MÉTIS VOYAGEURISSUE NO. 65, SPRING 2011 Higher Education, Higher Aspirations
This looks to be an important year for moving Métis post-secondary education issues ahead
ith final exams upon us and students busily lin- ing up for summer jobs or graduation, the MNO WEducation and Training THERE IS NO staff is equally active. This looks FEDERAL OR to be an important year for mov- PROVINCIAL ing Métis post-secondary educa- tion issues ahead. It all started FUNDING FOR March 2-3 when the Ministry of MÉTIS STUDENTS. Training, Colleges and Universi- ties hosted the first Aboriginal Post-secondary Education Gath- ering with the theme “Learning from Each Other”. The event brought together over 400 partic- story he inspired those students ipants interested in talking about in attendance to continue work- post-secondary education and a ing towards achieving their aca- better place for Aboriginal stu- demic goals. dents. The event facilitated a dia- In addition to encouraging logue between participants re- meaningful dialogue between garding the barriers and possible participants, the event also pro- solutions Métis and other stu- vided a venue for releasing the dents encounter when transition- newly established Ontario Abo- ing to higher education. riginal Post-secondary Education Throughout the event the Framework Policy. This frame- Métis Nation of Ontario was well- work was created by the Ministry represented. President Gary Lip- of Training, Colleges and Univer- inski was a keynote speaker and sities in collaboration with Abo- eloquently discussed the obsta- riginal representatives, including cles faced by Métis students who MNO staff and community mem- want to attend post-secondary bers. The framework is intended schools. Raised in Fort Francis, to inform policy development Ontario, he shared his own jour- and program design within the ney to attend university which Ministry as well as “initiate and brought him from his small enhance meaningful partner- northern community to the ur- ships with Aboriginal leaders and ban centres of southern Ontario. communities”. President Lipin- President Lipinski currently holds ski, as well as other keynote degrees and certificates from speakers, made a point of chal- Lakehead University, Queen’s lenging the Ministry to commit University and the University of MNO President Gary Lipinski participates in a panel discussion during the closing Western Ontario. In sharing his continued on page 26 of the Aboriginal Post-secondary Education Conference.
MÉTIS AGA 2011 MOCCASIN HOUSING COUNCILS The 18th Annual General CAMP The MNO Housing Assembly of the MNO will Branch assists low-income MNO Métis Community Métis citizens learn take places in Parry Sound homeowners to rehabilitate Councils’ news and about their heritage on August 20-22. their homes. events. and history.
40025265 Page 3 PAGE 15-21 Page 12 PAGE 36 Page 22 PAGE 4 & 22 Page 13 PAGE 6 2 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Announcements New Arrivals Anniversary Special Days THE MÉTIS VOYAGEUR SPRING 2011, NO. 65
editor Linda Lord
design & production Marc St.Germain
contributors Art Henry o bouquet of flowers or box of Amanda Desbiens Nchocolate could compare to the Barbaranne Wright sweet, wonderful Valentine’s gift Melissa Benny Michaud Pilon and Joey Charron (former Youth Bonny Cann representative for Region 3) received on “What more could Christmas Brian Cockburn Valentine’s Day. Their first child was we ask for?” Remembered Charmaine Langla¡is born. At approximately 5:30 P.M., Chris Paci Joseph Charron Jr. (the 4th) was born, Dan Nelles weighing in at 7lb and 2 ounces. Proud Congratulations to Bertha (nee Vasseur) Rollande Pilon of Sudbury created a Métis Dale Xilon parents are Nicole (Region 3, Employ- and James Tolles who celebrated their Christmas tree this past December. It was David I.M. Clark ment & Training Officer) and Joe Char- 57th wedding anniversary on February 20, decorated with feathers, corn cobs, cook- ron; the proud grandparents are Jim and 2011. I would like to acknowledge this ies, carrots, marshmallows and walnuts as Donn Fowler Cindy Pilon. milestone and congratulate them on having well as strings of cranberries and popcorn. Gary Lipinski a wonderful and loving marriage for 57 Red and white bows provided the final fes- Hank Rowlinson years. I would also like to add how blessed tive touch. Janice Landry we are as a family to have such role models Joanne Meyer and teachings that have shaped us into the Kathleen Lannigan adults we are. Lianne Dumais My daughter asked them what their se- Lisa Scott cret is for staying together for so long and Loma Rowlinson their response was, “We never had much, so Marilyn Hew loving each other and working hard to- Mike Fedyk gether is what gave us the strength and de- Natalie Lloyd termination to make our marriage work. We Pauline Saulnier have been very blessed with eight children, Raymond Tremblay over 20 grandchildren and great-grandchil- Reta Gordon dren. What more could we ask for?” Robynn Maluga Congratulations mom and dad, we love Rob Pilon eesa and Justin McCarville are proud you today and always. From Darlene (Don), Scott Carpenter Lto announce the birth of their daugh- Karen (Dave), Jim Jr. (Karen), John ongratulations to the family of Pauline Shelley Gonneville ter, Grace Lucy McCarville, born on (Claudette), Tom (Mary), Ben (Bonnie), C Saulnier, PCMNO Region 7 Councillor TerryLynn Longpre December 1, 2010, at 1:00 P.M. weighing Julie (Dino), Joyce (Mike) and your many and Volunteer of the Year 2010. Pauline is Tracey Dale 7lbs 15oz and 22 inches long. God bless grandchildren and great grandchildren. the proud grandmother of Jolene Paula Verna Porter our precious little gem. Proud grandpar- Joyce Tolles is the treasurer of the Credit Saulnier, born December 4th, 2010, and ents are Andy and Maureen Broder of Ot- River Métis Interim Council. weighing in at 8 lbs 8 oz. tawa and Debbie and Dave McCarville of contact Thunder Bay. Special thanks for the won- Linda Lord, editor derful care and support provided by San- RR1 Hartington, ON dra, Alex and Nathalie of the Community New Grad Nunavut-bound K0H 1W0 Mid-Wives of Thunder Bay. [email protected] Justin McCarville is in the Building By Chris Acton — Métis youth, Nicholas Tel: 613-374-2305 Systems Technical Advisor Internship Pro- Dubuc-Lavallee, recently graduated from the gram (BSTAIP) in Thunder Bay. Surface Diamond Drilling Assistant, Common If undeliverable return to: Core program which was specifically for Abo- Métis Nation of Ontario riginal people, held at Northern College in 500 Old St.Patrick St, Unit D Kirkland Lake. Nicholas is the son of Chris Ottawa, ON, K1N 9G4 Lavallee and Diane Dubuc; he is the nephew PH: 613-798-1488 of the late Senator Ernie Lavallee. [email protected] President of the Temiskaming Métis Coun- www.metisnation.org cil, Liliane Ethier, attended the graduation cer- emony and addressed the graduating class. The next Nicholas has been hired by Boart Longyear Voyageur deadline: Drilling and will begin his career in Nunavut. May 21st, 2011 Congratulations Nicholas, we are proud of you. Chris Acton is a Councillor for the President of the Temiskaming Métis PUBLICATION #: Temiskaming Métis Community Council and Council, Liliane Ethier and graduate PM 40025265 a Training Consultant at Northern College. Nicholas Dubuc-Lavallee.
lliott McPhearson Banville was E born on November 14th, 2010, and weighed 9 lbs. 6 oz. at birth. The parents MNO launches Direct are Derek and Allyson Banville. Elliott is a proud Métis and attended Toll-free Number for Registry his first Métis potluck (put on by the Os- hawa and Durham Region Métis Council As part of the continuing improvements to the Métis Nation of Ontario Registry, we now have [ODRMC]) with dad, mom, and grandma a dedicated Registry phone line. The number for the line is: on January 8th, 2011. I am quite sure that 1-855-798-1006 (toll free) or 613-798-1006 for local (Ottawa) calls at one point during the jigging Elliott kicked his foot out in an attempt to join The advantage of using this line is that calls are not routed through the MNO reception desk in. We are now on the lookout for a Métis but enter an automated system that enables callers to quickly and easily access the correct in- sash that will fit him. Thanks to ODRMC dividual to assist them. The automated system provides three options: for making our son’s first Métis experi- Line 2 Line 3 Line 4 ence a memorable one. Citizenship applications Genealogy inquiries Harvest applications – Derek and Allyson Banville or replacement card or Harvest cards Gores Landing, ON. In addition to improved access, calls to the Registry may now be monitored and recorded for training and quality assurance purposes. Spring 2011 3 Community Council News OSHAWA & DURHAM REGION | Another Successful Holiday Gathering! Métis fiddles & wild game
By Robert Pilon fast they could drum. The Olivine Bous- Oshawa & Durham Region Métis Council quet Métis Dancers, led by Trina Lavallee, danced better than ever, impressing the anuary 8th marked the Oshawa and crowd with their footwork. But the lead Durham Region Métis Council’s 6th entertainer of the night was award-win- Annual Holiday Gathering and ning JJ Lavallee who wowed the crowd Potluck with 300 people attending with great songs accompanied by his gui- J this important event. This year, we tar, and topping off the night with his moved to a new venue, Sinclair School in amazing fiddling--especially the Orange Whitby, with an auditorium big enough to Blossom Special, a rendition that I’m sure accommodate a growing number of par- none of us will forget! ticipants. The hall was decorated with As usual, the evening would not have Métis flags; we had some great displays been possible without a host of great vol- and vendors as well as our beautiful unteers. Everyone pitched in to make this painted teepee and Marcel Labelle’s birch- a success, and I want to sincerely thank bark canoe--all of which contributed to a each and every one of you. Additionally, a very festive atmosphere. big thank you to the donors who gener- As with past gatherings, there was a ously gave to our silent auction. Once wide array of delicious offerings: ranging again we were able to cover the costs of from those foods more familiar to us, to the entire event and continue this get-to- wonderful wild meats and delicacies and gether as something that everyone can af- traditional Métis fare like boulettes. People Joe Paquette and JJ Lavallee ford to attend--plus a lot of people went from all over the region as well as from home with great prizes! other councils and communities joined in late in 2010--braved the stage and played Alisha Blore and Bob Didier. Michael Overall the ODRMC is very proud that the feast to celebrate the season. two tunes: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Diotte entertained the crowd with his gui- we’ve been able to maintain and grow this Aside from the unlimited choices of and “Mary Had a Little Lamb”--not exactly tar and great voice, and the “All My Rela- great Métis event for our community. For great food, the evening included a full Métis music, but they’re just learning! tions” group drummed for the audience. six years this has been an occasion for fam- suite of entertainment. The Oshawa Fid- Young Rajan Anderson from the Grand John Samosi brought want-to-be drum- ilies to come together and celebrate our dlers--students who just started learning River Council area played the fiddle, as did mers on stage, testing them to see how rich culture and traditions.
