World War MNO, for many years. In fact, she In the winter, the 11 miles was often started, and Marion joined the army. recalled when, in 1970, at White River, impossible because of the depth of By that time she had learned to recog- she and Tony won a prize of $50 for snow in the Burleigh Falls area, and nize opportunities and to seize them baking the most original and best tast- Marion would then continue her when they arrived--and the army had ing bannock of the day. She remem- schooling by correspondence, and in lots. While in the army, she completed bered Tony digging a hole in which the the evenings by coal oil lamp. In addi- her grade ten and learned to be a fire was built and then baking the ban- tion, she helped her dad skin and switch board operator, but more nock under a blanket of cedar boughs. dress as many as 150 muskrats a day important in terms of future jobs, she Marion was a founding member of for the month or so that those animals became a certified butcher and a chef. the MNO and one of the four original could be trapped each year. When not After the war, Marion returned to Senators on the PCMNO. In 2001, she trapping, her father made handles for Burleigh Falls and married a young was presented with an Eagle Staff axes and hammers from the local hick- man she had known in earlier years. made by Metis artist David Hannan. In ory, which he then traded for winter Together they produced 12 children. 2003 she received the Queen’s Golden supplies, such as potatoes, turnips, However, being a mother did not Jubilee Medal. She was well known and and other staples. mean that Marion could forget about well loved. We will all miss her. English was the language used at earning a living. Over the years she school, but Ojibway was the language was a chef in a variety of summer — BY LINDA LORD

We must let her go to the red road of life, The one that leads across the sky. It’s the way you live That will help you get To walk on that red road of life. from Red Road of Life, by Lawrence Martin

We mourn the passage of the beloved matriarch of the Métis Nation, Senator Marion Larkman. I offer the prayer below on behalf of the MNO Senators. — SENATOR RETA GORDON

Bell ispree, ki kii tayp wawshan not soeur Marion a kiya. We thank Grandfather from the south who gave her the warmth along Oh great Creator, may you send down the blessing of the rain, the soft Great Creator, you have called our sister Marion to you. the different paths that Marion chose throughout her life. summer rains to fall upon Mother Earth so that the little flowers may spring up to shed their sweet fragrance above Marion’s resting place. Ki ka kway chini tinan por la bienvenue de not soeur, We thank Grandfather from the north who gave her strength We ask that you welcome our sister. over the long cold years of her life. May Mother Earth be soft under Marion as she rests upon it, tired at the end of her days. I offer this sacred tobacco as I offer the prayer for the fallen warrior as We thank Grandmother Moon who protected her she has gone on her long trip across the dark waters. with her soft moonbeams as she slept. May Mother Earth rest softly over you Marion, that your spirit may be out from under it quickly and up and on its way to the Creator. Her spirit is now free from all that has pained her. We thank Grandfa- We thank Grandmother Sun that helped to nourish her ther from the east who gave Marion the light to guide her on her path. and allowed her to grow strong. Ki Kiipihkotama saanli bon repos chere soeur. Long rest dear sister you have earned it. Hay ya Hay ya tashay. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 15 Métis students win Canada Millennium Scholarships

he Canada Millennium lenniumscholarships.ca. national awards are allocated to Scholarship Foundation, Among the more than 1,000 the most exceptional applicants T is a private, independent Canadians who received a presti- across the country (42 in organization created by an act of gious excellence award this year, Ontario), regardless of provincial parliament in 1998. The Founda- were six Métis students. Recog- Sowden, (Port Alberni, BC). additional years, to a maximum and territorial quotas. Nearly half tion distributes $340 million in nized for their community Selected from more than of $20,000. of the students who received the form of bursaries and schol- involvement, demonstrated lead- 9,000 applicants, this year’s 1,051 Provincial/Territorial—240 awards were residents of Ontario. arships throughout Canada each ership qualities and interest in entrance award winners were awards of $4,000, also renewable If you are a highschool stu- year. Since 2000, the Foundation innovation, as well as their aca- recommended by regional com- for up to three additional years, dent why not check out the has delivered 670,000 bursaries demic achievements, are Sinèad mittees of volunteer assessors to a maximum of $16,000. Foundation? These financial and scholarships worth more Charbonneau, (Medicine Hat, and subsequently approved by Local—711 one-time awards offerings are not loans, and will than $2 billion to students across AB); Terrilyn Dallyn, (Meadow the Foundation’s Board of Direc- of $4,000. not have to be repaid. Canada. For a complete list of this Lake, SK); Kelly Graves, (Port tors. There are three levels of Local and regional awards are year’s laureates and more infor- Moody, BC); David Lussier, (Win- entrance awards: distributed in each province and mation about the Foundation nipeg, MB); Chelsie Scragg, National—100 awards of territory based on their share of MORE INFORMATION AT: and its programs, visit www.mil- (Saskatoon, SK); Christopher $5,000, renewable for up to three the Canadian population, while www.myopportunities.ca

Métis-owned tattoo studio still going strong Looking A for Métis Hamilton people with Health leadership Staff hello – BY CHRISTA LEA GRAY –

skills? would like to remind the community of the BY SHARON MCBRIDE I move to the new build- ing—not a big move though, The Métis Nation of just next door from MNOTI. Ontario (MNO) is currently Our address is 443 Conces- looking for leaders in the sion Street. We are settled in Toronto area to help now—almost! Southern develop a charted commu- Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes nity council within the Initiative (SOADI) is also Métis Nation of Ontario. housed in the same location This is a great opportunity as well as council. Drop in to help develop transferable and visit. skills for the work place while Kathleen Laforme of furthering the agenda for Métis SOADI and I are planning our PHOTO: Bonny Cann rights, programs and services 2nd Annual Diabetes Fair The staff of Artistic Integrity Tattoo Studio in Toronto with owner Ian Greening (right). to Métis people within the GTA. which will be held again in The rewards are many; it is March 2007. exciting to be a part of history Great news! The Cana- in the making as we do our dian Diabetes Association part to build a stronger Métis (CDA) has come aboard to Nation within the GTA. Assis- support the event. Miigwech INK & INTEGRITY tance is provided by the Métis to all the other organizations Nation of Ontario who sup- for the huge effort they put – BY BONNY CANN – him. It is his belief that because ports councils in their develop- forth last year in helping the Métis Nation provided initial ment, so you would have a sponsor the event; hope to visit to ‘Artistic Integrity’ funding to him, other agencies strong team with excellent see you this year. We are call- found Mr. Ian Greening at Ian Greening is the were willing to follow in the Métis experience behind you. Let’s ing on anyone who would work. Between booking very first to remind Nation’s footsteps. With our sup- expand our Métis family in the like to take part this year by appointments and work- port Mr. Greening was able to GTA and have fun while meeting way of donation of your time A apply to Aboriginal Business ing on his next design, the shop everyone that he got new people and working or door prizes or to set up a was busy. Mr. Greening received a Canada and received further together. display table, to contact Métis Cultural Economic Devel- his start because the funding from them as well. He is As the Region 8 Councilor I either me or Kathleen. opment Grant almost six years Métis Nation of presently working on a proposal have received some inquires ago and was then able to open that he hopes will assist him in and would like to put out the [email protected] the doors to the home of Artistic Ontario believed in upgrading equipment and he call to all citizens. If you are [email protected] Integrity at 314 Lakeshore Blvd would really like to purchase a interested please contact: East, in beautiful Port Credit, Mis- his vision. permanent home for Artistic Christa Lea Gray is the MNO’s sissauga, Ontario. He has since Integrity. Considering the build- Sharon McBride Aboriginal Healing and contributed to his local commu- ing isn’t for sale at this time that PH: 905 846 8645 Wellness Coordinator for nity by sponsoring little league deserves to win in competition may mean a move down the [email protected]. the Hamilton Region. teams and giving presentations for the designs he is currently road. to college students on entrepre- producing. Once again, the Métis Nation TIMMINS DIABETES PROGRAM UPDATE: neurship. Mr. Greening continues to run of Ontario would like to congrat- In June, he won an award for a well organized shop with a ulate Mr. Greening on the suc- one of his designs that was great deal of care going into the cess of his business and wish him Helping Hands entered in competition at this health and safety aspect of his the best of luck in the upcoming year’s International Tattoo Con- work. The work space was spot- competition in Montreal. We are – BY RICHARD AUBIN – best Christmas Wishes to you ference here in Toronto. Mr. less and the sterilizers and other very proud of you and our and yours. May this be a happy Greening beat out the likes of required equipment were up and involvement in the success of ur MNO-Timmins Diabetes and safe holiday for everyone. designers from Miami Ink, a well running during my visit. There Artistic Integrity and hope that Program has been very This will be an extra special known TV program. are now three full time staff, two you have a very prosperous next O busy and productive this Christmas for me as I will be a When I went to see Mr. Green- tattoo artists and a piercing 25 years! past year. Many new activities grandpapa for the first time. ing a few years ago for an update, expert. If you are looking for a fabu- have been taught and learned The due date for my sympathy he was creatively working on Mr. Greening is the very first lous designer for a tattoo or by those involved in this pro- labour pains is September 15 so designs that really made state- to remind everyone that he got know someone who wishes to gram. We continue to invite our by the time you have read this I ments. During my recent visit his his start because the Métis Nation explore the possibilities, contact people to call in and see the will be spoiling the little one. growth as a designer was obvi- of Ontario believed in his vision. info is as follows: variety of resources we have to No diaper changes – thank you ous. His tattoos today not only Recently, when being interviewed offer. Volunteers are always wel- much – that’s for the new par- make a statement but tell entire by Rogers Television, he publicly comed and appreciated. Please ents Eric and Julie. stories! One can see from the thanked the Métis Nation of Artistic Integrity Tattoo Studio lend a supportive helping hand Richard Aubin is MNO’s Dia- winning tattoo that the complex- Ontario and Bonny Cann, former 314 Lakeshore Rd. East for your community. betes Prigram Coordinator for ity of his work has grown and he CDO from Region 8, for assisting Toronto, 905-891-5115 I would like to extend my the Timmins area. 16 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Credit River Métis reach out to First Nations

Aboriginal cultures and cus- Groups and Métis as part of that Maanjidowin Committee recognized toms are important in under- story, but increased better appre- standing the foundations of the ciation of personal heritage for by Ontario Heritage Trust for efforts city, and are the roots and build- those who participated.... ing blocks of every nation. If heritage is the inheritance Through the Maanjidowin, the of everything we value and wish to link communities community as a whole gained a to preserve for future genera- better understanding of the ori- tions, the Maanjidowin commit- – BY LINDA LORD – the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT). gins of the different aboriginal tee has begun a legacy creating Commenting on the achieve- groups within the Mississauga the foundation for greater col- ast year the Voyageur did a ment, President Belcourt said: area. The committee was able to laborations between the city of feature article on Credit “The relationship you have devel- relay historical facts, as well as Mississauga and its aboriginal River, New Credit history, and oped with the Mississauga’s of Sharon McBride is the PCMNO cultural information, increas- founders. Once we begin to L the Maanjidowin feast which Credit River is an outstanding Councilor for Region 8. Ryan is ing both heritage knowledge and understand the importance of was held on August 2nd, 2005. At success of our stated objective to Sharon’s son. consciousness throughout the our past, we can provide both this gathering, the Métis Nation develop good relations with First entire city. By providing the com- awareness and education about joined the Mississaugas of the Nations. It is an extension of the munity with the opportunity to present surroundings and New Credit to remember the efforts begun in our Nation to the Métis Nation by establishing learn more about the heritage of issues, thereby influencing the signing of Treaty13 and 13A. Nation relationship with the these relations at the community the city of Mississauga, the direction and heritage con- On September 27th, 2006, the Anishenabek Nation. It is a won- level.” Maanjidowin committee encour- sciousness of future generations. Maanjidowin Committee received derful example of the good will Following is a quote from the aged a better understanding of Congratulations to Sharon a Certificate of Achievement from and recognition brought upon nomination submission. the importance of First Nation and Ryan McBride!

NOTES FROM THE REGISTRY: URBAN MULTI-PURPOSE ABORIGINAL YOUTH CENTRES: HARVESTERS’ CERTIFICATES RENEWAL

BY KAROLE DUMONT-BECKETT

he August 31st deadline for the renewal of our har- vesters’ certificates was met successfully. A little over T 94% of the renewal applications submitted was approved. Some applications are missing documentation to complete the approval process but they are expected Aboriginal youth learn how to handle a kayak at Richard Lake in Sudbury. to be completed shortly. Questions about Traditional Har- vest Territory (THT) and Treaty 3 arose frequently during this exercise and I would like to take this opportunity to clarify two important issues. Great summer for Sudbury youth!

Traditional Harvest Territory is have to be returned to you. BY GAIL CHARBONNEAU community clean up. not a choice; it is determined by • Kayak course: Twenty where one's Métis ancestors were Citizenship Applications: a s the seasons change, I youths learned how to han- settled and harvested in Ontario few important points to would like to give you all a dle a kayak at Richard Lake. at the time of (or before) Gov- remember little information on what • 6th Annual Cadet Camp: ernment Effective Control Athe Sudbury Métis Youth Youth attend this camp to (GEC). The time period fluctu- • Every application for citizen- Centre did last summer. With have fun, meet friends and ates from region to region but in ship submitted to MNO must the help and generosity of my learn about their culture. general it is the time frame at contain all the documentation community partners, the centre • 1st Annual Métis Golf which city/town councils and necessary to establish a filial had a busy summer delivering Tournament: This year, government representation came link between the applicant and workshops and events for the Long-Term Care and the into effect for that particular area. his/her Métis ancestor. youth. Here are just a few of the Métis Youth Centre partnered • Documents confirming Métis activities our youth were able to to fundraise; we raised $300 TREATY 3 TRADITIONAL ancestry must also accompany attend: to put towards youth work- • Kits for Kids Backpack HARVEST TERRITORY the application. shops and events. Program: This program • The Registry cannot use the • Aboriginal Awards Ban- • 6th Annual Traditional through the United Way is an All applicants wishing to claim information from one citizen's quet: Youth receive achieve- Camp: This year the youth initiative to help families who harvesters' rights under Treaty 3 file to complete another's ment awards in many cate- camped out at Richard Lake can’t afford school supplies must clearly demonstrate that unless explicit consent has gories. where they were treated to a and backpacks. Each youth their Métis ancestors either been granted in writing by the • Youth Drumming: Every talk by MNR representatives receives a backpack filled resided in that area at the time said MNO citizen. Tuesday night the youth about bear behaviour and with school supplies deliv- (or before) the treaty was signed, • Requests for replacement gather to drum, share stories bear attacks; a community ered to the families. This year OR, that their Métis ancestors cards should be submitted in and teachings. Elder spoke about the the youth center was able to signed Treaty 3. The Registry rec- writing. The form is available • Tobacco/Sage Garden: responsibilities and duties of give 13 youth back packs. ognizes the fact that many ances- by mail, fax or from our web- Youth planted a tobacco and having a drum; a professor tors were forced to identify site: www.metisnation.org. sage garden in the city. We from Laurentian University Message from the Sudbury themselves as "Indian" or "White" Please remember that the Reg- had a very successful crop. talked about the five rascals, Métis youth worker: It gives me and takes it into account when istry can only accept your orig- • 2nd Time Around Prom medicine wheel and teach- great joy to deliver healthy assessing an application. Please inal signature in blue ink. Dress Express: This project ings, and the sacred pipe. workshops and events for the keep in mind that applications • Please write your name and was intended to dress a • Aboriginal Career Fair: youth to enjoy. To make an are approved based on the docu- the date on the back of your youth head to toe for gradua- This event was held at the impact on one youth in a posi- mentation on file. photos. tion; we are recycling dresses Cancer Care Unit at Laurent- tive way will make a difference for the less fortunate youth ian Hospital to encourage for the rest of his/her life. CAPTAIN OF THE HUNT SIGNATURE Thank you for your patience to wear on her special night. Aboriginal youth to consider This is my sixth year of under- and understanding during the • Drumming for the home- a career in the health care standing and giving what the Your harvester's renewal appli- Harvesters' Certificate renewal less: Our youth were asked field. youth would like in our commu- cation MUST be signed by the exercise. We hope all our har- to attend a BBQ for the • 2nd Anishinaabe-Kweg nity. Their participation and the Captain of the Hunt (COTH) in vesters had a safe and successful homeless and drum at the Water Walk: The women kindness of my community part- your area of residence, not the Harvest Season! mission at a night event that and young ladies of the com- ners has made this initiative a Captain of the Hunt residing in was held in their honour. munity got together to hon- great success. Thanks to all who your Traditional Harvest Terri- Karole Dumont-Beckett is the • 6th annual Earn the Bike: our and educate the commu- participated; have a safe winter. tory. Applications submitted MNO’s Registrar and Director of Six youths earned bikes in nity and the schools about Gail Charbonneau is the without your COTH's signature will the Registry. exchange for 30 hours of water pollution. Sudbury UMAYC Coordinator. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 17 MÉTIS CANOE BUILDING THREE CANOES A group of Timmins Métis learns traditional canoe-building techniques