NEW MÉTIS COUNCIL! MÉTIS COUNCIL RETURNS! MNO Council Charter signed in Atikokan
n Feb. 26, 2011, a Métis Na- The Charter Agreement was citizens, families and communi- Otion of Ontario (MNO) signed by Marlene Davidson, ties. The Métis citizens in the Community Charter signing cere- President of the Atikokan Coun- Atikokan area will be well served mony took place in Atikokan. The cil, and by MNO President, Gary by those who have stepped for- signing ceremony officially estab- Lipinski, and MNO Chair, France ward to advance issues important lished the Atikokan and Sur- Picotte. Around 50 people wit- to the community.” rounding Area Métis Council. nessed the ceremony. “We have Community councils operate “Métis citizens are the heart worked hard,” stated President in accordance with MNO Charter Back row, l to r: Robert Bird, Chair; Jason Foster, Councillor; and soul of the MNO,” explained Davidson, “to put this charter in Agreements, like the one signed Christine Skura, Youth Rep; Marilyn J. Hew, Secre- MNO President, Gary Lipinski, place and we are looking forward in Atikokan. These provide coun- tary/Treasurer. Front Row ,l to r: Gary Lipinski, President MNO; “and are represented at the local to using it to build an even cils with the mandate to govern, Janet Foster, Councillor; Alis Kennedy, Senator; Donna Grenier, level through MNO Charter Com- stronger Métis Nation Commu- while ensuring accountability, President; France Picotte, Chair MNO. munity Councils. The councils nity Council here in Atikokan.” transparency, and consistency. are the cornerstone of a strong “I congratulate the Atikokan The Charter Agreements along foundation for the MNO in its Métis Council for all their efforts with the “Community Code” and push toward its inherent right to and hard work in getting their “Community Electoral Code” are GTA Métis self-government. The local coun- Community Charter Agreement the governance and policy docu- cils are also an important com- signed,” commented President ments community councils refer By Marilyn Hew ness of their Métis background. munication hub for MNO and Lipinski. “The dedication that to when conducting council busi- Toronto York Region Métis Council Youth Rep, Christine Skura’s rich play a significant role in fostering brought us here today is a ness, and for ensuring accounta- heritage has been passed from community empowerment and demonstration of what can be bility through good fiscal man- fter several years of silence, her grandmother, Senator Olive development for Métis citizens achieved by working together to agement and governance. Athe Toronto and York Re- Tiedema. Councillor Janet (As- living within the geographic terri- advance Métis rights and improve gion Métis now have a voice and selin) Foster brings a rich knowl- tory of that council.” the social well-being of our Métis representation in Region 8. edge of Métis history. Her son, The new Toronto and York Re- Councillor Jason Foster con- gion Métis Council was elected tributes enthusiasm and dedica- on March 27, 2010.The council is tion to round out our council. made up of men and women We usually meet the second who are dedicated to helping Sunday of each month from 1:00- Métis in their region find their 3:00 P.M. at a recently acquired lo- voice and access resources that cation--the Community Room at are available to them through the 31 Division of the Toronto Police MNO and other agencies. Services. Located at 40 Norfinch The Council President, Donna Drive it is easily accessed from Grenier, has a lifelong history of the Toronto Transit Commission participation in Métis traditions and major roadways near its to call upon to serve Region 8. Finch Ave. and Hwy 400 site. Alis Kennedy is an experienced All Métis are invited to attend bilingual Senator and a veteran of our meetings! the Canadian Armed Forces. This elected council is dedi- Chairperson, Robert Bird, and cated to informing all Métis citi- Secretary/Treasurer, Marilyn Hew, zens of Toronto and York Region are enjoying a growing aware- and advocating on their behalf. left to right: Kristy Cameron; Lorraine Gauthier Stromberg; Todd Desaulniers; Blaine Davidson; Don Foy; MNO Chair, France Picotte; Council member, Brian Gouliquer; Atikokan Métis Council Presi- [email protected] dent, Marlene Davidson; MNO President, Gary Lipinski; Council members: Bruce Foy and Shawn You can leave a voice message by calling 647-933-1885. Veran, Federal Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay, John Rafferty. 4 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR
MÉTIS YOUTH SUCCESS Full circle success story at Ontario Power Generation
From Kathleen Lannigan valuable and advantageous. Just Employment & Training Coordinator prior to completion of his con- HAMILTON tract, he was encouraged to apply to OPG’s internal job postings. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Successful with his application to is justifiably proud of Jason Pre- a financial analyst position in tax- vost, a shy and remarkable young ation, he’s been in the role for Métis man who has already more than a year. At the depart- racked up a number of successes ment’s request and with OPG’s fi- in his fledgling career, with un- nancial assistance, Jason is con- doubtedly many more to come. tinuing his education by working In 2006, Jason was a recipient toward his Certified Management of OPG’s John Wesley Beaver Accountant designation. He Jamie Triskle Award, an award that fosters Na- wrote and passed the entrance tive entry into post-secondary exam in October 2010, and is well disciplines such as engineering on his way. Although his days are Métis Athlete and technology. The award rec- Jason Prevost busy, Jason still finds time to play ognizes Native engineer John on a baseball team in the summer Wesley Beaver’s contributions ing to know that what he and his and on a dart team in the winter. Wins Gold and is administered by OPG’s Na- department accomplish adds sig- tive Circle, a support and men- nificant value to OPG as a whole. Jamie Triskle, a young Métis cludes Kenora. toring network for Native em- He has used the opportunities woman from Kenora, recently Jamie, who suffers from cere- ployees. Every year, the award re- he’s been given at OPG as build- won the gold medal at the 2011 bral palsy, won gold in the Para cipient receives an education ing blocks, gaining him the busi- Ontario Federation of School Nordic Three kilometre free bursary and a limited edition ness experience to help build a I enjoy working in OPG’s Athletic Associations’ Nordic Ski- event at Ottawa's Nakkertok print by Native artist Rick Beaver successful career. Tax Department. I am able ing Championship. Cross-Country Ski Club. Her (John Wesley Beaver’s son). Upon graduation in 2008 from to use my knowledge and Jamie is a grade 12 student at time of 4:58 was almost two Jason is particularly proud of Laurentian University with a skills. The department has St. Thomas Aquinas High School minutes faster than her nearest this award because he feels that Bachelor of Commerce degree provided me the opportu- in Kenora and is part of the competitor. She was among 11 Jack Beaver, a WWII fighter pilot and a Bachelor of Arts degree in nity and support to further Métis community in that area. athletes from her school, and of Ojibway descent, who subse- Native Studies, Jason was hired as develop my skills and Jamie’s aunt, Sandy, is the Treas- among over 500 in total, to com- quently held many engineering a Human Resources Intern by the achieve my professional urer for the Kenora Métis Coun- pete in the championship. and management positions at Talent Management team at goals in pursuing my cil and one of her cousins is She is the first gold medalist OPG’s predecessor, Ontario Hy- Theresa Stenlund, the Regional OPG’s head office in Toronto, for CMA designation. in any para-athletic event for the dro, exemplified many of the per- a one-year contract. He hadn’t Councillor on the Provisional Ontario Federation of School sonal and professional qualities worked in an office environment Council of the Métis Nation of Athletic Associations and a great he admires. Jason finds it reward- before and the experience was Ontario for Region 1, which in- role model for young Métis. Spring 2011 5
Our Stories COMMUNTY COUNCIL NEWS
Once again we have a contemporary story that shows that the voyageur spirit is alive and well. Many of us Members of the Toronto and York Region Métis Council attend the Governance and Finance have been following the adventures of our Métis cy- Course earlier this year. clists who are on route to Costa Rica in an effort to raise environmental awareness and help make the earth a brighter shade of green. (See Voyageur 63, pages 11 and 27, www.pedalacrosstheamericas.com). Running Council We now have a Métis mountain climber who is climb- ing for Big Brothers. Here is what he has to say... Governance and finance course supports MNO Community Councils in their Leadership Roles
Scaling he Métis Nation of Ontario and Georgian Bay. of the Niagara Region Métis Coun- (MNO) benefits immensely The course is a two-day semi- cil, said: “I feel that the informa- T from the dedicated volun- nar, usually offered on weekends, tion that was given to us will en- Mt. Everest teers who are members of our in a hotel or meeting hall in each able us to manage council matters “chartered community councils”. council’s community. The course in a more efficient and proper These hard-working individuals explains where community coun- manner. It would have been great spend hundreds of hours build- cils fit into the MNO governance if we could have had more time. It for a cause ing and strengthening their Métis structure and their role as local was a lot to absorb in just two communities. government. The course covers days, but we have good written in- By Dan Nelles trek to help raise money for Starting in November 2010, everything from how to run effec- formation and now it is up to us the Sarnia-Lambton Big Broth- the MNO has been able to take ad- tive meetings and engage citizens to read more to gain better un- 'm preparing along with 40 ers. Each member of the team vantage of funding through the in council activities to budgeting derstanding as we put into prac- other participants for an is trying to raise a minimum of New Relationship Fund to de- and the various financial practices, tice the valuable information that expedition up Mount Ever- $5000 for the organization. velop and deliver a “Governance regulations and legislation that we have received.” est. The expedition will go For me, being raised by a and Finance Course” that helps community councils must follow. “This course is for all our com- I to the first base camp and single mother on a fixed in- community councils perform Participants felt the course was munity councils,” explained Glen it will take over two weeks as come, the Big Brother cause is their important work. Offered at very useful. Donna Grenier, the Lipinski, “so, if a council is inter- participants hike to an eleva- close to my heart. I understand no cost to MNO Community President of the Toronto and York ested, we hope they will contact tion of almost 5.4 km or 17,600 the importance of a positive Councils, the Governance and Fi- Region Métis Council stated: “The us. We would love to come to feet. After that, four of us will role model for young boys; it nance Course is delivered by Glen Toronto and York Region Métis their community!” climb another 2000 feet to Is- can make a real difference. Lipinski and Andy Lefebvre, the Council is new; without the guid- If your community council is land Peak, which will take an- This is the second such MNO’s Consultation and Commu- ance of the governance courses, interested in accessing this excel- other five days. This will be event being held by the local nity Relation Coordinators. To we would have stumbled on more lent resource, please contact: more technical with crampons Big Brother chapter. In Febru- date, courses have been offered rocks along the path on our jour- and ascenders. This climb will ary of 2008, an expedition of 23 in Atikokan, Toronto, Sudbury ney. The information we gained Glen Lipinski have a 50 degree snow covered people headed up Mount Kili- and Niagara and courses are has helped to make for more pro- [email protected] slope. There will be others in manjaro in Tanzania. The event scheduled soon for Peterbor- ductive council meetings.” Andy Lefebvre the group proceeding to at- was a success and each partici- ough, Grand River, Credit River Stephen Quesnelle, the President [email protected] tempt the summit of Everest pant raised around $7000 for which will take more than 60 Big Brothers. Besides being a days. major fundraiser for the Big ORAL HISTORY PROJECT Timmins Métis While the cost and time is Brothers it also sets a positive prohibitive to making a cam- message for the children they Council receives paign for the peak of Everest, mentor. we will be dealing with a lot of Trillium funds for tough conditions at the base renovations camp. One major difficulty we will encounter is operating in The Ontario Trillium Foundation an oxygen deprived environ- FOR ME, BEING recently announced a number of ment. It's like walking around grants in north-eastern Ontario. with a paper bag over your RAISED BY A One of the fortunate recipients head. Hikers will be dealing SINGLE MOTHER was the Métis Nation of Ontario- with other difficulties too. We ON A FIXED Timmins Council who will receive will need to purify all the water INCOME, THE $77,500 over one year to renovate we drink, change our diets to BIG BROTHER Moon River Needs You! the community centre by installing CAUSE IS CLOSE include yak meat and may be Do you have photos, memorabilia, cultural new windows, siding and insula- hiking in areas during the rainy TO MY HEART. tion in order to reduce energy con- season. Like all participants in practices and/or stories that relate to your sumption and create a more com- the expedition, we will be foot- family and the Métis way of life? fortable gathering place for mem- ing the cost of the expedition bers. Accessibility will also be en- ourselves. The trek will likely If so, please contact Louise munity-celebration video and hanced with the construction of an cost between $6000 and Goulding to express your inter- coffee table book that can be accessible washroom and the in- $7,000. Our personal expenses While organizers have high est in contributing to an upcom- used as a fundraiser for the stallation of a ramp and automatic could be quite a bit less if we hopes for the Everest trek and ing oral history research project council in the future. This study door opener at the main entrance. dealt with a different trekking its fundraising potential, every that the Moon River Métis is a follow-up to the written his- “The McGuinty Government in company. The organization journey has to start with a first Council is about to embark torical report completed in 2006 partnership with the Ontario Tril- that was chosen pays its step. It is for this reason that upon. Meetings and interviews titled, From the Straits of Mack- lium Foundation helps build porters and staff a fair wage participants in the climb are will be carried out with Métis inac to Georgian Bay: 300 healthy and vibrant communities and some of the money goes to looking for donations, both people from the historic Métis years of Métis history. across the province. The invest- building schools, hospitals and private and corporate. All the community of Penetanguishene Your involvement--however ments made through these com- orphanages in Nepal and monies raised through the and area starting in the spring big or small--is important and munity grants support local organ- Africa. You may have heard of it campaign will go directly to of 2011 to capture the history of would be greatly appreciated. izations working to enhance the before, it is called “Moving providing services for the Sar- the area on tape, video and in For more information and to ex- well-being of all Ontarians includ- Mountains Trust Fund”. nia-Lambton Big Brothers. Any- photos. press your interest in being in- ing children, youth, parents and While participants are pay- one interested in making a do- The final result will be an volved contact Louise Goulding seniors alike,” said Michael Chan, ing their own way up the nation to my climb can pledge oral history archive that is in- at: [email protected] or the Ontario Minister of Tourism mountain they are making the at www.EverestTrek.ca. tended to be made into a com- 705-746-4974. and Culture. 6 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR
NATIONAL NEWS FEDERAL RELATIONS MANITOBA Prime Minister opens dialogue with Métis Nation
sium (see page 7) to which he in- vited his provincial counterparts from the five western provinces, Supreme Métis Nation leaders and industry. President Chartier explained: Court to “the Métis Nation wants to bring the Symposium to the regional hear Métis n what has become an an- level to directly engage industry nual event, Prime Minister partners through round tables Land Claim I Stephen Harper has opened and trade shows. I believe the his door to National Aboriginal Métis Nation Protocol is an effec- leaders to discuss economic de- tive instrument which, for Canada he motion to file a velopment and other pressing and the Métis Nation, is yielding lengthy memorandum of matters. Métis National Council good dividends.” T argument and the appli- President, Clément Chartier, rep- The first regional round table cation for “leave of appeal” for resented the Métis Nation at this was organized for March, 2011, in the Manitoba Métis Federation year’s meeting held on Parliament Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Métis National Council Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. (MMF) land claims case was Hill on February 16th. President Clément Chartier. PHOTO: Jason Ransom, PMO photographer In addition to Métis Nation granted by the Supreme Court He told the Prime Minister, Economic Development projects, of Canada. “the Métis Nation Protocol signed institutions such as Métis capital President Chartier also touched In a brief statement MMF in 2008 set the foundation for a corporations offering small busi- on certain employment and train- President, David Chartrand solid relationship between the ness loans, venture capital corpo- ing matters, the outstanding said, “this case has gone on for Government of Canada and the rations and education and train- Métis residential school issue, decades and has cost the Fed- Métis Nation.” President Chartier ing centres including the Gabriel I BELIEVE THE MÉTIS struggles with Health Canada and eration millions of dollars, but added, “We are looking forward Dumont Institution. NATION PROTOCOL support for Métis veterans. we are finally at a historic to working with your Ministers Federal Interlocutor for Métis, IS AN EFFECTIVE Prime Minister Harper listened crossroad where our story of and we are open for business.” the Honourable John Duncan, INSTRUMENT closely to President Chartier's injustice will be heard by President Chartier indicated and the Minister responsible for WHICH, FOR words offering welcome com- Canada’s highest court, and that the Métis Nation has been Human Resource Development, CANADA AND ments that the Métis should not we are grateful for the oppor- fully engaged in the Federal the Honourable Diane Finley, also THE MÉTIS NATION, fall through the cracks. After Pres- tunity to present our case.” Framework for Aboriginal Eco- attended the meeting which IS YIELDING GOOD ident Chartier's discussion with MMF lawyer, Thomas nomic Development which fits lasted about an hour in the Prime DIVIDENDS. the Prime Minister, he came away Berger, went on to say, “This is into the Métis Nation business Minister's office. confident the infrastructure proj- welcome news. The Métis model. The model is based on In January, Minister Duncan ects raised during the last meet- claim is based on the promise solid, professional management hosted a very successful Métis ing with the Prime Minister will made in 1870 by John A. Mac- through economic development Economic Development Sympo- soon be announced. donald's government to the provisional government at Red River headed by Louis Riel. The promise was that the 7000 Support for Métis children of the Métis (a major- ity of Red River's population of Ruth 12,000 at the time) would re- infrastructure projects ceive 1.4 million acres of land in the new Province of Mani- Wagner toba. The MMF will argue that he Honourable John of Alberta plans to direct its $3.5 the federal government had a Duncan, Minister of In- million to the construction of a Violinmaker fiduciary obligation--a fiduciary T dian Affairs and Northern cultural interpretive and gather- obligation entrenched in the Development, on behalf of the ing centre at Métis Crossing. This Expert repairs Manitoba Act of 1870--to dis- Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minis- THE MÉTIS NATION historic site located northeast of to all stringed instruments tribute the land promptly and ter of Transport, Infrastructure HAS WAITED MORE Edmonton, is quickly becoming Bows rehaired fairly, so that the Métis and and Communities, announced THAN TWO YEARS one of Alberta’s top tourist at- their children would consti- March 25th that improvements to TO HEAR THESE tractions. tute a thriving community at the Métis Skills and Employment ANNOUNCEMENTS, Absent from today’s an- SO TODAY’S NEWS (705) 385-2585 the heart of the new province. Centre in Abbotsford, B.C. and IS VERY WELCOME nouncement is a third stimulus But the federal government the Métis Crossing Historic Site flagship proposal from the Mani- Bracebridge, Ontario was guilty of delay after delay, expansion near Smoky Lake, toba Métis Federation which aims so that none of the children re- Alta., will be a priority for funding to build a National Métis Museum ceived deeds to their land for consideration by the Govern- to be located in the heart of the • New & Used 10 years, some not for 15 and ment of Canada. projects that create jobs, stimu- Métis Nation, at the Forks in Win- Instruments some never did receive any The Government of Canada late the economy, and strengthen nipeg. • Bows land. In the meantime, a great will consider investing up to 50 our communities.” President Chartier said: “This • Strings • Cases influx of settlers had entered percent of their projects' total el- Métis National Council Presi- third stimulus project is impor- the province. By this time, the igible costs, to a maximum of dent, Clément Chartier, said: tant in that it will allow the Métis Métis had become a marginal- $1.45 million and $3.5 million, re- “The Métis Nation has waited Nation to capture and display our ized minority. The Manitoba spectively, conditional upon the more than two years to hear history, culture, and language, Government then passed a se- projects meeting federal eligibil- these announcements, so today’s and to show our pride. While the ries of laws, which the MMF ity requirements with respect to news is very welcome--especially project has not been announced will argue were unconstitu- the Building Canada Fund-Major