– BY RICHARD AUBIN – sist of bark, birch, and cedar. Finding quality wood is challeng- ello to all my Métis broth- ing. HAPPY ers and sisters. I was When all the materials had asked to submit this arti- been gathered the participants CANOEING cle that will promote the were contacted and we spent birch bark canoe building nine days cutting, shaping and BONNY! program that has now lashing all fabricated items beenH going on for about two together with spruce roots and onny Cann was the years. It was a challenging but wooden pegs. Stitching and lash- lucky winner of a very rewarding project that ing was a very interesting B birch bark canoe would not have been possible process. built under the supervision of without the support of Paul and This second canoe was used Richard Aubin. The canoe was Len Rondeau. above: Richard Aubin and family try some old-school canoeing. as a fund-raiser with proceeds raffled off, with tickets sold at The idea behind this project below: The Timmins birch bark canoe gradually takes shape. going to the MNO-Timmins com- the AGA and elsewhere. The was to promote our culture, a munity programs. The winner of MNO-Timmins Council would traditional teaching and work the draw for the 15 foot canoe like to thank everyone for born from the land, and espe- was Bonny Cann from Toronto. their support with the Birch cially to foster prevention and During the same summer the Bark Canoe Fund raiser. All awareness of diabetes amongst Temiskaming Métis Community proceeds will go to the MNO- the Aboriginal population. The Council took on the challenge of T Community Programs to amount of work involved in har- building a canoe with the sup- support the people we serve. vesting the materials and shaping port of one of our trainers. Now When asked for her com- them is an activity that generates the Cochrane Northern Lights ments by the Voyageur Bonny good health. Métis Council is in the process of had this to say: collecting the wood to do the “I would like to thank the same. A ripple effect has begun! Timmins Métis Council for the opportunity to purchase a raf- fle ticket on such a magnificent CANOE ONE prize. Thanks to Nicole for sell- ing me the winning ticket! Our first experience began in On a personal note, I Whitefish, Ontario, where we CANOE THREE would like to tell Richard and secured the services of our Wayde that this really does instructor, Mr. Tom Byers, who Between January and June of mean a great deal to me as I has been building canoes in the 2006 we completed a third canoe just recently learned that my traditional way for the past 14 with the participation of high great, great grandmother used years. You can log onto his web school students during wood- to build birchbark canoes her- site when searching for birch working classes. Identical to the self. I remember thinking bark canoes. He has to his credit second canoe, this one was a fur when I learned this that per- about 28 canoes so far. These trader style. The experience was haps she is the reason that I have sold for $8,000.00 each. priceless not only for the stu- have yearned to have my own Paul, Len, and yours truly dents, but for Paul, Len, and one day. Now I have one! I spent three weeks in the summer myself as instructors. During the hope to use it to educate oth- of 2004 learning the art of canoe work, whenever the opportunity ers in Toronto about our tradi- building. The time spent working presented itself, discussions on tions as there are not many averaged 12 hours per day. It was health and culture were shared. opportunities for such large quite the celebration when the We didn’t have white spruce examples of Métis craftsman- canoe was brought to life. This is gum at the time to finish off gum- ship available in Toronto. I will a beautiful Ojibwa style canoe ming the canoe in order to water- rent it out under strict super- and she carries us very well with proof the seams but this was vision to other Aboriginal her sleek 15 feet of bark skim- completed by mid September. It organizations, schools, muse- ming on the water. is a mixture of gum and bear fat. ums etc. so that others will This canoe is presently hang- The canoe building project learn our history. ing on display at the city library has brought numerous benefits. Thank you to Richard and generating a lot of publicity New partnerships have been Aubin for the lifelong commit- for our council. (See Voyageur formed; diabetes awareness ment to helping me to take winter 2005) raised; our culture promoted; care of her properly. I will be our youth enjoyed the teachings; calling you as we are now con- the media (both press and televi- nected for life! I also prom- sion) became involved. As you ised to put her in the water can see it grew and continues to where she belongs from time CANOE TWO grow. Bonny Cann will also pro- to time and my goal is to take mote our people with her new it back to where my great The second canoe that was canoe displayed at community grandfathers hunted and built in 2005 was to serve two events down south and while trapped in Algonquin Park for purposes. First, it was to hone paddling it on a quiet lake during a paddle down the river there. our newly learned skills. (Surpris- her leisure time. Again, a huge thank you to ing how much you can forget the I have submitted some pic- Timmins Métis Council and to first time round.) The second, tures with this article for your the team that built my canoe. and more important reason was with the goal of learning the the newly trained instructors enjoyment. I am honoured to be the to have the class in Timmins as a basic skills and knowledge could teach similar projects. proud owner and promise to “Train the Trainer Workshop”. involved in building a canoe and It took about two and a half Richard Aubin is the MNO Dia- do my best to care for her for Seven new participants from out- to bring these back to their months prior to this workshop to betes Program Coordinator in all time.” — Bonny Cann lying areas attended the sessions respective communities so that harvest the materials which con- Timmins.

Sault Ste. Marie The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Coun- Ken McLean, the program’s outreach Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. can sit back socialize, have a cup of cof- cil in partnership with the Urban Aborigi- coordinator, is available Monday, until 3:30 p.m. The Drop-In Center will fee and a light snack while exploring Urban Aboriginal nal Homelessness Coalition is excited to Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to host a variety of activities including your individualized options. announce the opening of the Aboriginal 4:30 p.m. for individual client consulta- workshops, crafts and information ses- So, come on in; join us for a cup of Homelessness Drop in Center. The Center is located tion and assistance. If at all possible it is sions. coffee or tea and see where the experi- Coalition Drop-In upstairs from the Sault Métis Centre, 26 best to make an appointment with Ken When visiting the Drop in Center you ence will take you. Queen Street East (through the back beforehand. will experience a fun, friendly, safe and For information please contact Ken Centre entrance off of Albert Street). The Drop-In Center will operate non-judgmental atmosphere where you Mclean at 705 941-9202. 18 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

he winter of 1869-1870 was an intense and tumultuous time for the women of Red River. Louis Riel had taken several of the local men captive who had opposed his actions, so there were many anxious and demanding circumstances for the women to deal with. RIEL, REFLECTIONS AND RED RIVERWOMEN

BY VIRGINIA BARTER —These marvelous recollections of the women who lived through brother said. “The men who had seized the Red River era, were published in a book, Women of Red River, in 1923. Some of the sto- Parisien dealt with him very ries are humorous, others recount dramatic scenes of deception and adventurous escape, roughly and talked of hanging while some are deeply tragic, but all are a testament to the ingenuity and determination— him there and then. Dr. Black went out and saved the young and the absolute bravery—of the women of Red River during this extraordinary time • Louis man’s life. I remember Dr. Black Riel was certainly a romantic at heart. Mrs. Bernard Ross recalled being at Fort Garry when saying how pitiable an object Riel raised the flag of his provisional government. She wasn’t sure if he would let her pass, young Parisien was as he saw him but “Riel bowed low, with his left hand on his heart, and said very gallantly, ‘Ladies have lying half unconscious with the blood streaming from a wound in always the first consideration, in war as in love!’” Here are a few of my favourite stories ... the side of his head, which one of the men had given him with a BRANDY Convinced he was not there, they how my mother cried with joy hatchet. He died not very long & BUFFALO ROBES waited for his return until finally when my father came home that after. By this time Major Bolton they became tired and decided to morning. We had not seen him and many others were prisoners rs. Archibald Wright of Win- leave. for two days and two nights. The in the Fort. Riel had notified nipeg recalled her husband night before my mother had said Major Boulton that he must be Mbeing among the men that we might never see him prepared to die at noon on the imprisoned by Riel. They were THE DEATH OF again. He had been doing his day after my brother’s funeral.” newlyweds at the time and had JOHN HUGH SUTHERLAND utmost to prevent strife and not even had their honeymoon bloodshed. yet. Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Crow- nfortunately, all too often, “Poor John Hugh was crossing THE FUNERAL son used to take the prisoners conflicts like this escalate in the river when he and the half- food. On the day before Christ- Uthe most unexpected manner, witted and badly frightened ohn Hugh Sutherland’s funeral mas Mrs. Wright was planning to ending in tragedy for the most young Parisien met. Men were was attended by the whole smuggle in some good cheer. “I innocent among us. Such was the running from the river bank in Jparish. “When anybody died in had a bottle of brandy, which Mrs. case for the Sutherland family pursuit of Parisien, who raised his Kildonan,” said Mrs. Black, “It John Sutherland had given me who suffered the loss of their gun and fired twice at my was your sorrow, if you were of for a cold. I carried it under my young son. Mrs. Sutherland was brother. John Hugh fell wounded Kildonan, but I do not think arm inside the sleeve of a dolman unceasing in her appeal to Louis from his horse. Some of the men there was ever a funeral in Kildo- I was wearing. Riel’s guards stood Riel to spare the life of Major who were pursuing Parisien car- nan where there was greater sor- by me and were watchful, and I Boulton, the military man Riel ried John Hugh to Dr. Black’s row shown than at my brother’s. was in a perplexity. One of the held responsible for the death of house, while others seized I remembered Dr. Black’s daugh- prisoners, old Mr. Mulligan, was her son. Where others had failed, Parisien and dragged him back to ter Margaret, who is now Mrs. lying on the floor on a buffalo she, and she alone, was able to the schoolhouse. My uncle, Francis, crying and saying, ‘Why skin with another buffalo skin change Riel’s mind. This is the William Fraser, after helping to was it one of our men?’ She and I rolled up under his head for a pil- story of one woman’s bravery carry my brother into Dr. Black’s were schoolchildren of the same low. I threw myself on my knees and the recollections of her house, came over to our house, age. Her father, I remember, said and put my arms around his neck daughter, Mrs. Black. and my father and mother went to her gently that if it had been and kissed him, and at the same One evening a young man away with him at once, and were the death of a son of a family out- time, slipped the bottle of brandy named Parisien, a French-Cana- away all day. My mother came side of Kildonan, it would have into his buffalo robe pillow. Mr. dian who was simple-minded, home that night. She told us brought grief to some hearts all Mulligan was annoyed at my came down the road past the Kil- afterwards, that when she left the same. demonstration of affection. I donan church. He had been John Hugh, whom they had put “The coffin was carried on tried to make my husband under- employed in Fort Garry sawing in Mrs. Black’s bed at the manse, men’s shoulders from our house stand that I had put something and chopping wood, and was on she knew he would not live until to the grave. To put a coffin on under Mr. Mulligan’s head but his way to his people, who lived the morning, but she could not any vehicle would have been the guards watched me closely across the river from St. Andrews. leave us children alone any looked upon in Kildonan as show- and I had to be very careful. The Some of Major Boulton’s men longer. John Hugh died the next ing a lack of respect to the mem- prisoners found the bottle after I seized him as a spy, and made morning. Before he died he ory of the dead. At every funeral went out. The next time I went in him a prisoner in the school- begged earnestly that young the shrouded coffin was borne on the men all joined hands and house. In the morning he man- Parisien should not be punished the shoulders of four men, who danced around me, to the great aged to make his escape, running for what he had done. ‘The poor were relieved every few minutes annoyance of the guards.” to the river bank where he took a simple fellow was too frightened by men who took their places. gun from one of the sleighs that to know what he was doing,’ my The minister with one of the eld- was standing near the church. ers led the way....The distance to HIDING Only a few minutes before be travelled was not considered MR. ECCLES Parisien’s escape, the Suther- in paying this respect to the dead. lands, who lived across the river ‘Jump on a horse (When Archdeacon Cochrane rs. Black (nee Sutherland) were welcoming their father died at Portage La Prairie in 1865, recalled the events of those home from Fort Garry. and ride as fast his coffin was carried more than Mdays and the bravery of her Mrs. Black recalled: “My father as you can across 70 miles to the graveyard of St. mother. She said her sister, Mrs. had persuaded Riel to set all the Andrew’s.)” Eccles, and her husband lived remaining prisoners free that the river to Major with them during that winter. morning. He said to my second One day Riel’s men came search- eldest brother John Hugh, ‘Jump Boulton and Dr. RIEL RELENTS: ing for Eccles. Her mother made on a horse and ride as fast as you SAVING MAJOR BOULTON him crouch under a chair, on can across the river to Major Schultz, and tell which she sat with her volumi- Boulton and Dr. Schultz, and tell them that all the “On the morning after my nous skirts spread to hide him. them that all the prisoners are to brother was buried,” continued He remained hidden in that way be set free!’ John Hugh ran out at prisoners are to Mrs. Black, “my mother was ill in for a couple of hours while Riel’s once and started across for Kildo- men searched the place for him. nan on a horse. I remember well be set free!’ continued page 29 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 19 MÉTIS COMMUNITY COUNCILS NEWS: Weaving Our Communities MÉTIS MEET AT MOON ISLAND n June 19th Métis and – BY LOUISE GOULDING – Woods Bay and travelled by boat First Nations came to the island, where the Moon Otogether at a two-day River Métis Council began their domestic violence confer- or the second time in the first ever council meeting. It was ence at the Chippewas of history of the Métis Nation an exciting meeting because Nawash First Nation. Among F of Ontario, citizens gathered council spent most of it dis- those in attendance were the for a meeting on Moon Island at cussing plans for our first ever Chippewas of Saugeen and Sans Souci. National Aboriginal Day celebra- Nawash and Métis communi- Like other MNO Chartered tions (see page 27). ties in Southampton and Councils, the Moon River Métis After the meeting, councilors, Owen Sound. Notables in Council holds regular monthly their spouses and some of their attendance included MNO meetings. Since our council is rel- children were treated to—what President, Tony Belcourt; atively new and we do not, as of else when you visit me—a fish fry. Vern Roote, Chief, Chippe- yet, have an actual office, our A great time was had by everyone was of Saugeen; Paul Nadji- meetings are held in the houses and I look forward to holding won, Chief, Chippewas of of council members. It is difficult June 2007’s council meeting! Nawash; Ralph Akiwenzie, for me to offer my home to coun- Thanks to council for the deli- former Chief, Chippewas of cil because I live on an island year left to right: Councilor Dan Quesnelle, Senator Ruth Wagner-Millington, cious salads and desserts. Nawash; Senator Roland round, but I secretly longed to Councilor Larry Duval, President Louise Goulding, Councilor Irene Peel, By the way, the first time Métis St.Germain; and Senator bring them out to my Moon Treasurer Lisa McCron, Women’s Rep Verna Porter and Lynn Quesnelle. gathered at Moon Island was Leora Wilson. Island home. Moon Island is at back in 1994, just after the MNO’s The conference, Weaving the mouth of the Moon River on they are, they readily agreed to After a few wrong turns by founding delegates’ assembly. Our Communities: Healing, Georgian Bay near Sans Souci. take the trip out. June 4th was some (there was much discus- President Belcourt came to speak Hope and Honouring, was a I invited council to hold our warm and sunny, but a very sion regarding who is to blame to us about this great Nation! project of the Grey-Bruce June meeting at my home on windy day. The meeting went for the wrong turns, but that’s Louise Goulding is President Domestic Violence Coordi- Georgian Bay and adventurous as ahead as scheduled. another story), council met at of the Moon River Métis Council. nating Committee.