for our Métis citizens in B.C. and at this time, we will continue to tional, designed to ensure the Infrastructure Component as Alberta. I am especially pleased pursue this cultural imperative. children's grants were ineffec- well as the signing of contribu- that Prime Minister Stephen Now that an election appears im- tive. The MMF will argue that tion agreements. The Métis Na- Harper kept his promise made minent, we hope the government the federal breach of fiduciary tions of British Columbia and Al- last month to ensure Métis do not and in particular its Métis candi- obligation and the province's berta must each demonstrate fall through the cracks.” dates, will be supportive as well series of statutes raise consti- that they have secured the funds The Métis Nation British Co- as the opposition parties.” tutional issues, and the MMF necessary to complete the proj- lumbia will be using the $1.45 Since the launch of the Eco- will argue that there is no ects. The total cost of the Métis million to improve its Métis Skills nomic Action Plan, Infrastructure statute of limitations on un- Skills and Employment Centre is and Employment Centre in Ab- Canada has committed over constitutional action by gov- estimated at $2.9 million, while botsford, B.C. This support will $10.75 billion dollars toward ernment.” the total cost of the Métis Cross- help to increase the number of more than 6,300 infrastructure The Manitoba Métis Federa- ing is estimated at $7 million. Métis who will be able to learn a projects. When combined with tion (MMF) is the official dem- “These projects are priorities trade and join the workforce. the contributions of funding part- ocratic and self-governing po- for the Métis Nations of British Currently, MNBC provides train- ners, there is approximately $31 litical representative for the Columbia and Alberta,” said Min- ing to more than 1,300 clients per billion dollars committed to infra- Métis Nation’s Manitoba Métis ister Duncan. “Our government year. structure projects across the www.wagnerviolinrepairs.com community. is proud to support infrastructure Meanwhile, the Métis Nation country. Spring 2011 7
NATIONAL NEWS
MÉTIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM ALBERTA Developing a long-term Métis economic strategy
étis participation in the Canadian economy re- Mceived further impetus with the Métis Economic Devel- Métis opment Symposium (MEDS), held the week of January 22, in launch Vancouver. Following two days of discussions involving Métis lead- Appeal in ers, the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Minister of Indian Af- fairs and Northern Development, Harvesting Aboriginal Affairs Ministers from the five western-most provinces, Rights Case and their senior officials, agree- ment was reached to establish a working group toward the devel- On December 21, 2010, Al- opment of a long term Métis eco- Front (l-r) Gary Lipinski, President of the MNO; Denise White, with the Métis Settlements General berta Métis filed an appeal in nomic development strategy. Council; John Duncan, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis the Alberta Court of Queen’s This strategy will consider ar- and Non-status Indians; Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council; Shelly Glover, Bench against a decision from eas such as: encouraging success- Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs; and Audrey Poitras, Pres- the Alberta Provincial Court ful and sustainable Métis entre- ident of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Back (l-r) Lori Sterling, Ontario Deputy Minister of Aboriginal rendered earlier that month, preneurship; ways to engage with Affairs; Barry Penner, B.C. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation; Bruce Dumont, Presi- which convicted Métis har- the private sector in economic de- dent of the Métis Nation of B.C.; David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation; vester Garry Hirsekorn for velopment; and participation in Ron Crowe, Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations; Vic Toews, Fed- hunting for food without a li- the workforce. The working eral Minister of Public Safety; Alan Morin, Vice-President of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. cense near the Cypress Hills in group will report back to the prin- southern Alberta. cipals in 2013. “Our ancestors were here Métis National Council Presi- engaging private industry.” preneurship among Métis ment and the Province of Mani- before Canada was Canada and dent, Clément Chartier says, The first Métis Economic De- women. Métis leaders are looking toba in a fund to be operated by Alberta was Alberta. Our peo- “We've reached the point in our velopment Symposium was held forward to forging long term part- the investment management arm ple cannot accept the trial discussions that we are now ready in Calgary in December, 2009, to nerships with industry as an inte- of the Manitoba Métis Federation. judge’s conclusion that every to take the Métis Economic De- discuss ways to promote Métis- gral part of the Métis Economic It's these kind of initiatives we other Aboriginal people on the velopment Strategy (MEDS) to specific economic development Development work-plan during need across the Métis Nation to prairies have constitutionally the next level. MEDS has been a initiatives at the policy and pro- the next two years. aid our Métis-owned businesses protected harvesting rights, great opportunity to exchange gram levels. MEDS 2 in Vancouver President Chartier adds: increase their participation in the but the Métis. We do not be- views and build good will with our reported on the progress made “Hearing the progress that has country's economy in areas such lieve this result honours the federal and provincial counter- since then on successful ap- been experienced across our as the resource and energy sec- promise of s. 35 of the Consti- parts. Now it's time to get down proaches to economic develop- Homeland is very encouraging-- tors. We are definitely on the tution Act, 1982, to our peo- to developing a long-term strat- ment and expanded discussions such as the recent $4 million in- move.” ple. That is why we are appeal- egy, and for this we are keen on to focus on strengthening entre- vestment by the federal govern- ing the lower court’s deci- sion,” said Métis Nation of Al- berta President, Audrey IN THE COURTS Poitras. Captains The appeal was filed in Corner Medicine Hat court by Métis Métis Settlements case by Ken Simard lawyers Jean Teillet and Jason Madden on behalf of convicted Métis harvester Garry reaches Supreme Court was very pleased to repre- Hirsekorn. The appeal claims I sent the MNO at the North that the trial judge “erred in n December 17, 2010, Canada took in the 20th century collective will of the people. West Fur Trappers Association law and made errors of mixed lawyers for the Métis Na- to recognize and protect a Métis The Métis Nation of Alberta 2011 Convention by having a fact and law, in his interpreta- tional Council and Métis land base and to provide a frame- also intervened. MNA lawyer, booth. My wife and I were able tion and application of the test Nation of Alberta went be- work for the implementation of Jean Teillet, argued that the statu- to collect data on Métis trap- for Métis harvesting rights set O fore the Supreme Court of Métis self-government as a part of tory appeal process ought to pers and fishers for the MNO out by the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa to intervene in the reconciliation process be- have been engaged prior to a re- Lands Resources and Consul- Canada in R. v. Powley, [2003] 2 Cunningham v. Alberta (Minister tween the Métis Nation and view of sections 75 and 90 by the tation Branch. S.C.R. 207 (the ‘Powley test’) of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Canada. courts. This misstep effectively There were trappers in at- to the appellant’s [Mr. Development). He further argued that the circumvented the internal self- tendance from the United Hirsekorn] claim of being a At issue was whether sections membership scheme in the MSA government process provided for States, southern Ontario, and member of a Métis community 75 and 90 of The Métis Settle- reflects a negotiated agreement in the legislation. north-western Ontario. that holds an Aboriginal right ments Act (MSA) breached the that appropriately provided for Teillet also argued that a “one- It was interesting watching to harvest for food.” Charter of Rights and Freedoms the Métis community to decide enrolment” policy (where a per- all the events from the Métis Mr. Hirsekorn’s lawyer, Ja- in prohibiting individuals, who issues of membership on the set- son cannot be registered under booth. Many people stopped son Madden, said, “We always voluntarily register under the In- tlements. Madden cautioned that two Aboriginal registries at one by to pick up the Métis knew this case raised unique dian Act from maintaining or ob- removal of this authority from the time) similarly forms the basis of Voyageur and to ask questions legal issues that would likely taining status as members on the Métis community could result in historic treaties, the Indian Act, about how they go about find- require appeal courts to con- Métis settlements. individual choice over-riding the Métis Nation registries and mod- ing their Métis roots. Our local sider how the Powley test The respondents (Cunning- ern land claim and self-govern- Healing and Wellness branch should be applied in a purpo- ham et al.) who had been re- ment agreements. Teillet submit- donated a few items with their sive when considering the mo- moved from the Métis settle- ted that the central issue in the logo on them to give out. bility of the Métis people on ments’ registry, pursuant to Sec- case is whether Aboriginal peo- the southern prairies. This ap- tion 90, were granted a ruling by THE MÉTIS SETTLE- ples and/or government can leg- peal will provide Alberta Métis the Alberta Court of Appeal that MENTS ARE THE islate or negotiate schemes that as well as the entire Métis Na- sections 75 and 90 of the MSA ONLY LEGISLATIVELY include a policy prohibiting mul- tion an opportunity to have were constitutionally invalid. RECOGNIZED MÉTIS tiple concurrent enrolments. The higher courts consider these The Métis National Council in- SELF-GOVERNMENT Métis Nation of Alberta urged the important legal questions.” tervened in the appeal. MNC ARRANGEMENT court not to seek a legal remedy The trial for purposive be- lawyer, Jason Madden, argued AND COLLECTIVELY- for the complex identity issue but gan in May, 2009. It included 42 that the Métis settlements are the HELD MÉTIS LAND rather grant a declaration, which days of trial with over 35 com- only legislatively recognized BASE THAT EXISTS prohibits removal from member- munity and expert witnesses Métis self-government arrange- IN CANADA SO FAR. ship for improper purposes un- from across Alberta and the ment and collectively-held Métis der section 90. Métis Nation. It represents the land base that exists in Canada so The Supreme Court of Canada largest Métis harvesting rights far. They represent the only con- reserved its decision. trial ever completed in Canada. crete step the Government of 8 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR In Memorium GEORGE MCGUIRE, 1925-2011 A founding elder of the MNO
eorge McGuire, age 85 forth to work. SENATOR GEORGE MCGUIRE things got done in the beginning years, passed away peace- After being a mailman for a PCMNO 1993-2002 of the MNO. There were nil to fully in Thunder Bay Re- short time, George worked for a very limited resources in the early gional Health Sciences local cleaning company before It is with great regret that we say days of MNO, so just getting a pro- G Centre on January 26, 2011. becoming President of the On- “goodbye” to Senator George posal prepared, signed by the George was born on July 17, tario Métis and Non-Status Indian McGuire, one of the founding eld- President in Ottawa then back to 1925, in Nipigon House on Lake Association for six years in the ers of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Thunder Bay for photo copying Nipigon where his father was a 1970s. He then worked for the Senator George McGuire was a and delivery on time was a major Factor for the Hudson's Bay Com- federal government in Human Re- tireless worker for the Métis accomplishment, but just consid- pany. He attended St. Joseph's sources as an Employment Coun- cause, and contributed im- ered routine to our founders, first Boarding School in Fort William. sellor until retirement in 1990. mensely to the advancement of citizens and early staff!” In January of 1942, George joined Following his retirement, George Métis rights in Ontario and across Former President, Tony Bel- the Canadian Army (Canadian became Program Manager for the Canada. His dedication to the court said: “My whole family was Forestry Corps) and in March of Native Employment Opportuni- Métis pre-dated the formation of always so proud to know George 1942 he left for England and then ties Program for three years. George McGuire the Métis Nation of Ontario and McGuire....We will always remem- transferred to the Canadian Ar- George was also one of the found- went back as far as the 1970s. In ber those days, the family gather- tillery in 1943. He served overseas ing members of the Métis Nation 1993, he played a pivotal role in ings at the annual assemblies at in the United Kingdom, France, of Ontario and was an MNO Sena- and grandson Mark Alanen on No- the early meetings that led to the White River, and the warmth and Belgium, Germany and Holland tor. vember 27, 1986 as well as his par- creation of the MNO and served friendship that George brought to before returning home in 1946. George's greatest joy was ents, brothers, sisters and numer- on the very first Provisional Coun- everyone.” Back in civilian life, George spending time with his great- ous nieces and nephews. cil of the MNO as a Senator and MNO President, Gary Lipinski, worked for mining companies in granddaughters. He is survived by Funeral services were held on Elder. He then went on to serve as remembers: “Senator George was exploration. Later, in Beardmore, his daughter Maureen (Matti) Ala- January 31, 2011, in the Everest a PCMNO Senator from 1994 to on the PCMNO when I first joined he worked for Brompton, St. nen; grandson Michael (Tammy); Funeral Chapel, with Fr. Richard 2002, and continued to serve after and I spent many years serving Lawrence and Domtar as a great-granddaughters Mikayla Kowalchuk officiating. Interment that as an “Honourary Senator”. with him. It was a wonderful “scaler” and eventually became and Taylor; son Lawrence. Numer- took place at Sunset Memorial Senator George was instru- pleasure when Senator George Senior Supervisor. It was while he ous nieces and nephews also sur- Gardens. mental in the development of the joined other Métis citizens and was in Beardmore that he met vive. Always an animal lover, he If friends so desire, in lieu of MNO Housing Branch. As Jean leaders from across Ontario at the and married the love of his life, will also be missed by his furry flowers, donations may be made McIsaac recalls: “He was racing to gala dinner during last year’s An- Lillian. They moved to Port Arthur friends Teddy, Charlie and Barney. in memory of George to the Cana- get the Proposal to the CMHC of- nual General Assembly.” in 1956 with their family; however George was predeceased by dian Cancer Society, Heart and fice before 4:30 with only minutes he continued to travel back and his wife Lillian on January 21, 2008 Stroke Foundation or PAWS. to spare because that was the way
GUY LEFEBVRE, 1930-2011 OBITUARIES Métis rights Lesley Jane Leroux fight loses a esley Jane Leroux, passed wonderful wife and loving part- by her sister Lynn Colotelo in Ed- L away on March 5th, 2011, at ner of 30 years. She will be monton, friends, students and the age of 61 years. It is with pro- missed by many. She taught for teachers. We love you Jane. champion found sadness that I, Jacques Ler- the Algoma School Board for 32 A celebration of her life will oux, announce the passing of a years. She will be remembered be held in May. he family announces with great sorrow his death on January 20, 2011, at the age T of 80 years. Guy was prede- Remmington William Goodchild ceased by his wife Lucille Lefeb- vre (nee-Barbe) in 2009. He is emmington William mie (wife Helen), George (wife Laura Hunt, Rose Goodchild, survived by his children Jean- R Goodchild, of Webbwood Joyce), Betty (husband Howard Millie Rollins, and Edie Wor- Paul (Diane) Lefebvre, Lise (De- passed away at the Espanola Fairbairn), Rose (husband Ger- thington. nis) Lefebvre-Arcand, Suzanne General Hospital on December ald Ritchie), Mary (husband Ron Funeral Services took place (Brian) McLean all of Timmins 5, 2010, at the age of 88. Rem- Finch), Geraldine, Anthony December 8, 2010, at the St. and Michel (Jenn) Lefebvre of mington was born May 15, 1922, (partner Barb), Arnold (wife Lawrence Church in Webbwood Sault-Ste-Marie; his grandchil- in Birch Lake and raised in the Sharon), Tim (wife Lynda) all of with Fr. Lawrence Maduewesi of- dren Tania Lefebvre (Jessie) of Webbwood area. Webbwood, and the cherished ficiating, followed by burial in Timmins, Jennie Prepp (Brent) He was the beloved husband grandfather of 26 grandchildren the Webbwood Catholic Ceme- of Thunder Bay, Guy Arcand, Guy Lefebvre of the late (1991) Olive (nee and many great and great-great tery. If so desired, donations can Natalie Arcand, Carolle McLean, Rivers), dear son of the late grandchildren, predeceased by be made to the charity of your Caissy McLean and Mathieu donations to the Timmins and William and Edith (Remmington) two grandchildren. Remmington choice. McLean all of Timmins, Olivia District Hospital Foundation - Goodchild, loving father of Rem- was the dear brother of the late Lefebvre, Zoé Lefebvre, Brittney Dialysis Department would be Redpath and Daven Redpath all greatly appreciated. Donations of Sault-Ste-Marie; his great- or condolences can be made at grandchildren Ashley, Vito, Mas- www.lessardstephens.com. Stephanie “Irene” Marie Beauchamp simo, Peyton, Alexis, Nathan and Evan; his brothers Alexandre GUY LEFEBVRE tephanie “Irene” Marie ter Yvonne Labatte of St. Cather- Lefebvre, Roger (Cathy) Lefeb- PCMNO 1998-2008 SBeauchamp, (Nee Cadeau) ines; predeceased by her son vre and Yves (Aline) Lefebvre all passed away peacefully at home Bob, daughter Deanna Russell, of Timmins. He was also prede- It is with much sadness that we on February 13, 2011, in her and sisters Violet, Georgina, and ceased by his parents Paul report the loss of one of the 92nd year surrounded by family. Bernadine, and brothers Alfred, Lefebvre and Catherine Courch- great champions of Métis rights Irene Beauchamp, of Victoria Sanford, and Bernard. esne, his sister Georgette Bélair in the Province of Ontario. Guy Harbour, was the beloved wife Family and friends were re- and by his brothers Raoul, Jean- Lefebvre served as Region Three of the late Wilfred, loving ceived at Carson Funeral Home Claude, Gilles and Léo Lefebvre. PCMNO Councillor from 1998 mother of Pat of Barrie, Jean in Midland. A funeral Mass was The family wishes to thank to 2008. He was deeply passion- (late Buddy) of Waubaushene, celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman the staff of the Third Floor at ate about advancing Métis rights Elaine (Ross) Lavigne of Mid- Catholic Church, Victoria Har- Timmins and District Hospital and attended the founding land, Rose (Art) Henry of Os- bour, on February 17th 2011. In- for their compassion and excel- meeting of the Métis Nation of hawa, Bill (Dorothy) of Oshawa, Irene Beauchamp terment will be in the spring at lent care given to Guy and his Ontario in 1993. Guy con- Mary Coffin of Oshawa, Buddy St. Mary’s Roman Catholic family. Funeral mass was held tributed immensely to the build- (Joyce) of Little Britain, Betty of mother of 35, great grand- Cemetery. on January 26, 2011, at Notre- ing of the MNO by serving in Victoria Harbour, Doug (Bon- mother of 42, and great-great Dame-de-la-Paix Church. Inter- many capacities at the commu- nie) of Cobourg, and Martha grandmother of six. Irene is sur- ment followed at Timmins Me- nity and provincial level. (Alan) Coghill of Oshawa. vived by her brother Donald morial Cemetery. Remembrance She was the dear grand- Cadeau of Mississauga, and sis- Spring 2011 9
NEWS OBITUARY | DR. OLIVE DICKASON, 1920 - 2011 Métis historian changed Canadian perspectives on Aboriginal Peoples
By Linda Lord and continued at the University of Alberta from 1976 to 1992. r. Olive Patricia Dickason, a Dr. Dickason received many renowned Métis historian awards and research grants over and one of the original the years, including the Senior members of the Métis Na- Rockefeller Fellowship in 1989; D tion of Ontario Cultural the Order of Canada; Métis Commission (MNOCC), passed woman of the Year Award; the Sir away March 12th at the age of 91 John A. Macdonald History Prize; from a heart attack. the Aboriginal Lifetime Achieve- When the MNO Cultural Com- ment Award from the National mission was incorporated in 2000, Aboriginal Achievement Founda- Dr. Dickason was appointed by tion; Ryerson Polytechnic Univer- the Provisional Council of the sity Fellowship, several honourary MNO to serve as one of its original degrees and the title of “Professor members. She served on the Dr. Olive Dicakson’s Emerita” from the University of Al- Commission until 2005. Olive’s ac- ground-breaking textbook, berta. ademic accomplishments made A Concise History of When Olive Dickason decided her a natural and prestigious Canada's First Nations, to study Aboriginal history over 30 choice for the Cultural Commis- became an essential years ago, the academic view was sion. contribution to history that no Aboriginal history existed. MNO President, Gary Lipinski, courses at the high-school However, her pioneering research commented that, “Olive offers Dr. Olive Dickason level. shattered the myth that Canadian Métis people, especially our history began with the arrival of young people, a shining example the European explorers, and fos- of the kinds of achievements that Dickason graduated high graduate program at the Univer- Peoples to Canada's Character -- tered the recognition of indige- are within our grasp. She changed school by correspondence and sity of Ottawa where she received Volume 1: to 1815 (1995)”, which nous peoples as this country's the Canadian perspective on Abo- learned Greek, Latin and philoso- her MA in Canadian History in she edited. In addition she also founding civilization. riginal people and the MNO is phy from a Scottish immigrant 1972. She then began work on her wrote “Indian Arts in Canada”, “Most of my adolescent and proud of its association with Olive who moved into the bush nearby. PhD. She started out with an in- which won three awards for con- teen years I spent up north on the through our Cultural Commis- She went on to get her Bachelor terest in French colonial history ception and design and coau- trap lines and you learn a view of sion. “ of Arts degree in philosophy and but soon her own genetic heritage thored “The