We wish to thank the Owen Sound Sun-Times and Mr. Andrew Armitage for allowing us to reprint this article which appeared in the Sun-Times, July 13, 2006. AUTHOR TELLS THE STORY OF A PROUD PEOPLE – BY ANDREW ARMITAGE – before an HBC post was estab- trade posts such as Ungava Bay, Bay. The Métis, who flourished lished there in 1826. In Goderich, Fort Chimo and Moose Factory to close to First Nations villages, n a sunny August day they had arrived before the Bruce County. Most were either made their way to the site of the in 2004, one of Ontario’s Canada Company, bearing names descendants of Métis or married future port years before the town O distinctive blue and gold like Belhumeur, Deschamps, ‘country wives.’ was surveyed or Thomas Ruther- historical plaques was dedicated Andrews and Landreaux. In 1849, The most noted of them was ford spent a first-winter there in in Southampton’s Pioneer Park. an Anglican clergy man visiting Captain William Kennedy. Born in 1840. A tribute to the fur trade along Sydenham (Owen Sound) noted, Cumberland House, Rupert’s Among them were family the Lake Huron coast, the plaque ‘As you come up to Squaw Point, Land, the son of a Chief trader names that can still be found in commemorates the Hudson Bay where a lighthouse is to be and Aggathas, a Cree woman, area phone books or as members Company post of Saguingue. erected, you begin to see the Kennedy is credited as being a co- of the area’s modern Métis com- Here, company men, Métis and houses of sundry French Cana- founder (along with John Spence, munity. They had names like First Nations people traded in the dian half-breeds, who squatted on another retired HBC factor) of Couture, Lavallee, Desjardins, early 19th century. or near the military reserve and Southampton. Recruited by Lady Jones, Boucher, Solomon, A year later, Patsy Lou Wilson who live chiefly by fishing and Franklin to search for her lost Payette and Faille. McArthur, a retired secondary maple sugar making.’ husband, Kennedy spent six years Among the most legendary school teacher and descendent of According to David T. McNab’s roaming the Arctic before retiring of Owen Sound’s Métis com- North West Company voyageurs, contributed article in Historic at a country gentleman to the Red munity was Joe Couture. He has compiled and edited a history Saugeen, Métis is not a generic River settlement. was described in a 1909 Owen that retrieves an entire people term for all persons of biracial Editor and historian McArthur Sound Sun-Times obituary as from obscurity. Published by the descent. Instead, today Métis are also turns her attention to the being of ‘Herculean strength Saguingue Métis Council, Historic defined by their distinct commu- Métis of Owen Sound and Big and his titanic form made him Saugeen & Its Métis People (Epic nities such as the Saugeen Métis a well-known figure, as he Press, $30) it is now available at Council and the Grey/Owen rowed up the river in his fish selected bookstores and muse- Sound Métis Council, both of boat or struck the Bay street trail ums throughout Grey and Bruce which represent Métis in their tra- in winter with his load of provi- Counties. ditional homeland of Lake Huron sions slung on his back in the I have often been amused by and Georgian Bay. Victimized by manner of a pack.’ local histories that credit Euro- 19th-century racial labeling, today Allan H. Ross, an early resident peans as the founders of such Canada’s Métis have been recog- of Leith, recalled that Joe’s son, towns as Owen Sound, Kincar- nized in both Canada’s constitu- ‘Young Joe,’ ‘was the best man in dine and Goderich. Careful lists tion of 1982 and in a recent a fishing boat who ever sailed have been compiled offering the Supreme Court decision. into Owen Sound harbour.’ names of the first white child Métis have been present on Editor McArthur has scoured born in a community or the first Georgian Bay and along the many personal collections of white woman to take up resi- Huron coast for more than 200 photographs, including dozens dence in one village or other. years. They worked for the fur of them in Historic Saugeen. Automatically, I sputter, ‘What trade for both the HBC and inde- They stare out from the pages, about First Nations people or the pendent traders, crossed the his- proud faces with familiar names. Métis?’ toric postage at the base of the Historic Saugeen and Its Métis People They stand in front of their When European newcomers Bruce Peninsula, fished the lakes, (2006) Published by the Saguingue Métis homes, on the decks and docks arrived in the Queen’s Bush, they hunted in the forests, built boats, Council. Edited by Patsy Lou Wilson of the waterfront, in fishing were greeted not just by the Abo- raised families and worshiped at McArthur. $30 plus $8 shipping and han- shacks and shanties, posed with riginal people but also the Métis, St. Mary’ in Owen Sound, St. dling by cheque or money order, payable to fiddle, cars and friends, or in a one of several historical terms Peter’s in Goderich and St. Anne’s Saguingue Métis Council: nameless photographer’s studio. (michif, bois brule, chicot, half- in Penetanguishene. They are the Métis of Geor- breed, countryborn, mixed One of the surprises in His- SAGUINGUE MÉTIS COUNCIL gian Bay and of Lake Huron, a blood) used to describe people of toric Saugeen and Its Métis Peo- Box 1582, Port Elgin, ON, N0H 2C0 proud people who have mixed North American Indian ple is the number of retired Hud- Info: [email protected], 519-797-2160 reclaimed their history – and European descent. son Bay Company employees or [email protected], 519-832-2183 even though they never Métis were at Southampton who made their way from fur lost it. 20 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO TRAINING INITIATIVES: Another active summer in Hamilton Métis offices – BY KATHLEEN LANNIGAN – can’t get enough of it. I won- me very proud. young people are a great asset der if the young 16 year old Since the beginning of this to the office. his year, for the first time, I female fiddler from Manitoba, year there has been a massive Some of you will know took my grandson, David Sierra Noble, had any influ- Since the beginning of increase of interest in our pro- Scott from the AGAs where he Lannigan, to the 2006 AGA, ence on him. David turned 14 this year there has grams and I have had a has been active for many years T and he had a wonderful this September 7th. It sure been a massive plethora of requests for fund- working in the background to time. You will see David’s pic- didn’t hurt to have the music ing. Fortunately, we have Scott help make things run ture on the MNO website, provided by another young increase of interest in France, the Métis Youth smoothly. Scott is Hank Rowl- sporting a very large, blue person. He has expressed a our programs and I Worker, and had Alysha Kirkby inson’s son and has learned cowboy hat. He learned to jig keen interest in attending all our summer student to field from his father an excellent this summer and has taken to the Métis events from here on have had a plethora of our telephone calls and assist work ethic. He works hard, it like a duck to water. He just in. I must tell you this makes requests for funding.” with the office tasks. These takes direction well, and fol- lows through on any task he is assigned. What more can you CANADA DAY 2006 IN KENORA: ask? Well let me tell you, when Scott observes a task that PHOTO: Mike Aiken reprinted with the kind permission of the Daily Miner and News in Kenora. needs doing, MAPLE LEAF MÉTIS he doesn’t wait to be – BY JOEL HENLEY – told, he just SCOTT takes the ini- FRANCE would like to take this tiative and opportunity to thank the does it. I can’t tell you how good citizens of the City of much I appreciate this charac- Kenora for coming to the ter trait because he is Iharbour front and helping to extremely observant. make Canada Day a success. Alysha Kirkby is a First When the Kenora Métis Coun- Nations’ student from Cathe- cil was approached by Buck dral High School and Melissa Matiowski and the Canada Day Cabezas, (our former Youth Committee from the City of Worker, one of the 2004 Métis Kenora, about helping to co-ordi- Role Models and Judi Trott’s nate Canada Day, and being the daughter), recommended her focus group of the day, we were as a Summer Career Place- very skeptical about taking on ment (SCP). Hamilton such a huge challenge with only a Regional Indian Friendship few weeks notice. Centre funded her placement My competent fellow commit- and she was an excellent addi- tee members—Theresa Sten- tion to the office-pleasant, lund, Marilyn Pearson, and Nina hard working, always in early Henley—took control; had and possessing excellent inter- countless committee meetings; personal skills. I hope to be and made many, many phone able to have Alysha back again calls. We were able to book two next summer. wonderful groups out of Win- Of course, you are probably nipeg: The Halfpints, and The all aware that there is a person Norman Chief Memorial Square in each region Dancers & Jiggers. The fabulous working as fiddling music of the German the “Sport Family featuring their daughter, Leader”. Travis Allison, and our local musician, Richardson is Jan Boutwell, kept the crowded working out tent of listeners tapping their of the Hamil- toes. The wonderful music of ton office cov- JUDI TROTT Manitoba fiddling champ, Clint ering all of Dutiame was also well received. Region 9. Travis has just com- I would like to personally pleted a four-year degree in thank Adelle Gordon for her Senator Kay Lynch rides a voyageur canoe in Kenora’s Canada Day parade. kinesiology (the scientific spoons demonstration in true study of human movement) Métis style, and a big thank you from the University of Western to Shirley Hanslip for her vocal and his council, with a Métis barbequing hamburgers, smok- Ontario. He is quite a young talents, giving the dancers a Sash, a book on Louis Riel, and a ies, or hotdogs, selling the food man and is extremely industri- much needed break. Our emcee Métis infinity necklace. The parade that and pop, organizing the voyageur ous. for the day, Kenora Métis Coun- We would like to thank Ted started off the day games, doing demonstrations, Melissa Myke is working cilor, Cathy Petracek, dressed in Biggs, dressed in full Métis attire, storytelling, running around with the council and has, in formal Métis attire, kept the audi- for so gallantly firing his cannon had our town for us, or greeting the pub- the past, been one of our sum- ence well informed of the to truly start the day off right. vice-president, lic under the Métis information mer students. She is lively and upcoming events. Thanks to Safeway for the tent, this day was made possible very creative. Melissa brings a The parade that started off the beautifully decorated cakes for George Sinclair, with the help of the following fresh outlook to the office. day had our vice-president, the public to enjoy, while many proudly carrying volunteers: Freida Morrison, She is generous with her skills George Sinclair, proudly carrying young volunteers handed out Roberta Fraser, Scott Dunford, and time offering to teach the our Métis infinity flag and leading Canada pins and flags courtesy of our Métis flag Trevor Triskle, Danyelle Neniska, staff crafts (beading and the Métis Nation of Ontario the City of Kenora. and leading the Tricia Triskle, Jodi Henley, Jody sewing) on her lunch hour. voyageur canoe. The canoe, Many children enjoyed Parnell, Brandy Parnell, Mark Par- Of course there are still pulled by Martin Camire, car- the fun train all voyageur canoe. nell, Matt Craven, BJ Hall, Cathy Judi Trott; Christa Grey, from ried our own Senator Kay afternoon–special thanks Petracek, Dave Petracek, Cindy the Aboriginal Healing and Lynch, dressed in Métis to Martin Camire for his winners. We would like to take Laliberte, Jeff Stenlund, Jamie Wellness Strategy (AHWS) pro- fashion, and fellow engineering skills. this opportunity to thank the Playfair, Scott Malmo, Sharon Liv- gram; Kathleen Laforme, from Métis citizens Carrie, Kylie, The furs and trapping businesses in Kenora for donat- ingston, the hard working mem- the Southern Ontario Aborigi- and Matthew Camire, as memorabilia display ing some of the prizes given out. bers of Buck’s Brigade, and of nal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI), Matthew paddled with such along with the wealth of I would also like to thank our course, my committee members and myself. Judi and I have got determination. Provisional Coun- information provided by Greg crafters, Carol Bjarnson, John Theresa, Marilyn and Nina. With- new titles: Judi’s title is now cil of the Métis Nation of Ontario Triskle was a huge success as Paul LaVand, Wesley Williams, and out the help of these fantastic “Employment & Training Offi- (PCMNO) Chair, Gary Lipinski, well. Alvina Cimon, President of the volunteers, the day would not cer” and I am called “Regional made a wonderful testimony to The voyageur games were Métis Council in Dryden, for have been the success it was. Employment & Training Coor- all Métis citizens and thanked the available for the public to take bringing their beautiful arts and My compliments to you all for dinator”. City of Kenora for allowing us to part in, such as the sling shot crafts for the public to admire a job well done. Kathleen Lannigan is the be the focus group of the day. shoot, the arm wrestling compe- and purchase for themselves. Regional Employment & Finishing his speech, Gary and I tition, and the children’s land Whether it was with their help Joel Henley is the President of Training Coordinator for presented Mayor Dave Canfield, races. Prizes were awarded to the in the kitchen baking bannock, the Kenora Métis Council. Region 9. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 21 From the

Highlandsto the THE JOURNEY OF THEFur MCPHERSON Trade FAMILY

s a people, we the Métis know our history and our family genealogies better than any other Canadians. This came about because of our need to establish beyond doubt our place as separate distinct Aboriginal people of Canada. I take great pride in my ances- Atry, and like many Métis, have an intense curiosity to know and understand more about our fur trade roots. I have been doing research on my family history for several years, but one key question still remained for me: Why did the European half immigrate to Canada in the first place? Was it famine, war, or something blacker, a lot more sinister? I decided to try to find the reason and to iden- tify the first McPherson in my Scottish heritage to emigrate to Canada. This has led me to discover some interesting and fascinating facts and has given me a new perspective on my family history. I would like to share some of those discoveries with you here. I hope that you enjoy reading and learning about the why’s and where’s as much as I did. BY PIERRE LEFEBVRE below: George McPherson and the family of Sophie THE JACOBITE REBELLION: On the death of Charles II, his brother, James VII of Scotland and II of England, suc- Morrisseau at Lake of ceeded to the throne. He was a Roman Catholic and a firm believer in the divine right of kings. Both stances made the Woods, 1872. him so unpopular that in 1688 parliament invited William of Orange and Mary (James II’s daughter by his first wife, a PHOTO: ARCHIVES OF MANITOBA Protestant) to rule. In 1689 James VII and II was deposed. In the 60 years that followed there were five attempts to restore James and his descendants to the throne. Of these, three were major: 1689, 1715 and 1745. The descendants of this line among the MNO include: Our story begins in 1745 in commission. He was one of the him from breaking his oath to Lefebvre, O’Connor, Nault, Scotland, during the 5th Jacobite 600 MacPhersons who joined the government, assuring him that Picotte, Courchene and Rebellion. On the arrival of Prince rebel army after the victory at Pre- nothing that began with perjury others. It also covers two Charles in 1745, Ewen MacPher- stonpans Along. The MacPher- could end well. Her friends At the Battle of traditional territories, Abitibi son of Cluny, who had been sons were led to take an active reproached her for interfering Falkirk however, Temiskaming and Rainy appointed the same year to a part in the rebellion, chiefly from and at his clan’s urging he unfor- Lake Rainy River. They company in Lord Loudon’s High- a desire to avenge the fate of two tunately yielded. the MacPhersons would also be signatories to landers, had taken the oaths of of their clansmen, who were shot The MacPhersons were too formed a portion Treaty Three. government and thrown up his on account of the mutiny of the late for the Battle of Culloden, of the first line. Black Watch (now the 42nd regi- where their assistance might have ment) two years earlier. turned the fortune of the day had In the subsequent Clan Chief Ewen MacPherson they not come up til after the devastations of Cluny at first hesitated to join retreat of Charles from that deci- committed by the the prince. His sive field. At the Battle of Falkirk wife, a daughter however, the MacPhersons English army, of Lord Lovat, formed a portion of the first line. Cluny’s house although a In the subsequent devastations was plundered staunch Jaco- committed by the English army, bite, earnestly Cluny’s house was plundered and and burnt to dissuaded burnt to the ground. Every exer- the ground. tion was made by the government troops for his apprehension, but they never could lay their hands North-West Company to take evi- on him. He escaped to France in dence relating to the difficulties 1755, and died at Dunkirk the fol- between the North-West Fur Com- lowing year. pany and Hudson’s Bay Company, The war cry of the MacPher- which had led to the killing of sons was, “Creag Dhu”, the name Governor Semple and his men of a rock in the neighbourhood of (Battle of Seven Oaks). Archibald Cluny Castle. In the highlands the McLean married Miss Joan chief was called, “Mac Mhurich McPherson, a daughter of John Chlanaidh”, but everywhere else McPherson, Esq., of Three Rivers he was better known as Cluny (Trois Riviêres, QC). She was the MacPherson. granddaughter of the man who accompanied Dr. Cameron (a first First McPherson in the New cousin) to Scotland after the Jaco- World bite Revolt of 1745. Dr. Cameron (brother of Locheil), was taken he search for my first captive and was the last man exe- TMcPherson ancestor to cuted at Tyburn, June 7th, 1753 arrive in Canada has been for high treason in the Jacobite very frustrating. Recently, I Revolt. Joan McPherson’s grandfa- found some information ther was pardoned and offered a that allowed me to fit the commission, which he declined. last missing pieces into He immigrated to Canada where the puzzle. A biography he assisted in the defence of Que- of Colonel Neil bec as one of the defenders of the McLean, found on the Sault-aux-Matelot, where Mont- website, History of gomery was killed. He was offered Toronto and payment for his services and as County of York, compensation for his house, yielded substantial which was burned by a shell, but reference material the old highlander replied: “I take about Archibald nothing from the House of McLean. In 1817 Hanover.” Joan was also the sister Mr. McLean was of Andrew McPherson, the fur retained by the trader, my 4th great grandfather.