Law of Nations and life that you certainly don't get in Olive Dickason was born French from Notre Dame College, led her to European-Amerindian the New World”. Her textbook, “A the cities and in the schools. March 6, 1920, in Winnipeg, Mani- an affiliate of the University of Ot- contact history. At that time, there Concise History of Canada's First When I [was first introduced to] toba, but when her family lost tawa, in 1943. had never been a doctoral disser- Nations”, became an essential Canadian history, Aboriginal his- everything during the Great De- Over the next 23 years Olive tation based on the premise of contribution to history courses at tory was just dismissed,” she once pression they moved to the Inter- worked as a journalist with a vari- First Nations’ history, but Dicka- the high-school level. said of her motivation to pursue a lake region. It was here at the age ety of Canadian daily papers, in- son was a trail-blazer and received Olive Dickason’s breakthrough new career setting the Canadian- of 12, that Olive, her sister Alice, cluding the Regina Leader - Post, her PhD in 1977. books were instrumental in re- history record straight. and her mother Phoebe resorted the Winnipeg Free Press, the Mon- Along the way, Dr. Dickason searching and documenting the “This country is deeply to trapping and fishing to provide treal Gazette and the Toronto gathered Aboriginal peoples' oral importance of Aboriginal partici- founded and deeply linked with food for the family. In later years, Globe and Mail. During this time histories and waded through vol- pation at every stage of Canadian Aboriginals. When I realized that Dr. Dickason recalled this experi- she received many awards includ- umes of texts in the archives of history. She believed that if Cana- the courses being taught didn't re- ence. “Living in the bush as I did ing the McLaren Award for typog- the erstwhile European coloniz- dians knew and embraced this his- fer to this at all, I got very dis- during my adolescent years, I very raphy and layout in both 1965 and ers. Her doctoral thesis, titled tory it would constitute a major turbed.” soon learned that survival de- 1967. She left the Globe and Mail “The Myth of the Savage”, was enrichment of the country's na- Dr. Dickason’s deep passion pended upon assessing each situ- in 1967 to become Chief of Infor- eventually published as were tional identity. for early Canadian history and her ation as it arose, which calls for mation Services at the National “Canada’s First Nations: A History Olive’s career as a teacher be- pride and interest in her own common sense and realism,” said Gallery of Founding Peoples from the Ear- gan as a graduate student at the Métis heritage are reflected in her Olive. “You neither give up nor At the age of 50 and with her liest Times” and “The Native Im- University of Ottawa, where she life’s work—a work that literally play games.” children grown, Olive entered the print: The Contribution of First taught the History of New France, changed history.
MÉTIS WOMEN Strong Women Forum
“This event has been a long community leaders, grandmoth- merous articles and books on time coming,” commented ers and even great-grandmoth- Aboriginal women’s health, lead- Sharon McBride, the spokesper- ers. ership and motherhood. A son for the Women’s Secretariat The first day started off with prominent theme that emerged of the Métis Nation of Ontario a welcome and message of sup- throughout the activities was the (WSMNO), at the opening of the port from MNO President, Gary strength and leadership demon- first WSMNO Strong Women Fo- Lipinski. This was followed by strated by “ordinary” Métis rum in Toronto on March 25-27. an inspiring address from Dr. women including mothers, The forum was hosted by the Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, grandmothers and friends. Their MNO Women’s Secretariat with holder of the Nexen Chair in contribution to this generation the objectives of empowering Aboriginal Leadership at the of Métis leaders is far from “ordi- A few of the delegates at and inspiring MNO women Banff Centre in Alberta, who has nary”; in fact, it is nothing short the MNO Strong Women through leadership training, dedicated herself to numerous of “extraordinary”. Forum. team building and honouring causes including building MNO Chair, France Picotte, the many strong Métis women bridges between people from perhaps best expressed the feel- Sharon McBride, heroes that have made the Na- diverse backgrounds, public ed- ing of many in attendance when spokesperson for the tion strong. Participating were ucation and youth engagement. she said: “When you walk in MNO Women's Secre- 40 MNO women, including a Participants worked hard here, you can feel the energy. tariat and Dr. Kim Ander- number of Métis youth, repre- through a jam-packed agenda You can’t explain it, but you can son, the facilitator for the senting all nine regions within that was facilitated by Dr. Kim feel it!” Strong Women Forum. the MNO. Participants included Anderson, a Métis writer and ed- teenagers, businesswomen, ucator who has published nu- 10 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR
OUR STORIES Carving out a dream in the
Overlooking the Black Hills of South Dakota, Saenchiur Flechey Resort on the West Black Hills the RDH Drillmaster makes progress on world’s Bay of Lake Nipissing. largest sculpture.
Rick Lemieux designed and manufactured “the Métis identity. a motorized go-cart, with the ex- and capabilities of equipment Drillmaster”, especially for the Crazy Horse In 1950, Rick was born in the ception of brakes and a clutch, would be the driving force be- village of Alban, in the French was a roaring success. The go-cart hind his deciding to forge his Memorial. The rig is emblazoned with the River area. He was raised, along was built from parts found own path and, in 1985, he started motto, “Never Forget Your dreams” with his five brothers, in this around the farm and taken off his his own mining equipment repair small community by his parents, father’s roto-tiller. This early in- and rebuild shop in his home Emile and Yvette Lemieux. Hunt- vention would foreshadow Rick’s town of Alban. By Janice Landry Equipment from a small shop ing, fishing, and working on the future success in mining equip- Since 1985, Rick has fostered into a globally competitive min- family farm filled his days, but his ment design and would be the RDH Mining Equipment and it rom the mountain viewing ing equipment manufacturing nights were filled with music, for first of many prototypes. has grown from a small rebuild area, visitors to the Crazy firm. With such a distinguished each member of the Lemieux Rick entered the workforce as and repair shop to a global com- Horse Memorial in South and successful past, Rick decided family played a musical instru- a young man in the late 60’s. He pany, manufacturing under- Dakota are able to spot the location would be ideal to es- ment, making evenings at home worked for various mining com- ground mobile mining and tun- the bright yellow and blue tablish RDH Mining Equipment. and social gatherings a musical panies, repairing and servicing nelling equipment for the world. Fof the RDH Drillmaster as After all, for thousands of years, treat. equipment. He absorbed every- In continuous operation since it works to carve out the moun- the French River, a major histori- Rick’s industrious nature and thing like a sponge, studying how 1985, RDH now offers a wide tain. The Crazy Horse emblem af- cal trade route, had been a place inventive spirit was evident very each piece of equipment worked range of mining equipment fixed to the side of the Drillmas- to meet and exchange trade early in life. At the young age of and always thinking of how he specifically suited to the harsh ter reads, “Never Forget Your goods. The French River was not eight, he began taking apart his could make it better. The intrinsic conditions of underground min- Dreams”, and is a longstanding only a historical trading area, it father’s farm equipment to build inventiveness Rick had felt since ing and tunnelling. The company appeal to supporters for help to was also the territory of his an- buggies and other motorized he was a child and the inclination offers a broad range of equip- speed the carving of the moun- cestors and an integral part of his contraptions. His first invention, he felt to improve the function ment which includes scissor-lifts, tain. fuel/lube trucks, flat bed crane The Crazy Horse Memorial is trucks, one to three boom drill the world’s largest sculptural un- The RDH Drillmaster carving jumbos and roof bolters, second- dertaking and was the dream of out history at the Crazy Horse ary drill rigs, four to thirty-five ton Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Memorial in South Dakota. haul trucks, one to four yard Lakota Chief Henry Standing LHD’s, fully battery powered Bear. The carving was officially LHD’s and trucks, concrete re- started on June 3, 1948, and the mixers, and AN-FO loaders. RDH memorial's mission is to honour equipment can be found working the culture, tradition and living on nearly every continent, from heritage of North America’s Abo- beneath New York City’s Grand riginal peoples. Central Station to the steppes of RDH Mining Equipment, from Siberia, from the mountains of Alban, Ontario, makes the Drill- Patagonia to the isolated coast- master. Owner, Rick Lemieux, line of the Arctic Ocean. met the Crazy Horse crew mem- While RDH satisfied Rick’s me- bers at a mining equipment show, chanical inclinations he was still and the more they discussed the searching for an outlet to help carving project, the more en- him fulfill his spiritual and musi- thralled Rick became. Once he cal interests. In 2001, Rick and his learned of the memorial’s mis- wife, Daniele, set out on a busi- sion, Rick wanted to help out ness venture that would provide with the project and the best way him with this opportunity. They he knew to help was with drilling purchased a rustic tourist lodge equipment. Rick would design in the Monetville area and named and manufacture a drill rig, “the it “Saenchiur Flechey Resort”, de- Drillmaster”, especially for the veloping it into a world-class es- Crazy Horse Memorial. tablishment. The name, United by a common purpose, “Saenchiur Flechey”, the Michif the Crazy Horse team and the word for the traditional sash, was RDH team worked together to chosen because it symbolized the design the Drillmaster to suit the goals of the resort. Situated on very specific needs of the project. the picturesque shoreline of the With 320 degree drilling and au- West Arm of Lake Nipissing, it was tomatic return capabilities, the more than just a fishing lodge; it Drillmaster provided the accu- would offer the northern Ontario racy and speed that was needed experience while promoting both to carve out the mountain. On ecological and cultural aware- June 30, 2005, the Drillmaster be- ness. The resort allowed Rick to gan work and joined the Crazy play music, guide pontoon boat Horse team. To this day it is still tours, and impart Métis traditions carving out history, quite an and local legends to his guests. achievement for a company from The resort continues to provide the small village of Alban, On- guests unique opportunities to tario, and a very fulfilling per- learn about the local environ- sonal accomplishment for Rick ment and cultures. Lemieux. When asked what he owes his As one pulls up to the wooded success to Rick recalls his experi- entrance of RDH Mining Equip- ences with Crazy Horse. “Like the ment, it is hard to imagine that motto of the Crazy Horse Memo- such a successful underground rial, I never forgot my dreams. I mobile mining equipment firm chose to do what I loved to do-- could be located there. Nestled what I was good at--that way, you within a maple sugar bush and on do it with all your heart, and if the land of his ancestors, Rick you do something with all your Lemieux has built up RDH Mining heart, how can you fail?” Spring 2011 11 Métis Senators Do you see it? Can you smell it? Spring is in the air
pring is the time of re-birth and will continue to at the beauty of the annuals, in the cycle of life; things SENATORS’ be based on tried and but we must plant our own start anew. We wonder: BY RETA GORDON proven results of gen- seeds, nourish them, and con- “Should we plant annuals or SPOTLIGHT PCMNO SENATOR erations of our ancestors. tinue to grow the strong roots of S stick with perennials?” Sure, Our recently departed Sena- the Métis people. Some would the annuals bring new colour and of many of our Senators but their tors and Elders have sprung from have us believe that we need that a short burst of splendour, but as glory has not been extinguished. some of the heartiest rootstock; bright flash of glitter to get no- people we have more in common They will be remembered as the their traditions were strong and ticed, but when it comes to what with perennials--our roots run brightest flowers in the Métis gar- planted in our collective being. matters in this harsh environ- deep. den, and from their extensive root OUR GARDEN HAS Unlike the annuals, their beauty ment, we need to be well planted, Our future grows from the system new branches are sprout- BEEN PRUNED OF was renewed over and over again. well entrenched, and deeply deep roots of our past. Our gar- ing. We welcome the growth of SOME OF OUR BEST They didn't need the burst of rooted to blossom in the future. den has been pruned of some of the new, because we know where AND BRIGHTEST colour to reap what really mat- Our MNO garden can grow even our best and brightest flowers. it came from, how it was nur- FLOWERS. ters. It is our deeply rooted and more resplendent if we all work However, their roots live on; in tured, and where it will go. HOWEVER, THEIR firmly entrenched Senators and together to that end. some cases a graft gives us an- We can expect the same en- ROOTS LIVE ON... Elders, to whom we as a Nation To our new council Senators, other chance to reap the beauty during stock and bountiful har- must turn. Their steady and his- “welcome”, to all our citizens, of our fundamental traditions. vest. We are comforted by the toric ways have cut a deep furrow look to our past, be grounded in This past autumn and winter knowledge that we have estab- for our people. our present and bring forth the we were saddened by the passing lished a secure foothold that is We can obviously stop to look flowers of our future. Ontario Métis veteran attends MNC AGM by Donald M. Fowler owe so much in gratitude, that I ple of us because of the rush of was entrenched in Nicaragua, and hesitate to name them, but Sena- memories and the intimacy of the then learning of that man's per- want to offer my sincere tor Reta Gordon stands out as one presentations made to us person- sonal commendable and coura- thanks to Lynette Davis of the such person. She kindly took me ally by our genial president and his geous exploits there, it is clear to I Métis National Council by the hand from the very begin- “aide de camp”, David Chartrand, me that he is a unique and special (MNC), and Monique Richard ning of the AGA, and enabled me of Winnipeg--two very remarkable kind of world-class warrior, one (MNO), for the helpfulness of the to get prepared for the events to and energetic Métis men. I was who is well deserving of several “run up” enabling me to attend follow. There was also dear Pamela much more than just enlightened special kinds of medals and com- the MNC Annual General Assem- who was very patient and gracious by Clement Chartier's remarkable mendations. bly and for all the excitement of in seeing that we were well at- for the Saturday evening dinner book: Witness to Resistance: Un- I am at a loss for words to say the excellent week-end of the 12th tended with refreshments, etc. (I was especially delightful and a very der Fire in Nicaragua, in which how very much I appreciate all December, 2010. (My, what a won- learned a great deal on those two entertaining place, especially with he so kindly inscribed a personal that was given to me and how very derful pre-yuletide time that was days, especially from the presenta- Andrea Menard's lovely song, message to--and for--me, following deeply I am affected still, by the for us few veterans in attendance tion by Jason Madden who was “Sparkle”. (I told Andrea after- our first meeting on Juno Beach in kindness and generosity of so on that very important occasion.) very insightful with his interesting wards that it made me into a November, 2009. many wonderful Métis men and There were so many individual and magnified legal deliberations.) “sparkplug”.) It was also an ex- After reading Clement's re- women. Métis citizens there to whom I The RCAF Association building, tremely emotional time for a cou- markable experiences, while he
VETERANS Everyone is invited to Join Métis, First Nations, Inuit Leaders & Celebrities MNO Veteran awarded at the beautiful MISSISSIPPI GOLF CLUB in Almonte, Ontario Medal from Aboriginal 1ST ANNUAL Veterans Association n December 11, 2010, Métis CHARITYLi MichifGOLF CLASSIC Nation of Ontario (MNO) citi- O zen, Master Warrant Officer FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH, 2011 Chris Plummer, was presented with the Canadian Aboriginal War Veterans Millen- nium Medal during the Ontario Regi- ment (RCAC) Annual Barrack Room Din- ner. The medal was presented by Hon- ourary Lieutenant Colonel J. Wright on behalf of the National Aboriginal Veter- ans Association (NAVA) of Ontario. This medal is presented to members in good Left to Right: Honourary Lt. Colonel It is with great pleasure that I send you this invitation to attend my 1st Annual LiMichif Char- standing of the Provincial Chapter or Af- J. Wright, Lt. Colonel P. Brunberg ity Golf Classic. It takes place on June 17th at the beautiful Mississippi Golf Club, a short filiated Association and NAVA, as well as CD, Master Warrant Officer C.M. drive west of Ottawa on Hwy 17. We've got a great program of events that will be capped Aboriginal Serving Members in good Plummer CD, Chief Warrant Offi- off with an evening banquet and loads of entertainment. Not only is this going to be a day standing, currently serving in the Cana- cer D.J. Munroe CD. of fun and camaraderie, it gives everyone the opportunity to join me in supporting two char- dian Forces, recipients of a Good Con- ities that I feel passionate about: the Wabano Mamawi Expansion Project and the Dr. Tony duct Medal or other Canadian Forces Forces. I take particular pride in carrying Belcourt Endowment for Métis in the Arts at Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) merits service. on the great tradition of our people who University. Put a team together or come on your own and we'll slot you into a team that Chris Plumber has served in the have served Canada both in times of war you will enjoy being with. Canadian Armed Forces since 1981 with and peace. What I sincerely hope, is that the Ontario Regiment (RCAC). He has my accomplishments are seen by our The endowment fund in my name granted to Ontario College of Art and Design Univer- also received the Canadian Decoration youth as an opportunity for betterment. sity (OCADU) by the Métis Nation of Ontario is a great honour to me personally but it also (CD), recognizing 12 years of service in I am truly touched with this honour that gives me the opportunity to encourage Métis people to consider a career in the arts, some- the Canadian Forces, along with the connects the past to the present, that to thing that I am passionate about. I am equally grateful to the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health for providing the quality health care and related special programs that are so greatly United Nations Protection Force Bosnia- me was once lost over the generations needed by our people. I am thankful to Wabano for the wonderful care and attention I re- Herzegovina and the Canadian Peace- within my family. This to me is a symbol ceive for my own health needs and those of my family. I appreciate the chance to provide keeping Service Medal. of my heritage that I can pass to my chil- my support for both of these worthy endeavours. — Tony Belcourt “I will wear it [the medal] with pride dren and their children's children so and honour,” stated Plummer, “to show that the past can stay alive never to be For more information call 613-656-5033 or visit www.limichifgolf.org that as a member of the Métis Nation we forgotten again.” are part of the fabric of the Canadian 12 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR AGA2011 18th ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY • BOBBY ORR COMMUNITY CENTRE • PARRY SOUND • AUGUST 20-22 2011 , THE PARRY SOUND KOA INFORMATION Camping Daycare eventy-five acres of natural paradise rides, bingo, two nearby sandy beaches, play- If you have children that will be needing day- Picotte and Dale Xilon will be assisting with awaits you less than two hours north of grounds and more! Fishing and golfing are care accommodations during the business the organization of the daycare. If you have SToronto in the heart of Georgian Bay nearby. Keep in touch via free Wi-Fi. days only of the Annual General Assembly any questions or concerns, you can contact Country, the world's largest freshwater archi- As August is a busy vacation time in Parry (Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.and Lynne at [email protected] or pelago—home to 30,000 islands. Sound we strongly encourage people that are Sunday / Monday 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.), Dale at [email protected] . Settle into a spacious open or wooded planning on attending the MNO AGA to please complete and submit the following ap- PLEASE NOTE: Only the parents or care- site among windswept pines and nature at its book their camping sites early. Come see plication on or before Friday, August 7th in givers who have signed below will be able to finest. Feel the sun tickle your face and warm how this KOA "rocks!" order to assure your needs are met. Lynne drop off and pick up children at daycare. your soul by day, then gather by the fire and The distance between the Bobby Orr marvel at the "Near North" starry skies by Community Centre and the KOA Camp- NAME of PARENTS or CAREGIVER: ______night. ATV and nature trails are accessed di- ground is 15.9 kilometres or approximately NUMBER OF CHILDREN ATTENDING DAYCARE: _____ rectly from your site. Enjoy the heated pool, 20 minutes. NAME AND AGE OF CHILD/ CHILDREN: trampoline, mini golf, gift boutique, wagon ______
PARRY SOUND KOA Does your child have any allergies/special needs? YES ____ NO _____ 276 Rankin Lake Road, RR2 If yes, please provide details: Parry Sound Ontario ______RESERVE (800) 562-2681 ______INFO (705) 378-2721 [email protected] Please note you must provide the daycare with where you can be located in case of emergency, and an emergency contact number (cell phone number, if you have one) ______
I fully understand and agree that I will be responsible for the following: • The actions/ behaviour of my children while in daycare • Provision diapers, wipes, bottles • Dropping off and picking up my children between 8:30 A.M. & 5:00 P.M. each day.