CONTINUED PAGE 22 22 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR THE JOURNEY OF THE MCPHERSON FAMILY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 calm had done so, and was defeated.) Getting no response, A clue at last! Arnold decided to attack. The attack began at 4:00 A.M. on New Want a n a series of correspondence Year’s Eve, December 31, 1775. Ipenned by Andrew McPher- Arnold divided his army into two son, was a reference to Archibald attack columns. He would lead piece of the McLean, his brother in law. From his own group, totalling 600 Andrew’s HBC biography, I found men, to attack the northern part the name of his father and his around the walled city, while a Olympic location. We had a match. I now second column, totalling 300 had a link that would allow me men led by Montgomery, would Dream? to conduct focussed research attack the southern part of the and lead me to the Battle of city. The two attack columns BY ROBERT MCDONALD Quebec and Sault aux Matelot. would meet at the tip of the St. Lawrence River and move into he 2010 Vancouver Olympic The Battle of Quebec the walled city itself. But the for- and Paralympic Games may tifications proved to be too seem far away, but before we he Battle of Quebec was an strong to take by force. Com- know it, it’ll be here. Now is T attempt on December 31, bined with a sudden snowstorm Tthe time for the Métis Nation to 1775, by American revolutionar- that began before dawn, the stand up and take hold of the ies to capture the Canadian City attack was doomed from the Olympic spirit. Opportunity of Quebec and enlist French- start. Montgomery’s column awaits. Canadian support for the revolu- advanced along the river coast- Whether you’re a contractor, tionary war. Benedict Arnold and line under the Cape Diamond trades-person, artist, dancer, Richard Montgomery were the Bastion where they came to a musician, or athlete, or are inter- two primary American com- blockhouse barricade at Prés-de- ested in getting involved as a vol- manders in the assault, which Ville (Sault aux Matelot) manned John MacPherson 400 acres in Milton Township. unteer in the 2010 Olympics/Para- failed. The battle was the climax by about 30 Canadian militia. lympics, it’s a chance of a lifetime. of the American invasion of Opening fire, Montgomery was The aim of the Vancouver Canada, and put an end to any killed by the first volley and Olympic Committee is to encour- hopes of French Canada rising in about a dozen more were also age as much Aboriginal involve- rebellion with the Americans. killed or injured. Unable to fire ment as possible in building, Two expeditions were back with their muskets useless organizing, coordinating and par- launched toward Quebec. in the snowstorm, the Ameri- ticipating in the Olympics and Brigadier General Montgomery cans retreated along the river- Paralympics. But you don’t have came up via Lake Champlain; bank. (Wikipedia free ency- to live in British Columbia to get General Benedict Arnold took clopaedia) involved. Entire communities his armies through the back On a website dedicated to across the Métis Nation can take country of Maine. Meanwhile, Murdoch McKenzie, I found a part in carrying the Olympic/Para- General Washington manoeu- list of defenders who were given lympic torch. vred his armies to block the land for their participation in the Although the specific route is British from sending reinforce- defence of Quebec in 1775. On yet to be determined, it is hoped ments north. In late October, the list of Lower Canada Land the torch run will pass through 1775, the American forces came Papers I found that John many parts of the Métis Nation. within view of the City of Que- McPherson was given 400 acres Francois Nault and Elizabeth McPherson in 1856. Whether it is Batoche in bec. In November, 1775, Arnold of land in Milton, Quebec. I also Saskatchewan or the Red River took his forces across the St. found the name of a book by region in Manitoba, the Olympic Lawrence River onto the Plains Honorius Provost titled one daughter living in the mar- gomery was killed with his aid, committee will be putting out a of Abraham, where he sum- ‘Recensement des Premiers ket, upper town. We also find Capt John McPherson. There notice that the torch is coming moned the city’s garrison to Anglo Canadiens a Quèbec en James McPherson, age 64. Of were McPhersons with the and even you may be able to carry come out and fight. (During the 1775’. In the book, we find John note, at the 1775 battle of Que- British defenders and the Ameri- the flame. Seven Years’ War, Gen. Mont- McPherson, age 30, his wife and bec, at Sault aux Matelot, Mont- cans. The goals of the torch run are to unite Canadians and instill History of Toronto and County of York Murdoch McKenzie pride and self-esteem while pro- www.historyoftoronto.ca/history/bios/torMc.html http://pimck.com/genealogie/Histoire%20Murdoch/index.htm moting individual achievement along with inclusiveness. Add to that an opportunity to highlight Métis historic sites, history and Our McPherson Ancestors: culture on the international stage. It’s anticipated the torch will JAMES MCPHERSON the NWC in 1803 and was in sev- father, Francois Basil Nault, was a McPherson (nee Cameron) and arrive somewhere in northern ••• eral locations. In 1821, He was voyageur, as was his grandfather, one daughter. He was granted Canada in November, 2009, and James McPherson was born in posted to the Temiskaming Dis- Jean-Baptiste Plante. The first 400 acres of land in Milton Town- travel thousands of kilometers 1712. I found minimal informa- trict as clerk, and then clerk in voyageur record I found for him ship, close to Three Rivers, Que- before reaching its final destina- tion on James himself, but I do charge. In 1837/38 he was dates back to 1810, for Forsyth bec. In Andrew McPherson’s HBC tion in Vancouver to spark the have information on his family granted a leave of absence and Richardson. Elizabeth and Fran- biography, John is listed as a beginning of the 2010 Olympic around that period. He is the on his return to service, was sent cois had 13 children. ‘Tavern Keeper of Three Rivers’. and Paralympic Winter Games. brother of Even MacPherson of to Fort Alexander, in the Lac La Andrew’s son, George He had a total of 12 children Each torch bearer will carry the Cluny, 12th Chief of the MacPher- Pluie District. He was posted as a McPherson, also took part in the who were all baptized at the St. torch on average about 350 son Clan and first cousin of Don- clerk in Cumberland House fur trade. He married Isabella James Church, Three Rivers, meters. That means the torch will ald the Gentle Lochiel Cameron, Saskatchewan in 1840/42 then Okwikimighiwa, a half-breed Quebec. be passed along to thousands of 19th Chief of Clan Cameron and retired to Canada in 1843. born abound 1810. According to Of John and Mary’s children, torch bearers from coast to coast MacDonald of Keppoch. He is Andrew married Marie Pinesi his Hudson’s Bay records he was I know that three, possibly four, to coast. Whether it be elders, the cousin of Dr. Archibald Okijikokwe Ikwessens. Family at Temiscamingue from 1831 to were involved in the fur trade: youth, local heroes or past Cameron, brother to Donald and history reports that Marie’s 1836 as interpreter; in Albany as Andrew, Joan, Elisabeth and pos- Olympians, it is up to each com- the last person executed at father was not in favour of the interpreter from 1837 to 1843, sibly Robert (I still need to con- munity to determine who will Tyburn, June 7th, 1753 for high marriage, so Andrew had two and in charge at Osnaburgh firm whether Robert was a son, receive the honour, and each treason, in regard to the Jacobite voyageurs kidnap her in the mid- from 1843 to 1851. From 1851 to or grandson, of John). Joan community is being encouraged Revolt of 1745. He was also dle of the night. Andrew and 1856 he was postmaster at McPherson was the wife of to come up with unique ways to brother-in-law, to Janet Fraser, Marie had at least six children, Osnaburgh, Albany; retired to Archibald McLean, barrister, who carry the flame. This could mean daughter of Simon Fraser, the including George McPherson the Red River Settlement from took evidence for the North beginning the day with a sunrise 11th Lord Lovat, impeached for who married into the Morris- 1856 to 1858; was postmaster at West Company in regard to the ceremony or carrying the flame high treason and executed in seau family. Andrew died on Rat Portage, Lac La Pluie in 1858 Battle of Seven Oaks. Elizabeth by Red River cart. 1747, for his part in the Jacobite August 16th, 1847. and 1859, then was the clerk at McPherson married John Sayer, Check out the following web Revolt. Andrew’s daughter Elizabeth, Rat Portage, Lac La Pluie from wintering partner in the North sites for further information on married Francois Nault, in Mon- 1859 to 1871. West Company, on October 22, how you can get involved in the ANDREW MCPHERSON treal in 1838. Francois was a 1806. Andrew McPherson, Olympic Dream. ••• voyageur and met Elisabeth JOHN MCPHERSON voyageur and clerk for both the Andrew McPherson was born while bringing her to Cornwall ••• NWC and the HBC after 1821. RVobertANCOUVER McDonald OLYMPIC is theLINKS: Direc- November 30th, 1783, in Three for her schooling. At the time of John McPherson was born Robert McPherson from Three torwww.2010legaciesnow.com/content/home.asp of Media Relations at the Rivers, QC. He was one of John their wedding, they had three 1745/46. In 1775, he resided in Rivers, voyageur 1818, wintered Métis Nationalwww.vancouver2010.com Council. and Mary McPherson’s 12 chil- living children. Francois comes Quebec City, in the market, three years in the North West for www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/welcome dren. He started his service with from a line of voyageurs. His upper town, with his wife Mary Mctavish, Mcgillivray & Co. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 23

Hear these great artists and much more traditional and contemporary Métis music on-line 24/7 on Métis Radio ABORIGINAL PEOPLES SURVEY Don’t be surprised if Stats Canada gives you a call asking you to participate in a survey of Canada’s Métis, First Nations and Inuit populations.

he Aboriginal Peoples Survey certainly none that could be scientif- tions of Canada’s Aboriginal peo- sus, from persons who said on the naire that would allow people to (APS) was first conducted by ically compared with data on First ples. Over half of the questions in long-form census questionnaire identify as Métis, First Nations or T Statistics Canada in 1991, but Nations, Inuit, or the general popu- the Métis Supplement are health- (received by one in five Canadian Inuit. That way, we would all have a ten years passed before another was lation for that matter. In the post- related. There are also questions on households) that they were Aborigi- chance to be part of these surveys, undertaken. The 2001 APS intro- Kelowna environment, attention is family background, and on experi- nal or that they have Aboriginal while at the same time reducing the duced for the first time a supplement increasingly turning to developing ence with child welfare systems and ancestry. Consequently, if you did risk of respondent burden on the specifically targeted to gathering viable and reliable indicators of what residential schools. In all, the adult receive the long form census ques- 20% who do receive the long form. information on Métis, designed by progress is being made to improve APS questionnaire is about 50 min- tionnaire, the chances are very high Statistics Canada is examining this Métis organizations. Another APS will living conditions of each of the Abo- utes long, including the Métis Sup- that you will be among respondents issue and promises to introduce be conducted in 2006, which again riginal peoples of Canada, including plement. A separate 30-minute selected to be in the APS samples. changes to census forms in time for will include a 25-minute question- Métis people. The 2006 APS will Children’s Survey, for children 6 to However, if you received only the the 2011 Census. naire specifically for Métis. Data col- provide critical information that 14 years of age, will take place at the short census questionnaire on Cen- In the meantime, those who lection was set to start in October, Aboriginal leaders, governments and same time, while a major Survey of sus Day in May 2006, then you def- receive a call from Statistics Canada with interviews to be conducted others will use to inform policy and Aboriginal Children 0-5 years of age initely will not be part of the sample to answer these surveys have a spe- over the phone. program decisions in the coming is being launched in 2006 alongside and the APS will pass you by. cial responsibility. Your responses Although some people believe years. the APS. The Métis National Council has will provide the basis for the devel- that we have been researched to While the census provides a What are your chances of partic- for many years been calling on Sta- opment of statistics on the entire death, this is in fact not the case. wealth of information on socio-eco- ipating in one or the other of these tistics Canada to include a question Métis population, and for that, the There are only two major sources nomic conditions, such as income, surveys? Well, it depends. Both APS on the short form census question- Nation thanks you. of statistics on Métis in Canada: the employment and household and surveys—adults and children—and Canadian Census and the APS. Until family structure, the APS asks ques- the Aboriginal Children’s Survey, are Check out the following web sites for more information: the APS came along, there was vir- tions that were not asked in the cen- what is known as “post-censal” sur- www.statcan.ca/english/Dli/Data/Ftp/aps.htm tually no information on Métis health sus, concentrating on exploring edu- veys. This means that they draw www.statcan.ca/start.html or living conditions in Canada, and cational, linguistic and health condi- their samples from the 2006 Cen- www.metisnation.ca MNO TRAINING INITIATIVES SUCCESS STORIES: A great Aboriginal Day by shores of COOKING Georgian Bay BY GAIL LEBLANC (medium hot) BY TRACY BALD Salsa 1/2 CUP OF VINEGAR he Georgian Bay Métis Coun- 2 FINELY CHOPPED MEDIUM ONIONS cil hosted National Aborigi- 2 GARLIC CLOVES nal Day celebrations at Bay- field Park in Penetan- 1 FINELY CHOPPED RED PEPPER T 1 FINELY CHOPPED GREEN PEPPER guishene. Approximately 200 people took part playing the 1 (28 FL. OZ) CAN DICED TOMATOES games, enjoying the barbeque 2 TBSP. SUGAR and music, and participating in beading demonstrations and 1 TSP SALT craft workshops. Many thanks 1 TSP PAPRIKA go out to those who made the 1 TSP CORIANDER day possible: Georgian Bay Métis 1 TSP. CHILI POWDER BIG WHEELS, BIG DREAMS Council members; Town of 1 TSP OREGANO Penetanguishene; Heritage CAN OZ TOMATO PASTE BY LINDA BENSLER tance from the TMCC and MNO- construction industry, should Canada; Penetang IGA; Penetan- 1 (5 ) Training Initiatives he was able to start with training that will lead to guishene Parks Staff; ELM Cater- 1 TSP VERY FINELY CHOPPED he Temiskaming Métis enroll with the 5th Wheel Train- employment and advancement ers; Burkvale Public School - HABANERO OR JALAPENO PEPPER Community Council (TMCC) ing Institute. opportunities. Grade 3 class; Georgian Manor - Use a blender to chop onions, T continuously assists our We would like to take this For program outlines, applica- seniors; Paul Ladouceur; Marg then the red and green peppers, community members in locating opportunity to say congratula- tion forms and prices, call the Raynor and all MNO program then the tomatoes. Empty into a funds for education and employ- tions to Jeremy Doonan. Jeremy Client Care Team toll free at 1- coordinators who participated; large cooking pot and add ment training programs. Jeremy graduated on June 23rd, 2006. 888-647-7202 or e-mail them at: Mary Mackie, AHBHC; Tracy Bald, remainder of ingredients. Over Doonan chose to pursue a career We wish you all the best Jeremy. [email protected]. AHWS; Anthony Sauvé, Sports and medium heat, cook for 45 min- in the transportation and con- Anyone interested in pursuing You can also visit their website Recreation; Louise Zoschke and utes; stir a few times. Fill steril- struction industry. With assis- a career in the transportation or at: www.5thwheeltraining.com. Michelle Foster-Millard, LTC. ized jars. Ready any time. Senator spreads the Métis word at Toronto police open house

– BY SENATOR GAIL LEBLANC – were ‘Ace’ the Blue Jays Mascot, shaping them into little puppies a miniature train village and offi- I wish to thank the Toronto Al-Ex the CNE Mascot, and ‘Offi- and hats for the children. cer promoting child safety Police and personally thank P.C. he 22 Division cer Patroll’ the Police Mascot. The The community had a chance around train tracks; an Aboriginal Michel LeBlanc for making this of the Toronto police exhibits included motorcy- to browse through the many booth offering a display plus event such a success and espe- Police and the cles, personal water-craft, bicy- kiosks such as: The Storefront hand-outs. I must say that my cially for having a Métis presence. T D22 Commu- cles, the K9 Unit and the RCMP Humber Inc. who give support booth with its many Aboriginal Feedback from those who nity Police Liaison horses. Tours of the station were services to seniors and the dis- articles was not overlooked. The attended indicated that they Committee cele- also available. abled; Child Find Ontario, where children enjoyed picking up the were very happy to see an Abo- brated police week The crowd was entertained by parents could finger print their colouring books and games, and riginal kiosk. On this note, I have on Saturday, May the George Kash Band while children and get information on having a look at the many native been asked to attend (and have 13th, 2006. Their enjoying barbecued burgers and how to bring safety to their chil- articles I had on display. I was accepted) again next year. motto is “Together we’re better: hot dogs. Face painters turned dren; The Gatehouse a safe even asked by several parents Please check the spring issue Working together for safer Com- the children into their favourite house for abused children (they and children to come to their of your Voyageur for the date, munities”. characters while clowns walked also assist police in their investi- school to do one of my Aborigi- place and time for this great This year the main attractions around blowing tiny balloons, gations); “Go Train-Safety Village” nal presentations. event. 24 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Residential Schools Agreement: Are You Eligible for Compensation?

– BY ANDREA STILL – In the meantime, the advance requesting that your school be added payment application process is well to the list. Send your request to: he Residential Schools Agree- underway. The deadline for applica- Residential Schools Settlement ment approved by the federal tions is December 31, 2006. Eligible Suite 3-505, 133 Weber St. North Cabinet in May, 2006, is mak- survivors who were alive on May 30, Waterloo, ON, N2J 3G9 ing its way through the rest of 2005, are entitled to a “Common theT approvals process. Nine provin- Experience Payment” of $10,000 to Important Information for will take place only after the courts Provide the name of the school cial and territorial courts must con- compensate for loss of language, cul- Métis Survivors: It is important to have approved the agreement and it you believe should be added to the sider whether the settlement is fair, ture and family life. Eligible survivors note in order to be eligible for com- becomes final. list and reasons why you think it reasonable and adequate before it who were 65 years of age and older pensation a survivor’s school must The official list of schools included should be added. You do not need to can be finalized. Many survivors have on May 30, 2005, are able to apply appear on the list of approved in the agreement can be found at provide any documents or school objected to portions of the Agree- for $8,000 of this money in advance. schools. Notably, many schools www.residentialschoolssettlement.ca. records. Individuals and groups of ment, leading some of the courts to For an application form call the attended by Métis are not included If you do not see your school on survivors can request the addition of reserve decisions. The result is, it will Indian Residential Schools Canada on the list. There is, however, a the list, you can use the online form a school. If you have any questions be a few months before all the deci- toll free at 1-800-816-7293 or visit process to have your school added to request that your school be added about the addition of schools to the sions are released. their website: www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca. to the list. The addition of schools to the list. You can also write a letter list, call 1-866-879-4913.

SENATOR UPDATE: SENATOR SCOFIELD’S HECTIC SCHEDULE BY SENATOR EARL SCOFIELD us for coming and we were all glad we took the time to go. t was a good Assembly in the Then another surprise was that I THE traditional Métis country of got a shot on comrade Dumont’s Sault Sainte Marie. We had hot pool table; it was a nice unveiling I weather, wind and black sand. ceremony. JOURNEY OF All went well as far as I could see, The last day there we could with good workshops, especially attend church services or go to a for the young people. The Sena- pipe ceremony in Saskatoon at a THE tors and Elders had an excellent private home, and that’s where I SPIRIT STONE forum at the Water Tower chose to go. It was a traditional – BY SENATOR EARL SCOFIELD – Inn–two days of solid comfort learning experience, and sweet with many mermaids in the swim- music to my old ears to hear the he journey of my National Aboriginal Health Organization spirit stone ming pool. Elders speaking the Cree and began in Winnipeg, in March 2006, at an Elders’ conference to discuss There was a pretty good shut- Michif languages. Of course, the land and water. On the last day of our conference the eight Elders were tle service, good food, fruit, and time passed all too quickly and bottled water consumed by the soon it was time to fly home like each given a bright colourful stone, approximately one inch in diameter. T gallon due to the extremely hot a good pigeon. weather. On September 16th we had a Well, when I got home to picked up the story. He The voyageur games were community parade in the oldest Windsor I got out my bundle informed me he was going to tough work with lots of sweat, section of Windsor, called “the and smudged my stone, not Wales in May, 2006, to attend a Now step back but we all survived. The sandwich”. There were 52 organ- knowing at the time that the memorial at the crash site with voyageurs to St. Joe’s Island had a izations in the parade. The local Creator had a mission for that the Welsh people. 62 years in time, to great day, so they said, but Aboriginal people were repre- stone. They erected a small cairn, November 20th, 1944, needed a bigger pig to roast as sented by 32 people in native Now step back 62 years in made with the stones and rocks into a Wellington some did not get any. regalia, a big drum on the back of time, to November 20th, 1944, on Carreg Goch Mountain. After the AGA it was off to a pick-up truck and dancers on into a Wellington two-engine air- While I was invited to attend the two-engine aircraft Saskatoon for a conference spon- the street. There was a teepee set craft belonging to the Royal services, my legs not being too belonging to the sored by the National Aboriginal up in a park with vendors. Mary Canadian Air Force. During a good I decided not to go. He Royal Canadian Air Health Organization on the sub- Rose and I and some other peo- night cross-country training asked me to send some object to ject of land and water. Four staff ple were in a trailer pulled by a flight over Wales the plane be left at the monument. So I Force. workers kept us busy, and when pick-up, and the women were crashed into Carreg Goch- Black decided to send my stone. we had time, we were shuttled to busy throwing candy to the kids Mountain in Swansea Wales. A prayer was said over my Batoche to enjoy the music and watching the parade. The It was a cold stormy night; stone for the spirits of these six “The sacred spirit is one of jigging. While there, we were weather was good so we had the aircraft was icing up and the fallen eagles of Canada. I put the the oldest known symbols of treated to all the BC salmon we another good time. starboard engine was giving stone in a bubble envelope and personal power. It can give you could eat; the cooks and wait- After that I went to the NDP them trouble, so they radioed sent it to Mr. Cross in Montreal. personal vision and enlighten- resses took good care of us. Convention in Quebec City, for permission to descend There it was put into a small ment. Awaken your grouse med- There were many surprises which was opened by the Chief of below the clouds. In doing so basket by the Aboriginal women icine by meditating, and visualiz- while we were there. MNC Presi- the Wendat Nation. He smudged they ran into the mountains at at First Peoples’ House of McGill ing the spirit of energy sur- dent, Clem Chartier, had the in four directions and speaking full speed, exploding into a fiery University. They also sent small rounding you. emcee introduce me, so I had to both French and English wel- death. The Welsh people living pouches of tobacco and sweet “Dancing with spirit move- speak. We made our way to Duck comed the delegates to the down in the valley saw the glow grass and sage. Lynn Fletcher ments will also release this Lake to pay our respects to the Huron-Wendat Territory. Dressed of the fire on the mountain. All and her co worker fixed it up, power. Dance freely with drum- murdered RCMP officer and her in traditional fashion, he pre- six Canadian eagle airmen were proud and traditional. ming as your background relations. Her flag draped coffin sented Jack Layton with a small killed. Five of them came from Mr. Wes Cross took the bas- (music). This will open a new was in a big arena on the reserva- medicine bag. During two days of Quebec and one from New ket and contents to Wales to the flow of energy into your life. tion. We were eight Métis veter- convention the 40 Aboriginal del- Brunswick. The navigator, Jules mountain and hiked four miles Dancing in a circle is the act of ans in our legion outfits and egates elected two co-chairs for Rene Villeneuve, was my step to the monument. He explained creation.” Métis medals. Her family thanked the Aboriginal Commission. brother, a Metis warrior born to to the Welsh people what the So, I got my drum, with the Clara Marie Chartrand. spirit stone meant and the other grouse stone in my left hand, my A young Welshman, about 22 medicines. They were very inter- drum and my drum stick in the years old at the time, went up to ested and responded by sending right hand and drummed and the mountain the next day and me a stone, grey and flaky in the hobbled around in a circle. This found the wreckage spread over shape of a grouse. It is about two I will do as often as I can. My a large area. He picked up a inches long with a little head NAHO spirit stone has jour- piece of a wing and found a pic- sticking up. neyed to the mountain in Wales ture of an airman. I told the people in MontrÈal where it is at peace. Mr. Cross After 60 years he asked his what I thought the stone looked covered it up so no one would daughter if she could find out, like. The women at First Peo- take it away. who he was. She put the picture ples’ House told Mr. Wes Cross Chee Miigwetch to all who and info about the Wellington what the grouse meant. helped in this journey. aircraft M.F.509 on the web and “Grouse: personal power; self- the stories started coming in. teaching; intuition; enlighten- Editors Note: For more infor- A Mr. Wes Cross in MontrÈal, ment; grouse medicine is the mation search for Carreg Goch left to right: Manitoba fiddler Sierra Noble, Sentor Earl Scofield who works at McGill University, medicine of personal power. on-line. and his daughter Sandy Scofield. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 25 MNO TRAINING INITIATIVES -- INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING: Dental student brings healthy smiles to north

BY DANIEL CHARLAND munity. Before departure from unteer coordinator, we set up tions (with answers) on infant, Timmins the first glitch had shop in the life skills classroom. toddler, child and adult oral y adventure into north- become evident; our luggage was The day was not done yet; we set hygiene practices and technique. ern Ontario began the not going to make it onto the out to meet and plan with the In all we provided oral first weekend after com- plane with us, and we had to wait Healthy Babies program coordi- hygiene instruction to over 400 pleting my second year until Tuesday morning for the nator Corrina Cheechoo. First Nation children over a span in the DDS program at cargo plane to arrive with our On Tuesday morning our of two weeks. With the kind gen- theM Faculty of Dentistry, Univer- teaching supplies. On Monday coordinator brought in the first erosity of our sponsors (Dr. sity of Toronto. For months I had afternoon we got to know our group of six children. Over the Yarascavitch and Sinclair Dental), been planning this trip with the host, Principal Vince Dumond In all we next few days, groups of six ele- we were able to provide a tooth- help of my classmate Marc Yaras- and toured the community. provided oral hygiene mentary school aged students brush and toothpaste to every cavitch and contacts referred From a portable classroom at passed in and out of our class- student, as well as stickers and from the University of Toronto’s J.R. Nakogee School, we gave instruction to over room every 45 minutes. Our prizes to students in each ses- First Nations House; it was now presentations on oral health, 400 First Nation coordinator’s assistance made it sion. about to begin. including an interactive plaque feel like a miniature factory pro- I would like to thank the Métis We drove from Toronto to Tim- disclosing exercise and tooth children over a span ducing educated and diligent Nation of Ontario Training Initia- mins on Sunday June 4th, and on brushing instruction; the of two weeks. young toothbrushers! tives program for funding this Monday morning we took a flight youngest students also had a lit- We ended our visit to Con- invaluable experience. I am from Timmins to Attawapiskat, a tle arts and crafts session where We returned to Timmins on stance Lake with a parent educa- proud to have an active role in “flight-access-only” First Nation they decorated toothbrush June 11. The next morning we tion session at the local health educating children and promot- on the western banks of James shaped bookmarks and brushing drove four hours north-west to center. We provided booklets for ing oral health in under-serviced Bay. Our purpose was to give oral charts. Each class from junior our second First Nation destina- the parents and health centre communities in Ontario. I look hygiene education to the elemen- kindergarten to grade seven par- tion, Constance Lake. After meet- operators outlining important forward to the continuing suc- tary school children of the com- ticipated. ing Principal Leo Grzela and a vol- facts and frequently asked ques- cess of this preventive program.

SENATORS’ SPOTLIGHT:

Women’s Issues in Ontario.) Audrey is advisor to the portfolio Leading our holder of the WSMNO. Temiskaming Senator, Ernie Levallee, reports that after only 15 minutes of hunting he hearts down bagged a 394 lb. moose, just five miles from home. Good shot Ernie! Windsor-Essex Senator, Earl a trail of Scofield has been his usual busy self. See page 24 for the details. Oshawa Council Senator, Claire Kearns, underwent major many joys surgery recently, but I am happy to report all went well and slowly but surely she is bouncing back. Keep well Claire! RETA Please remember in your GORDON prayers our warriors who are in PCMNO SENATOR war torn countries fighting for peace and democracy. May the SENATOR’S Creator send down his angels to protect them. SPOTLIGHT At this time I am in Florida, but please be assured, I am not ear Senators: As you not just sitting in corners rock- just resting by the pool. I still read this column ing away, rather they are rocking work a couple of hours a day by Mother Earth has moshums and cheechums. Te miskaming Métis Council Senator, Ernie Levallee, reports that phone, e-mail, fax, conference spread her white mantle This time I am happy to share after only 15 minutes of hunting he bagged a 394 lb. moose, just calls, letters, and long distance over the vast expanse of with you news that I have five miles from home. Good shot Ernie! calls. All of my contact informa- ourD Homeland. All of nature’s received from some of the Sena- tion is below. growth has lain down for the tors. Owen Sound Council Sena- I close with this prayer for long sleep. tor, Leora Wilson writes: are pleased to be part of this Aboriginal War Memorial and did you and your loved ones-for I seek your understanding for Owen Sound Council nomi- venture. the same on the 11th at the Christmas, the New Year and my inability to send you my nated Patsy Lou McArthur for a I congratulate all who partici- Cenotaph. The following week, many tomorrows. monthly newsletter for October heritage community recogni- pated in this task. I wish you Métis Week, was celebrated at May the Great Spirit watch and November. I have been so tion award and she was hon- well and may everyone who the same lodge and Senator Lois over you, granting you peace busy representing the MNO, trav- oured with that award. (See enters these premises be gave daily presentations on the and guiding your steps, and elling, and attending meetings page 5) We proudly presented it blessed. So much can be accom- Métis Nation. Her helper was leading your heart down a trail and conferences in Ottawa spon- to Patsy at our last council gen- plished by the dedication of peo- Ottawa Council Women’s Repre- of many joys. sored by various government eral meeting; Pat is with the ple such as these. sentative, Lynn Pantuso. departments that there simply Saugeen Council. The Owen The week of November 6th PCMNO Senator, Audrey was not enough time, so please Sound Council has moved to was Aboriginal Veterans Week. Vallee and her husband Alan had CONTACT: accept this column as my new headquarters. The space MNO Veterans’ President, Shaun a busy October. In a one week [email protected] newsletter. It seems as though was the basement of a church, Redmond, and I were invited to period they attended a trial in ph: 954-485-7464 October and November are then a daycare, then empty for speak on Métis veterans in North Bay; the Rendezvous in You may also call head office in always hectic times of the year in about five years. It was badly in Ishkatow Lodge, at Health Sturgeon Falls; and a few days Ottawa (1-800-263-4889) and government circles with many need of cleaning and painting, Canada. Shaun was the presen- later a reception held at Queen’s leave a message. I am in contact departments hosting events. which was accomplished by our ter and I offered the opening Park in Toronto, at the invitation with the office everyday and I Because Ottawa Council Senator dedicated council members and and closing prayers. On Novem- of Minister Pupatello (MPP Sandra will call you back. 4711 NW 44th St. Lois McCallum and I live in PCMNO Senator Rollie St.Germain ber 8th, Ottawa Council Senator, Pupatello is Minister of Eco- Ottawa–the seat of parliament- and his wife Jane. It is now a Lois McCallum, Shaun Redmond nomic Development and Trade Tamarac, Florida 33319 USA we are invited to participate in place to be proud of, and we and I placed wreathes at the Minister Responsible for many of these events. When I implemented the “Senators’ Spotlight” in the This is to remind hunters and gatherers of wood, or even flowers, that these gifts are part of the Voyageur it was not meant to be bounty given to us by the Creator, and when we take them, it should be with an offering of tobacco a column for Reta Gordon. What Tobacco and a prayer. Senator Reta Gordon offers this prayer as an example for Métis hunters: I wanted to showcase was what We give you thanks brother (deer, moose, etc.) for giving up your life in order to sustain ours. I the Senators were doing in their and a offer you this tobacco to honour your strength and speed. We thank the Great Spirit for creating communities. I would like MNO you--such a majestic animal. May your spirit soar forever in green pastures and peaceful woods. citizens to know that although prayer Miigwech. the Senators are Elders they are 26 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Following are some excerpts from an exchange of emails between SENATOR RETA GORDON and Region 7 Councillor, PAULINE SAULNIER. They were forwarded to me so that I might share them with readers of the Voyageur. Please note that anyone wishing to contribute to the Voyageur should contact me (Linda Lord). All of my contact information is always on page 2. — LL A FRIEND

left to right: Garden River Chief, Lyle Sayers, Perry Boyer, Presi- dent of the Sault Ste Marie Indian Friendship Centre, Curtis IN DEEDS Hopkins and Batchewana First Nation Chief, Dean Sayers. Hi Senator Reta: ...I live by aged him to continue his educa- he wants to do exactly. I trust he the simple rules that I need tion and to finish his grade 12 will figure it out. I look forward to say at least one nice thing through correspondence to seeing where his next step to each of my children per courses. I helped him achieve along the road will take him. TECH SKILLS day, and that I need to know his grade 12 while he worked I just love being around our as much about them as I do full time at McDonald’s restau- next generation—our youths— Partnership launches Aboriginal about my own boss. rant. Through many discussions, as they have so much knowl- If each parent took the time he decided to continue his edu- edge and talent it is unbeliev- Information Technology Centre to do such things I truly believe cation and has enrolled at able. today’s society and our future Seneca College in Brampton for There is another young What started as a dream for the development support to mem- would be in great hands. his first year. He makes me real woman who loves volunteering Aboriginal community in Sault bers of the local Aboriginal com- I personally have a bunch of proud! He has grown in many with me and my daughter Ashley Ste. Marie became a reality in munity. teenagers here at my house all ways as well; visits with his sister at events like the Rendezvous. October thanks to a $61,000 “This Centre will allow our the time and now have noticed and mother, and has even made This young woman lives with grant from the Ontario Trillium community members the oppor- that most of them are out work- strides with his stepfather. her father (mother abandoned Foundation (OTF). Through the tunity to develop and enhance ing to earn for colleges and After he left, I had a young her when she was a baby)....She partnership of Batchewana Band their technical skills which will higher education. I have my eld- woman move in who was home- came to find me through com- Industries, Garden River First lead on to technological career est son Ben going to college in less. She stayed here for the ing here to visit my daughter, Nation, and the Indian Friend- opportunities,” said Barb Beer, Kingston in his second year of summer and got cleaned up and has adopted me as her mom ship Centre, the Aboriginal Infor- Liaison Co-coordinator for the college and it really saddens me from the drugs. She has found as she loves the way I talk with mation Technology Centre will be Aboriginal Information Technol- that the active volunteer he was herself employment as a wait- her and am open to answering created. OTF volunteer, Perry ogy Centre. “It will improve in GBMC (working in the office, ress and has found love. She has any question she may have. She Boyer, was joined by Garden access to computer training cleaning offices, being a drum- moved in with her boyfriend for is a really talented artist. I asked River Chief, Lyle Sayers, opportunities from basic com- mer boy, volunteering at her to make me a portrait Batchewana First Nation Chief, puter skills, to more advanced many events, helping with of Louis Riel for Louis Riel Dean Sayers, and President of the computer certifications.” store inventory, etc) is not Day and she agreed to do Indian Friendship Centre, Curtis The partnership came possible in Kingston. He that for me. I tell her this Hopkins, to celebrate the good together in response to a feasibil- has tried to find out if he way I will always have news with the community. ity study that was conducted in could volunteer or help in something of hers when “Strengthening and expand- 2005. The study identified that anyway on the Voyageur she is a famous artist like ing support programs for urban there was a strong awareness in paper or do anything but I asked her to make me Van Gogh. She laughs and Aboriginal communities is part of the community about the impor- has not been successful. a portrait of Louis Riel tells me I am nuts to our government’s plan to achieve tance of computer skills for Senator Dora has her believe this, but I reassure the best possible outcomes for all employment and business devel- grandson Kyle LePage for Riel Day and she her that she can be anyone Ontarians,” said Orazietti. “This opment and strong community attending college in agreed. I tell her this way I will she wants to be as long as investment is a step towards support for the development of Toronto (he was also an she believes in herself. helping members of Aboriginal an Aboriginal Information Tech- active volunteer in the always have something of hers Well I suppose I have communities in Sault Ste. Marie nology Centre. same fashion) but now has when she is a famous artist like Van done enough story telling and area develop the skills they For more information on the no support system to for one day. I think that the need to make positive choices Centre and how to support the encourage continuation or Gogh. She laughs and tells seven grandfathers’ teach- and enjoy improved opportuni- program, please contact: to keep active within our me I am nuts to believe ing helps teach our youths ties.” Nation. the basics of how they With the help of the grant, the Barb Beer, Coordinator AITC I trust that something this, but I reassure her that she should treat us and vice partnership, lead by the Garden (Batchewana First Nation) should be done to keep versa. I read somewhere River First Nation, has been able our active youths involved can be anyone she wants to be as that any child who has to hire a general manager and Chris Folz, General Manager and supported because long as she believes in more than two uncles and start developing a business plan (Métis Nation of Ontario) they are important citizens aunties will never do to create the Aboriginal Informa- of our Nation. herself.” wrong. This has always tion Technology Centre. The aim ABORIGINAL INFORMATION Ben mentioned that he remained with me as I of the Centre will be to provide TECHNOLOGY CENTRE has been participating with think of my own youth computer training and business PH: 705-946-6300 ext. 287 the First Nations at St Lawrence the time being, knowing that if growing up and how I came College and that maybe we she needs someone to talk to from a small community and should consider being able to she can always call me or come everyone had a straight line to provide some sort of assistance for a visit. She now calls me my parents if I did wrong. I was Métis in conjunction with them.... “mom” and knows that she can lucky enough for my children to Anyhow, I started on one return if things don’t pan out. have the same opportunities. topic and ended up somewhere My first candidate was a There is much to be said for hav- Style totally different. young man who came to me ing elders as part of the My grandmother always used when he was 16 years old when extended family. — Pauline Lee Hillman is an to tell me that youths should his mother told him to get out. entrepreneur from always be doing something to He has learning difficulties and Calgary who designed keep them out of mischief and I is still attempting to finish his hank you for your won- and is selling Métis still believe in this today. grade 12. I have managed to derful story....You are a I am well known in this com- help him get involved with the T good story teller and the ties. The ties are munity for taking in stray Ontario Disability Support pro- story of your fantastic devotion handmade of good teenagers, who for one reason gram so he can have money for to ensuring that our youth do quality silk. or another lost the road on their food, rent and other things not fall by the wayside and that They are $50 each, or personal journeys. teenagers need. He will be fin- they turn out to be productive $40 each in orders of I have had great success with ishing his grade 12 this year and members of society and the this. I had a young man whose this is quite an accomplishment. pride of our Nation is inspiring. ten or more. father had passed away when he He goes and visits at his mothers Perhaps your story will inspire was 12. He lived with his some weekends to spend time others to put out their hand to If you are interested mother, sister and stepfather with his younger brother. I have help a youth in need or to contact Lee by email: who would abuse them verbally. taken time to teach him about ensure that an exemplary youth [email protected] This young man came to me at budgeting his money and mak- such as your son and Senator or by phone: the age of 17. He had dropped ing a few easy meals for himself. Dora’s grandson and Sharon’s 403-271-9024 out of high school and was not He has learned to do his laundry sons can lead others on the looking for anything except to and is planning on continuing paths you ladies have shown work to make money. I encour- his education, but not sure what them. — Reta Gordon FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 27

they wrote that it was cool to NEWS BITS: meet “a real live Métis voyageur”! A welcoming ceremony took A DAY FOR US place at noon when several digni- taries addressed the crowd. MOON RIVER MÉTIS CELEBRATE ABORIGINAL DAY Among them was Mr. David Lowe, Chief Parliamentary Assistant to – BY LOUISE GOULDING – The day was filled with Métis of this demonstration was when the Hon. Minister, Tony Clement. BC forges Accord culture and tradition. The 200 stu- Jim set off a trap or two and had A flag exchange took place with Métis Nation On June 21st, 2006, the Moon dents who attended our celebra- the students guessing what pelt between Mr. Lowe and the Moon VANCOUVER—The Métis Nation Rela- River Métis Council celebrated its tion were very enthusiastic and belonged to what animal. River Métis Council. A very large tionship Accord was signed recently by first ever National Aboriginal Day. participated fully in the many The students also very much cake was then cut and served. Tom Christensen, Minister of Aboriginal Celebrating with us were 200 stu- demonstrations during the day. enjoyed Scott Carpenter’s Métis Councilor Irene Peel made the Relations and Reconciliation, and Bruce dents, the public, and various dig- They were able to dance a jig with Culture exhibit. He too had them cake and had decorated it with a Dumont, President of Métis Nation of nitaries. fellow student and Métis jigger, guessing and playing with items Métis sash! British Columbia. ‘The Métis people have When I brought to council the Victoria Spiers who was accom- from years gone by. Ruth Ques- Every student went home at a significant role in the fabric of our idea of not only celebrating Abo- panied by amazing fiddle nelle did a demonstration on the end of the day with a gift bag province,’ Christensen said. ‘We are riginal Day for the first time but player Carl Tusz. Both Vic- traditional clothing of the full of goodies, including items building a relationship and working using it as a way to teach youth in toria and Carl were big Métis and another highlight such as a miniature Métis flag, toward closing the gap in quality of life the area about Métis culture, hits. The many students for the students was trying maple syrup sucker, stickers, pins, between Aboriginal people and other council, as always, jumped in with were also able to taste tra- on a capote. One of the etc. Each individual school also British Columbians.’ For more informa- much enthusiasm. ditional foods, such as best parts of the day, received a gift bag consisting of a tion: www.mpcbc.ca It didn’t take our Women’s smoked fish, maple according to the let- Métis flag, sash, information Representative, Verna Porter, long syrup, and fish chow- ters we received sheets, etc. before she had found the perfect der. The fish chow- from many students, Such a great day could not pos- Native musician brings place to hold our celebrations and der made by Lisa was spending time with sibly be so successful without the powwow ringtones to to eagerly submit our proposal to McCron was a big hit Chris McLeod and help of a dedicated council, their cellphones Heritage Canada for funding to with the kids. They learning all about devoted and very supportive WINNIPEG, MB—Tired of hearing that assist us in pulling this off. The enjoyed listening and Métis culture, includ- spouses and many volunteers. I same old “ring-ring” when you get a call day-long celebrating, teaching, watching trapper, Jim ing more games and would like to thank every one of on your cellphone? The sound of tradi- learning and plain old fun was Grisdale as he spoke of hands on learning. them for their help in making our tional native powwow music could soon held at Muskoka Heritage Place in trapping and its Chris, as many of first Aboriginal Day celebration signal your calls, thanks to a Manitoba Huntsville. Management at relationship to the you already know, such a huge success. A special musician. Michael Esquash Sr., frontman Muskoka Heritage Place was Métis. One of the stu- participated in the thank-you to Verna who did a and lead singer with Spirit Sands Singers, excited and very willing to assist dents’ favourite parts Canoe Expedition great job organizing and to her an aboriginal singing group, will be us in celebrating our heritage and and in one of the let- husband Doug who, well, just did offering the ringtones through his record they were instrumental in the suc- Jigging Champion ters we received a great job taking orders all day label, War Pony Records. “I think it’s cess of the day. Victoria Spiers from the students long! going to be something big. I think people are interested in having a different ring- tone – answering your phone in a NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY 2006 - SAULT STE. MARIE crowded place and having powwow music going,” he told CBC News. Full story: www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/ CELEBRATION & SOLIDARITY 06/08/powwow-ringtone.html – BY MICHELE DALE – the Métis Nation of Ontario; • our many talented performers would like to take this oppor- who provided a day of high tunity to formally thank you energy entertainment. I for your participation in, and for your valuable contribution to The success of Aboriginal Day our 2006 National Aboriginal Day in Sault Ste. Marie has demon- activities. You made this cultural strated the power of partnership event a true day of celebration. between our First Nations and As with any event, there are Métis communities; we came to Bison freed at Grass- always those special people that our meeting place and joined lands National Park we must thank. These include: together in a celebration and soli- VAL MARIE, SK—On a rolling stretch of darity for all cultures. At the same prairie grassland, a stone’s throw from • our honoured community time, we shared as individual nowhere, a circle that was broken more Elders and Senators; communities, our unique cultural than a century ago was reconnected • Kim Streich-Poser and Dree differences that are woven into recently with the release of 72 pure- Pauzé from the City of Sault the history and traditions of our blooded plains bison to the land where Ste. Marie; Métis Nation of Ontario citizen Michel Blais gives a trapping demonstration. land and our people. Marsi, their ancestors once flourished. The day • Bea Shawanda, our master of ekeepay-itootayan (thank you for was billed as a reconciliation of sorts - ceremonies; from the Friendship Centre; • Paula Beemer; coming)! returning the prairie to the way it was • Bernadette (Small Cook) • Jim Hopper and Jean-Marie • Patti Moreau, Liisa Lesage, Michele Dale is the Health Ser- before European settlers came and nearly Shawanda, Maheengun Allard from Miikana Partnership Colleen Walls, Louise Blais, Ann vices Coordinator in the Sault wiped out the mammoth beasts. “I know Shawanda and Liz Shawanda (division of Lucidia Studios); Tr udel, and Tammy Webb from Ste. Marie area. a lot of aboriginal people are feeling very good today knowing that mistah’ moost- oos is running again in this part of the country,” said Lyndon Tootoosis, a story- Ottawa’s Aboriginal police officers honoured teller from the Poundmaker First Nation. Mistah’ moostoos is Cree for big buffalo. – BY LOUISE LOGUE –

ix Aboriginal Ottawa police Xerox Aboriginal officers received Awards of Scholarship Program S Accomplishment from the TORONTO, ON—Established in 1994, Aboriginal community and D/C Xerox Canada’s Aboriginal Scholarship Sue O’Sullivan at a crime preven- Program was designed to assist the tion symposium held in Ottawa in advancement of Aboriginal Peoples’ par- April 2006. ticipation in an increasingly technologi- Constables Patricia Guerin, cally enriched workplace and the new Garth Faubert, Jaime Dunlop, digital economy. The program encourages James Ramsay, Patrick Lafreniere the development of information technol- and Sgt. Fredrick Vance were con- PHOTO: Elena Abel ogy skills and knowledge, thereby pro- gratulated for their volunteerism Bev Souliere, MNO; Allison Fisher and Carlie Chase of the Wabano Center for Aboriginal Health offered an Honour moting the use of hardware, software and ongoing mentorship of Song to the officers. From left to right: Deputy Chief of Police Sue O’Sullivan and Constables Patricia Guerin, Garth and new technologies to support the Abo- youth. Our Aboriginal officers Faubert, Jaime Dunlop and James Ramsay. Missing from picture: Cst. Patrick Lafreniere and Sgt. Fredrick Vance. riginal community’s economic aspira- were asked to continue in their tions with rewarding careers in the infor- efforts to promote healthy wellness. honoured with an Honour song The Ottawa Police Service her- mation age. Due to changing times, the lifestyles for all of our youth and These fine young Aboriginal by Métis Nation of Ontario alds itself as an ‘employer of scholarship program has evolved to now families. Additionally, they were officers are shining examples of employee Beverly Souliere who choice for all people’. The Métis recognize young business leaders too. encouraged to carry with pride the success that our Aboriginal was joined by Allison Fisher and Nation of Ontario is proud to sup- their Aboriginal heritage and cul- youth can have when they apply Carlie Chase of the Wabano Cen- port the Métis officers who have ture through the challenges of their efforts to reaching their ter for Aboriginal Health in successfully joined the ranks of ensuring community safety and goals. Our officers were further Ottawa. the Ottawa Police Service. 28 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2006 - SAULT STE. MARIE Hi-tech Métis Satellite high speed ABORIGINAL wireless Internet COMMUNITY hooks up delegates CAPITAL GRANTS at last year’s PROGRAM Annual Assembly in This program invests in the development of facilities that pro- vide Aboriginal community services and encourage business Sault Ste. Marie activity. These facilities foster healthy lifestyles and skills devel- opment, especially among Aboriginal children and youth. – BY NEIL TRUDEL – Eligible Applicants include First Nations, Abo- type of infrastructure project to a maximum of hen the 13th Annual Gen- riginal non-profit incorporated groups and $50,000 per project (not to exceed 75% of eral Assembly was to be Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Charter Commu- total eligible project costs). The program is held last summer at the W nities sponsored by that Secretariat. Eligible comprised of two components. Ojibway Tent and Trailer Park in Projects include those involving construction, The Ontario Native Community Infrastruc- Garden River near the city of l to r: Neil Trudel, volunteer MNO Region 4 webmaster; Senator acquisition, renovation and expansion of com- ture Projects component helps develop com- Sault Ste. Marie, the only option Brenda Powley and John Trudeau, Quattra SCS service technician. for internet would have been munity, friendship and small business centres, munity and friendship centres that contribute dial-up. But that contained a and feasibility studies leading to the develop- to a healthy social base in Aboriginal commu- problem in itself as the park has demonstration of the technology Ste Marie. The PUC Telecom a few ment of each. An eligible applicant community nities. These facilities provide essential com- only one phone line and one and services offered by Quattra years back made headline news can obtain one-time infrastructure funds for munity services and activities. public pay phone. To compound SCS; two, to allow the Historic when it announced that it had each of: Community/friendship centre Small The Native Small Business Centres compo- the problem, due to the location Sault Ste. Marie Council to dis- tested and would distribute high business centre to a maximum of $500,000 nent helps develop small business centres that of the park, there was no DSL burse the free internet signal for speed internet over the power (not to exceed 75% of the total eligible project support entrepreneurial activities and provide services, no Cablevision, and no general use and email by using lines to home users. costs). For remote, fly-in communities, a max- opportunities for business development in wireless coverage. wireless; three, to allow the local The wireless network, which imum of $650,000 will be considered on a Aboriginal communities. These facilities sup- A solution was found at Quat- news media in Sault Ste Marie to was also set up as a demonstra- case-by-case basis (within 75% max. cap). port early stage growth of small businesses by tra SCS Ltd., a company that spe- instantly upload their news cov- tion at the AGA for the MNO to con- An eligible applicant community can providing rental space, shared services and cializes in communications prod- erage of the AGA, and four, to per- sider for future AGA’s was experi- obtain funding for a feasibility study for each business counselling assistance. ucts and services in Sault Ste mit the MNO accounting depart- mental and utilized all low pow- Marie. A portable internet satel- ment to connect back to servers ered equipment that is readily TIM SIM lite system was installed at the in Ottawa. available. The wireless bridge 720 Bay St Toronto, ON M5G 2K1 park by John Trudeau, a service However, before the Internet towers that housed the equip- (416) 314-7217 [email protected] technician from Quattra. was used, and because security is ment used some home engineer- It was also interesting to note always an issue, the MNO IT ing ideas created by me as every- SHANNON CORMIER how quickly John set up the department helped out by con- thing had to be water proof. We Program and Development Officer, satellite dish on a portable stand, necting a SonicWall switch with even had some laptop users at Agente de programme et de developpement acquiring the direction and internal security features for pro- the store who were surprised Status of Women Canada – Northwestern Ontario Office height of the satellite in the sky tection that provided two feeds, that they could connect to wire- (807) 346-2903 by eye, and then confirming and one for council and the other for less at the big tent but with a www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/economy/grants.htm tweaking the direction slightly the MNO accounting department. weaker signal. However, one using a special measuring tool to The wireless network was also must remember that wireless is increase the signal. He con- divided into two areas with a “line of sight” and is hampered nected the dish to a satellite wireless hub being located at the easily by any obstruction, and modem and within five minutes park store and a wireless bridge without proper antennas dis- Ontario Métis Music the modem had acquired and link that re-transmitted the signal tance is reduced. configured itself to the internet a distance from the store over to Having satellite Internet and a signal from Xplornet Internet the big tent. It was nice to see wireless network at an AGA was a RAINBOW COUNTRY Services. John also plugged in his folks sitting around the store “first time event” for the MNO, but Métis musician, Larry Coad, laptop computer to confirm for using their laptops like an out- it wouldn’t have happened with- has produced a CD to promote us the internet signal was work- door internet cafè and others out the donated help and equip- “Rainbow Country”. Think of ing and was set for high speed online inside the big tent. ment from Quattra SCS, PUC Te l - it as a musical postcard. There use. The bridge link to the big tent com, Sault Ste. Marie Council, are four songs (Sudbury, Now that the internet was at was made possible by using wire- and the MNO. Everyone worked Espanola, Manitoulin, Area the park it would allow us to less bridges which were on loan together to provide a fun week Code 705) and a photo fold- achieve four main goals. Its main from Martin Wyant, General Man- for those at the AGA, or should I out. The CD sells for $9.95 purpose was to provide a free ager of the PUC Te l e com of Sault say fun Internet. with a portion of the pro- ceeds being donated to the Espanola Nursing Home. www.metismusic.com

MÉTIS FACES & PLACES - OWEN SOUND

Wikwemikong country singer, Al “Hardy” Peltier (left); Basil Johnston (middle), organizer and author of 16 books on native history and culture; award-winning Métis songwriter and pro- ducer, Larry Coad (right), celebrate Canada Day at the Kelso Beach bandshell in Owen Sound, ON. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 29

Thousands gather Indigenous to remember Maori queen

Tens of thousands of people News gathered at Taupini Mountian nearBrazil’s Hamilton, Arara New Indi-Zealand FROM AROUND ansas the underMaori Queen, threat Te of Atairangikaahu, was laid to rest THE WORLD onextinction August 21st, 2006. ASSEMBLED BY MARC ST.GERMAIN The 75 year old monarch’s Afuneral federal services prosecutor drew hasPacific orderedpolitical leaders, FUNAI, Maori the Brazilian and oth- government’sers peoples from Indian across affairs New department,Zealand and towere draw broadcast up a plan on totelevision recognise to anthe estimated land of a audi-group Inuit film opens Brazil’s Arara under ofence Arara of 450,000.Indians. Toronto Film Nukak return The prosecutorKingitanga or stated Maori that, threat of extinction to rainforest Remains ‘environmentalKing Movement crimes was started are in Festival of indigenous beingthe 1850s committed by indigenous daily’ on peo- the A federal prosecutor has Indians’ple on New land andZealand’s that ‘the north gov- Inuit filmmaker, Zacharias ordered FUNAI, the Brazilian The Colombian Government is Tasmanians ernment’sisland in hopes negligence of uniting is threat- differ- Kunuk’s latest cinematic cre- government’s Indian affairs returning the Nukak people to a returned to eningent Maori the Araragroups people and creating with a ation, The Journals of Knud Ras- department, to draw up a plan 20,000 hectare ‘safe haven’, homeland extinction’.leader who The would Indians have live similar in mussen, received the coveted to recognise the land of a group although that area is a fraction thestanding heart to of the the monarch Amazon ofin thea opening screening at the 2006 of Arara Indians. the size of their original reserve Two bundles of ashes, the cre- territorycolonizing called British. Cachoeira Today the Seca Toronto International Film Festi- The prosecutor stated that, and in a region not part of their mated remains of indigenous (DryMaori Rapids). King or Queen is still a val in September. “environmental crimes are traditional territory. The nomadic Tasmanians, were recently widelyFUNAI respected will incur position a daily of fine The film, shot on location in being committed daily” on the Nukak took refuge in nearby vil- returned to their traditional ter- ofconsiderable $4,700 (US) prestige, if it does although not the Canadian arctic with Inuit Indians’ land and that "the gov- lages last March when violence ritory. presentthey have a planno legal within powers. 30 days. It actors speaking in Inuktitut, is ernment’s negligence is threat- related to Colombia’s long-run- The remains have been held set in the 1920’s with Inuit soci- ening the Arara people with ning civil war chased them from at the British Museum in Lon- The Maori King Movement ety on the cusp of immense extinction ". The Indians live in their rainforest home. don since the 1830’s when change. It tells the tale of the the heart of the Amazon in a The Nukak were contacted they were taken to England by was started in the 1850s last great Igloolik shaman, Aua, territory called Cachoeira Seca for the first time in 1988. Since Tasmania’s British governor. by indigenous people on and his encounters and strug- (Dry Rapids). then coca farmers and paramili- Last year, the British Prime Min- New Zealand’s north gles with Danish scientists who FUNAI will incur a daily fine tary and guerilla groups have ister imposed a law that island have come to study his people. of $4,700 (US) if it does not encroached on their lands. The encouraged museums to repa- Zacharias Kunuk’s 2001 film present a plan within 30 days. It Nukak population has been cut triate Aboriginal human remains wasThe supposed Maori monarchto have drawn is Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, was supposed to have drawn in half since first contact. in their collections. upappointed plans to by demarcate leaders of the Maori also filmed in the arctic and up plans to demarcate the Roberto Meier, the United The Tasmanian Aboriginal Cachoeiragroups of the Seca Kingitanga. territory by acted by non-professionals in Cachoeira Seca territory by Nations High Commissioner for Centre (TAC), a social service JuneAlthough 2005. the ó positionSurvival Interna-is not Inuit language, won the Cam- June 2005. Refugees representative in provider and advocacy agency, tionalhereditary all Maori kings to era d’Or at the Cannes Film Source: Survival International Colombia has urged armed has been fighting for the return date have been descendants of Festival. groups to give indigenous people of Tasmanian ancestral remains the first, Potatau Te The Toronto Film Festival, a wide berth. “We have warned for decades. The TAC will con- Wherowhero. Before Te an annual event for over 30 repeatedly that indigenous tinue to try to persuade other Atairangikaahu’s funeral services years, has become one of the groups in Colombia are at risk of museums to return remains, her eldest son, Tuheitia Paki, premiere showcases of film in violence and even of extinction including skulls and skeletons was crowned as the latest the world. amid the ongoing conflict.” from their collections. Maori king. Reflections, Riel & Red River Women

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 Vicky said to my mother: ‘Come, the more earnestly, and besought place, and asked him to explain cousin Janet, you must get up Riel on her knees to give her to Major Boulton and the other bed when Mr. Bannatyne and my and go to Riel and save Major Major Boulton’s life. Riel stopped prisoners that after a meeting of mother’s cousin, Vicky MacVicar, Bolton’s life!’ She helped my Riel stopped his his pacing up and down, and rest- the council, which was about to arrived in Mr. Bannatyne’s cutter. mother to dress, and my father ing against the end of the table, be held, they would all be He had driven down from Fort went with her to Fort Garry. pacing up and down, covered his face with his hands. released. When Major Boulton Garry as fast as the horse would “They went into Riel’s council At last he said, ‘Mrs. Sutherland, was a freeman he came straight go. I wish I could tell you how chamber. Riel strode up and and resting against that alone has saved him. I give from Fort Garry to our house to fine a character Vicky MacVicar down the room and said, ‘No, the end of the table, you Boulton’s life!’ thank my mother. He told her was. She and Mr. Bannatyne had Mrs. Sutherland, Boulton must “With that Riel went out of the she was a very brave woman. No been pleading with Riel for the die at twelve o’clock! I hold him covered his face with room and went straight to Don- one can know the agony my life of Major Boulton, who was a accountable for the death of your his hands. At last he ald A. Smith, who had been using mother went through in those prisoner in Fort Garry with many son, the first bloodshed since the every argument and persuasion terrible days. Major Boulton others. He was condemned to be resistance to my government said, ‘Mrs. Suther- with him to save Major Boulton’s spoke the truth when he said she shot at noon that day. Miss began, and he must pay the life. After another interview with was a brave woman. She worked MacVicar said to Mr. Bannatyne penalty. A life for life! He is guilty land, that alone has Mr. Smith, Riel went to the prison hard helping my father to pre- that there was nothing left to do of the death of a man born on the saved him. I give you and told Archdeacon McLean, vent strife and the shedding of but get my mother, and so they soil of this country and he must who was with Major Boulton, that blood.” drove to our house post-haste. die for it!’ My mother pleaded all Boulton’s life!’ the execution would not take Bursary Awards for Métis Students Financial assistance is available for Métis students pursuing post-secondary education through the Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary Program for more information & regional office locations: 1-800-263-4889 or www.metisnation.org 30 FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

DR. SUZANNE ROCHON-BURNETT was a founding member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, the first Vice-Chair of the MNO and a board member of the Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission. She was named to the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. She was a member of the Canada Council and the Board of Directors of TVOntario. She was a recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award and was the first woman inducted into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame. She spent her lifetime promoting Aboriginal artists and was a fiercely proud Métis woman. Sadly, Suzanne passed away on April 2, 2006. The Métis Nation of Ontario is proud to name her as the first recipient of the Suzanne-Rochon Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding service to the Métis Nation. For more information: www.metisnation.org.

THE SUZANNE ROCHON-BURNETT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD was established to honour all volunteers in the Métis Nation of Ontario. One volunteer per year will be selected by a special group of panellists. That person will be named at each Annual General Assembly (AGA). The Volunteer of the Year will be featured in Métis Voyageur and on the MNO website and will have his or her name printed on all MNO promotional materials for the year between AGA.

PROCESS: A call for nominations will be off vote of those involved in the tie. In the • A member of the MNO Youth Council cho- made on Louis Riel Day (November 16th) event of a tie for the second time, those can- sen from among themselves each year. The deadline for nominations shall didates shall then each be named Volunteer of • The current Volunteer of the Year be April 2nd in each calendar year. All the Year. valid nominations shall then be for- CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES: Any MNO citi- warded to the Selection Panel for SELECTION PANEL: The Selection Panel zen may nominate a candidate by completing review. The panellists shall submit shall consist of 11 MNO Citizens in good stand- a nomination form by the deadline. Each can- their ballot of their top three choices ing and shall include: didate must consent to have his or her name to the MNO Chief Electoral Officer by May 2 in submitted. Candidates should exemplify the each year. The Chief Electoral Officer shall • The MNO President volunteer contributions made to the Métis compile a list of the top three candidates who • MNO Legal Counsel Nation and to their community in a way simi- obtained the most votes. In the event of a tie • A Senator chosen by the Senators from lar to the standards set by Suzanne Rochon- for the third place candidate, all candidates in amongst themselves at AGA Burnett. The candidates will have given gener- the tie shall be included in the list. The list • Four Community Council Presidents chosen ously of their time and effort. They will have shall then be circulated to the panellists who from amongst themselves at each AGA been strong advocates of the Métis Nation shall then complete their second ballot vote • The Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario and will have established an outstanding by June 2nd. The Chief Electoral Officer shall Cultural Commission (or the Vice-Chair in record of unselfish commitment to the cause compile the list of votes by candidate and for- the event that the Chair is named under of their efforts. They will be seen as caring ward to the President of the MNO, the name of another category) and giving individuals and someone to look up the person who obtained the most votes. In • A member of the MNO Women’s Secre- to. The candidates will have provided an the event of a tie, the panel shall hold a run- tariat (WSMNO) extended period of service as a volunteer.

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ROLE MODELS 2006 welve strong, accomplished and motivated youths May 2006. A new call will be made in January, 2007. Lead public images of Aboriginal Peoples; Facilitate availability T were named “Aboriginal Role Models” at an award Your Way! is hosted by the National Aboriginal Health of Aboriginal Role Models to Aboriginal youth and com- ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, on October 16, Organization and funded by Health Canada. The munities; Influence behaviours and attitudes of Aborigi- 2006. It was hosted by Her Excellency the Right Hon- National Aboriginal Role Model Program aims to: Pro- nal youth toward healthy lifestyles; and Foster Aboriginal- ourable Michaêlle Jean, Governor General of Canada.1 mote healthy lifestyles and self-esteem among Aboriginal inspired leadership. The nomination call for 2006/07 Role Models closed in Peoples; Strengthen Aboriginal identity; Create positive 1Although five of the twelve recipients were Métis, none was from Ontario

Alexander Angnaluak, 13, Alisa Blake, 28, is from Fort Shane Byrne, 21, is from the Alberta Eashappie-Pret- Chelsea Lavallèe is a 15- Terry Lyall, 30, is an Inuk is of Inuit and First Nations McPherson, NWT. She is of Innu community of Natuashish, tyshield is Assiniboine from year-old Métis from St. from Nain, Nunatsiavut, New- descent and is currently living in mixed ancestry including Newfoundland. He is currently Carry the Kettle First Nation, Ambroise, MB. She has been foundland. Terry has always Cold Lake First Nation, Gwich’in, Inuvialuit and Métis. the Recreation Assistant and Saskatchewan. She can speak involved with the St.Ambroise been involved in his commu- Alberta. He is involved in a Her inspiration is her son, coaches the local soccer team Nakoda. At 19 years old, she is Youth Steppers Square Dance nity. He volunteered with the variety of sports including vol- Austin. In 2005, Alisa received in his spare time. He has been a jingle dress dancer and was Program since 2003, perform- fire department, recreation leyball, basketball, track and the Aviation Career Develop- involved in numerous sports named “Senior Princess” of ing at many local and provincial department, Citizens on Patrol field and downhill skiing. He ment Bursary and completed and earned medals in judo, Carry the Kettle Pow Wow. events. She has honour roll program and Big Brothers Big especially enjoys science her first solo flight in Novem- volleyball and table tennis. He She is also an aspiring actress standings in her school studies Sisters. In 1999, he graduated classes and recently won first ber 2005. Alisa is enrolled in is eager to share his culture and and has appeared in such tele- since 2001. Earlier this year, from the RCMP Tr aining Acad- place at the Treaty Six Science the Professional Pilot Program Innu-aimun language with vision shows as Moccasin Flats she received the National emy and is currently an RCMP Fair. Alexander’s goal is to go to with Sky Wings Aviation Acad- other young people. His future and Corner Gas. Her future Métis Youth Role Model Award constable and a member of the post- secondary school for emy in Red Deer, AB. She goal is to compete on Canada’s goal is to become a teacher or in the “Young Métis Leaders” Musical Ride. He has worked environmental sciences. plans to return to her commu- National Men’s Volleyball marine biologist. category. Chelsea aspires to in several Labrador communi- nity and become a pilot. Team. become a veterinarian. ties. Terry lives in Ottawa, ON.

Daniel McKennitt, 23, is Aisa Pirti is a 19-year-old Megan Pizzo-Lyall is an 18- Derek Sanderson is a Métis Christine Smith,19, is a Caitlin Tolley, 15, is Algo- from the Ojibway community Inuk from Akulivik, Nunavik, in year-old Inuk from Taloyoak, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. At Métis from Wabowden, Mani- nquin from Kitigan Zibi First of Sandy Bay First Nation, northern Quebec. He lives an Nunavut. She has volunteered 17, he has found a way to bal- toba. In 2005, she received Nation, Quebec. She received Manitoba. He currently lives in active and healthy lifestyle. He on many youth committees ance his school work, a job and her Emergency Medical the Foundation for the Edmonton, Alberta, where he has been involved with the and now holds a position as participation on various sports Responders License for the Advancement of Aboriginal recently obtained his Bachelor Canadian Junior Rangers, vice-president on the National teams. He was recently local paramedics. She is an Youth bursary for her academic of Science degree from the learning traditional ways of sur- Inuit Youth Council. Megan has selected to play as the starting Emergency Services Intern achievements, where she University of Alberta. He is viving on the land. Aisa has also competed at the Arctic tight-end for his high school Attendant, recruiting youth into maintained an 82 per cent enrolled in the University of received 30 medals and five Winter Games in speed skating football team, the Kildonan the ambulance service. Since average for three years. She is Alberta’s Department of Medi- trophies for Inuit games in and on the women’s hockey Eastside Eagles. He also enjoys Christine was nine years old, currently a Secondary IV stu- cine, where he is studying to regional and circumpolar com- team as assistant captain. In playing baseball and hockey. she has dreamed of becoming dent at Kitigan Zibi School. become a physician. Daniel has petitions, such as the Arctic addition, she coached a girls’ Derek has maintained an 80 a regular member of the RCMP. Caitlin is involved in bantam worked for many organizations Winter Games. Aisa speaks soccer team that won the per cent average in his school This fall, she will be an auxiliary hockey and a rock and roll including as a youth advisor for three languages: Inuktitut, Eng- 2005-06 regional competition. studies since 2004. member of the RCMP, volun- band called, The House Band. the Urban Multipurpose Abo- lish and French. He is currently Megan is currently attending teering her time to accompany She speaks fluent Algonquin riginal Youth Centre with the attending post-secondary the Nunavut Sivuniksavut pro- regular members on patrol. and is a jingle dress dancer. Department of Heritage. school in Montreal. gram in Ottawa. FALL/W INTER 2006 • MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 31 Voyageur hits Central America

– BY LINDA LORD – Guide and interpreter, Mylin Samaniego and Chief WITH THANKS TO SENATOR GERRY BEDFORD Claudio Chami with Voyageur; young boy holds photos.

s one who loves to travel, I Dear Friends! words for you (it seemed to am always thrilled when the me that he can only write Voyageur manages to take a Thanks for the material you his name) so I will send the trip—the further and more sent and congratulations to short lines by mail. When Aexotic the place, the more thrilled Coral for the baby!!!! I am he saw the pictures he told I am. Our regular readers will glad the pictures were not me ‘I still keep this tabbaco recall that last January/February lost in their way on the leaves as a special gift!’ (2006) there was a story called mail...that happens some- I also had the chance to ‘Gifts of Friendship’, about Sena- times! I received the news- read the articles in the Voy- tor Gerry Bedford’s trip to Cen- paper May 10th and I keep ager and learn more about tral America. Gerry and his family the pictures you told me. the Métis Nation and how visited the Embera tribe who live The rest I gave them to well organized you are. in Panama. While there, Gerry Embera. (May 14th) They Now I understand your presented Chief Claudio Chami love to see their pictures interest with the culture with tobacco and other gifts. and even more their pic- and traditions of the native In chapter two of this story, tures on a news paper!!!! people. That’s why you feel now back in Canada, Senator Before I gave it to the Chief identified with the Bedford sent them a Voyageur. Claudio, I translated the Emberas...because of the In chapter three, the Embera, text into Spanish and wrote fight you also have to keep with the help of interpreter Mylin it in another sheet of paper so many beautiful traditions Samaniego, sent some pictures that they kept. I am sending alive!!! Amazing!!! Thanks back of them seeing themselves some pictures that I took once again for your atten- in the Voyageur and the follow- for you to see their surprise. tion and blessing always, ing letter. (I have not edited the Mr. Claudio asked the — Your friend, letter in any way.) PHOTO: Gerry Bedford young girl to write some Mylin

OBITUARY

Joseph Prevost 1913 - 2005

n Memory of Joseph Prevost who passed away Sep- tember 27th, 2005, at the age of 91. Mr. Prevost was the son of the late Bruno and Marie-Louise (St. Pierre) Prevost; beloved husband of Yvonne Seguin of Noeville; loving father of Ernestine (late Albert of TIoronto), Jacqueline Guerin of Noeville; Madeleine Ran- court (late Leopold) of Geralton; Raymond Prevost (late Juliette) (Cecile), Ovila Prevost, (Denise) of Hector Prevost (Pauline) all of Alban; Lucille Michaud (late Gerald) of Drummond NB, and Richard Prevost of Toronto. Predeceased by his brothers Lucien (late Aurore Beaulieu); Jules (late Lorenza); Pierre; Gerard; Aldege and by his sister Lucia (late Donat St. Pierre); Theodora (late Leodas St. Louis); Germaine (late Ovila Turgeon); Mari- anne and Padouvana. Mr Prevost is sadly missed by his 16 Grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren, pre- deceased by one great grandchild.

Joseph Prevost was born on These two shared eight won- November 5th, 1913, in derful children, many grand- Quebec. In 1920, when Joseph children and 67 love filled years was only seven years old, his of marriage. parents moved their family to In 1948, Joseph and his wife Ouellette, Ontario. At the age of bought a big farm near the vil- 12 Joseph was withdrawn from lage of Noeville. Joseph owned school to help with the farm a threshing machine which he chores. He was ploughing and used and loaned to many neigh- cutting wood for the stoves in bours. In 1950 he began to the winter, while his father and work for the Department of older brothers were gone to the Highways. lumber camps. Throughout his Joseph was also an expert labourious days Joseph fisher and hunter who loved remained devout to the church, being in the forest or on a lake. and was an altar boy for many Sadly, in 1959, he had to give up years. In 1928, when the con- his passion after a terrible acci- struction of St. David’s Church dent broke his legs, but even was complete, 15 year old this could not keep him away Joseph was asked to bring forth for long and soon he was back a sacred stone. It was a great fishing and hunting. Poem and painting by Métis artist, Timothy Mohan honour to carry this commemo- In 1967, Joseph moved to rative plaque during its bene- Alban to work in the sawmill as My Child...Sorry my child; it is hard to say good-bye. Sorry my child, I wish we had another chance. diction. a night watchman, where he In 1930, at the age of 17, worked until his retirement in Wishing I could take these teardrops. To give you my world, how I miss watching you dance. Joseph went to the Gogama 1978, at the age of 65. In 1983, To throw them back into the sky. And the pain I feel has opened my eyes to see. lumber camp. Eight years later, he moved to Noeville with his I know you are resting; so far away. That your soul is free; I know you’re an angel watching over me. on September 26, 1938, he mar- wife. There, until his death, Stretching your wings out; I wish you had stayed. I begin stretching my wings out, far into the night. ried his great love, Yvonne Joseph kept busy gardening, Living peacefully in another world; a different place. I know deep in my heart, everything will be all right. Seguin, daughter of Henri dit fishing and hunting. Wishing I could make everything all right, to guide you along The new day has begun and I know God has smiled on you. Laderoute and Eva Lafreniere. ••• your way. Sometimes I feel lost, living in this world without you. timothy mohan ©2006 by Tony Belcourt PRESIDENT Métis Nation of Ontario

ur citizens volunteer selflessly in our cause to provide thousands upon thou- sands of hours of service every year. Volunteers! OSome serve in elected positions on our Volunteerism is the backbone of the Métis Nation councils and boards at the provincial and community level; some volunteer for com- munity activities, such as Riel Day, fund-rais- Lisa Pigeau, OTTAWA ers, potluck dinners, or at our gatherings Lisa is the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Worker for the Ottawa Métis during the annual fall hunt.We are com- Community Council. Average Hours Volunteered per month: 60 pletely dependent on our citizens to volun- teer for the Long Term Care program and to Ottawa Community Council meetings, serve on our Training Initiatives’ committees isa was working as a mainstream preparing for traditional workshops, in order to provide these essential services home-based health services provider when a job posting for a providing emergency client services, or to our people.The staff at the MNO also vol- cooking traditional meals upon request. unteer their time, going above and beyond Long Term Care worker landed on Lher desk in 1999. That was a busy year "Since, the arrival of Lisa and her to assist the Métis Nation. for Lisa, as after an eight year search to dedication the Ottawa Métis Commu- Without this commitment we would not trace her Métis roots, she received her nity is growing. Two years ago I wasn't have been able to progress and realise the MNO Citizenship Card and was hired to even aware that there were a lot of accomplishments we are so proud of as a work in the MNO Health Branch. Métis in the Ottawa area; now I go to people.While much attention is paid to the Her dedication to her job is exem- functions and rights-based campaign we have been wag- plary, but Lisa only works for the MNO see so many ing to ensure our recognition, our volunteers from Monday to Friday from 8:30 A.M. faces," says have been quietly plugging away, ensuring to 4:30 P.M. What does she do with her one MNO that the organizational and service delivery time off? She volunteers for the Métis client. needs of our people are met.You are all to Nation! "I look at it as 'pay be applauded.We will do so at the AGA every Like many of the MNO's staff across it forward'," says year by highlighting one person who exem- Ontario, Lisa goes above and Lisa. "Most people are plifies the best of all of the qualities of our beyond the call of duty for the Métis only one step away volunteers.We will continue to praise and Nation. After leaving work you could from being in our value our volunteers -- Métis citizens to find Lisa delivering donated furniture or clients shoes." whom we are most grateful. clothes to clients in need, coordinating •••

More information about the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Jean Dorion, MIDLAND Award on page 30. Lisa is the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Worker for the Ottawa Métis Community Council. Average Hours Volunteered per month: 70

ean Dorian came to Midland to Toronto and of the Midland LTC Driving Team. the Métis Nation of even down to London for Another client said, “I live in the Ontario (MNO) when appointments. If it weren’t boon docks and Jean would come to Jshe was doing volun- for the MNO Program and my place weekly to check on me to teer work for other organ- the Volunteers I don’t make sure that I was doing ok. I don’t izations in the area when know what we would have know what I would do without the she heard that the MNO done”. These sentiments volunteers of MNO’s LTC Program”. As is needed drivers for their are common when talking normal with most volunteers of the clients. A perfect fit for a to clients of the MNO. MNO, family at times can be pushed to woman that loved to drive. Jean would do more for the sidelines. Jean’s daughter fondly Jean volunteered as a clients than just transport recalls, “at one point Mom was so driver for the Long Term Care (LTC) them to their appointments. Bingo busy we would jokingly make appoint- Program from 1999-2005 and was was a regular event for some of the ments so that we could see her”. invaluable to the clients of the MNO ladies, while even going grocery Sadly, Jean succumbed to health and to the program. shopping was another. If a client problems of her own in 2006; she will A client that knew Jean well recalls needed a ride to do something other be missed by all the people lucky “Jean came to be part of our life 10 than just see the doctor, Jean would enough to have met her. years ago when my husband had can- do this. Jean was always willing to JEAN DORIAN cer and we would have to travel from invest the time, as would any member 1936–AUG 2006 Richard Sarrazin, SUDBURY Richard serves as the President of the Sudbury Métis Community Council and is the MNO’s Captain of the Hunt in Region 5. Average Hours Volunteered per month: 160

ichard Sarrazin recalls his proudest time so I help them out,” says Richard. Ontario functions across the province, day was in 1999 w hen he found the Being the Captain of the Hunt for including Louis Riel Day in Toronto. link that proved his Métis ancestry Region 5, Richard is extremely busy as Richard says he is fortunate to be Rand was able to receive his Métis the fall hunting season approaches. pensioned off so he can use his time to Nation of Ontario Citizenship Card. Meeting with local Métis people over a focus on his duties of being Community Since then Richard has volunteered coffee to ensure that their forms are Council President. On average Richard tirelessly. He donated his time to dry- completed properly to obtain an MNO is at the Council Office three to four wall and paint the new office space, Harvesters Certificate, is a daily ritual days a week striving to strengthen the takes time to drive clients of MNO for Richard. Métis Nation. Always approachable and Long Term Care program to appoint- Richard is fondly known to those willing to help out, Richard is one of ments, he takes people on their within the MNO as the man who will many elected officials within the Métis errands and much more. “harvest on demand”, going out to har- Nation who selflessly devotes his time “They don’t have a vehicle but vest moose meat for the sick and eld- and energy to help our people. ••• need to get stuff done, I have the erly as well as for Métis Nation of Volunteer activity adds value to the Métis Nation

Volunteer activity adds VOLUNTEER POSITION # VOLS ESTIMATED SALARIES MNO Volunteers put in MNO PROGRAM / AREA # VOLS TOTAL HRS/YR value of $1.15 million to thousands of hours per MNO every year: Volunteer MÉTIS AWARDS COMMITTEE 17 $ 17,278.21 year: The MNO could not LONG TERM CARE 88 16,896 hours don’t show up on end- AGA COORDINATION CMTTEE 10 $ 41,925.52 function without its hun- AGA PLANNING COMMITTEE 10 2,080 CAPTAIN OF THE HUNT 9$ 50,155.20 CAPTAINS OF THE HUNT 9 1,800 of-year budgets but their dreds of dedicated vol- REG.APPROVAL COMMITTEE 21 $ 89,907.30 unteers.The Long Term PCMNO 14 3,472 value is indisputable. Using PCMNO MEMBERS 14 $123,872.28 Care program alone has COMMUNITY COUNCILS 174 13,920 the Volunteer Value Calculator TAFF OLUNTEER TAFF MNO S V 50 $165,330.00 the benefit of 88 individ- MNO S 50 9,600 LTC VOLUNTEERS 88 $290,712.58 REG.APPROVAL COMMITTEE 21 2,520 the total estimated salaries of uals giving their time to COMMUNITY COUNCILS 174 $387,866.88 MÉTIS AWARDS COMMITTEE 17 204 MNO’s volunteers would be make the Ontario Métis $1,157,047.97 a year. TOTAL 383 $1,157,047.97 community better. TOTAL VOLUNTEERS 383 50,492 hours/year