Parents/ Caregiver Print: ______Date: ______Reserve online at Parry Sound KOA website at: www.koa.com/campgrounds/parry-sound Parents/ Caregiver Signature: ______
The following story is reprinted with the generous permission Falling water levels: of the Parry Sound North Star, Regional Managing Editor, A once-flourishing wild rice bed Jack Tynan, and writer, John Macfie. The story was brought fronting the LaRonde trading post to our attention by Louise Goulding of Moon River. is now mostly bare ground, thanks to falling water levels in Georgian Bay. The latest official figures indicate still lower water to Was this come. The cause might be com- plex, but the remedy is simple: a Parry Sound’s control structure at Sarnia–Port Huron to manage outflow from Lake Huron. The lowly beaver first business figured this out eons ago. We need a Canadian beaver on the international body dealing with establishment? management of the Great Lakes.
By John Macfie 19th century. of the International Boundary, he, owed to Charles by his brother Royal Ontario Museum, together Parry Sound North Star But when was it built, this like many other “voyageurs,” Denis. Seemingly the estate with a recommendation that the snug, hewn-log building in which moved south to Penetanguishene never collected the debt (Denis site be professionally investi- his is a postscript to my pre- Elizabeth de LaRonde presum- in order to remain in Canada. Just predeceased Charles), leading to gated. This was never done, and T vious column, which de- ably was born? Birth records pro- when Charles relocated in Geor- discontent among the heirs that eventually the collection was re- scribed how Florida resident Bill vided by Bill note several children gian Bay is uncertain. Some would echo down the years. turned to Parry Sound and stored Arthur recently learned that his born to Charles de LaRonde and sources suggest it was not until There was a lingering suspi- in the museum on Tower Hill. great-great-grandmother Eliza- his wife, Magdeleine, at 1806 or later, when Chebechkon- cion that Charles was worth more Around the 1970s, the beth de LaRonde was born near “Chebechkon in Lake Huron.” born Michel Antoine would have in money and property than that Shebeshekong River shoreline Dillon, in Carling Township. The first of these was Michel An- been eight or more years old. Just outstanding loan. In 1962, Jack encompassing the trading post In the process, Bill answered toine, born there on January 1, possibly Charles called his Drum- Ramsay of Dillon, owner of the location was subdivided into a question I’d wondered about 1798, which pushes the struc- mond Island post “Chebechkon,” property adjoining the trading summer resort lots. I revisited for 50 years, ever since investigat- ture’s apparent beginnings back and simply transferred the title to post site (the building stood on the spot five or six years ago and ing the La Ronde trading post site into the 18th century. the new location, thus giving the the Crown shoreline reservation) found that a trace of the LaRonde at the mouth of the But this hinges on the assump- Shebeshekong River its name. But told me that “long ago” two boat- post could still be seen in a cot- Shebeshekong River. On the tion that “Chebechkon” is the whatever the case, the trading loads of people from Penetan- tager’s front lawn, in the form of chart that Lt. Henry Bayfield, R.N. place we know today as post at Dillon still ranks as proba- guishene visited the site, tearing a token few rocks outlining the made circa 1822, following his “Shebeshekong.” The LaRonde bly the first commercial establish- down stone walls and shovelling base of the former fireplace. survey of the 30,000 Islands, the family had long been engaged in ment in the Parry Sound vicinity. over the ground in a futile search site is indicated with the words the Upper Great Lakes fur trade Charles de LaRonde died in for money thought to have been “Old Trading Post,” suggesting it (Charles’s grandfather Louis 1840. In his will he left his second “buried in cans.” Jack, then in his Editor’s Note: The original story was already abandoned. Our ex- Denys de LaRonde built a trading wife (Magdeleine had prede- ‘60s or ‘70s, spoke as if he had appeared February 2, 2011, and ploratory dig revealed that the post on Lake Superior in 1733), ceased him) the sum of 125 witnessed this personally, so it may be found on-line at main building was destroyed by and at the time of the American pounds and his children equal must have occurred in the 20th www.cottagecountrynow.ca. In fire, and physical evidence cou- Revolution, Charles himself was shares of the remainder of his es- century. his first article, Mr. Macfie tells pled with historical and photo- trading on Drummond Island, tate. But there was a catch. The The few artefacts recovered in how he became interested in the graphic records indicated that it near Sault Ste. Marie. When he money in question existed in the the 1961 dig were handed over to LaRonde site and provides more burned no later than the mid- found himself on the wrong side form of an outstanding debt the Canadiana Department of the details about the LaRonde family. Spring 2011 13 Housing RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM | SUCCESS STORIES Housing Rehab to the rescue
By Robynn Maluga MNO Housing is the delivery (RRAP) assists eligible provement or modification nificant portion of this pro- Senior Housing Policy Analyst agent for several of Canada Mort- homeowners who occupy of existing housing to im- gram is directed to the Abo- gage and Housing Corporation’s existing substandard hous- prove the accessibility of riginal people of Canada. he MNO Housing Branch (CMHC) assisted housing pro- ing, to repair or rehabilitate the dwelling for persons • The Home Adaptations for provides property man- grams in the Thunder Bay, their dwellings to a mini- with disabilities. Seniors’ Independence T agement services for the Kenora, Algoma and Cochrane mum level of health and • The Emergency Repair Pro- (HASI) assists low-income Thunder Bay Métis Community Districts as well as the counties of safety. gram (ERP) assists eligible seniors over the age of 65 Centre and the Ministry of the At- Simcoe, Muskoka, Parry Sound • The Residential Rehabilita- homeowners or occupiers who are in need of adapta- torney General for the Office of and Nipissing. tion Assistance Program for in rural areas to undertake tions to live in their homes the Public Guardian and Trustee. Persons with Disabilities emergency repairs required independently. In addition to providing these • The Residential Rehabilita- (RRAP-D) assists eligible for the continued safe occu- property management services, tion Assistance Program homeowners in the im- pancy of their houses. A sig-
The Housing Branch has been providing program delivery for CMHC since 1994 and has assisted over 2000 low-income homeowners to rehabilitate their homes. Here are two of their stories:
STORY 2 | SUNDRIDGE, ONTARIO STORY 1 | SOUTH RIVER, ONTARIO Before: After: Before: After:
Living with disability and South River home brought maintaining an older house up to safety standards
he next story is about a couple in ceeding with the projects due to a neces- he MNO Housing Branch’s first together wooden crates. The house was Sundridge, Ontario, who are both sary change in contractors, they were still story to share is from a non-status without adequate heat and the roof was T living with a disability and the persistent in getting their home back. T Aboriginal woman residing in leaking at a rate where evidence of mould hardships of maintaining their 35 year old Within seven months their home was South River, Ontario. This homeowner was clearly visible. The inspector identi- house. This has become exhausting to given a new life and the transformation in has been living in her house for well over fied ten mandatory repairs which were re- the homeowners due to its deplorable their lives made it all worthwhile. 10 years and over the years has found it quired to bring the dwelling up to a min- condition. They were without an ade- increasingly difficult to maintain her imum level of health and safety standards quate septic system; their house was be- The Housing Branch would like to home. As a last effort she applied for and permit a further 15 years of useful life ing exposed to the elements due to inef- thank the homeowners who have al- CMHC’s RRAP to bring her home up to a to the dwelling. fective exterior finishes; their front land- lowed us to publish their stories and pho- standard that would resolve her safety The homeowner, CMHC, the Ministry ing was crumbling, and their window and tographs. Merci & Meegwtich! concerns and provide her with a healthy of Community and Social Services door frames were rotting. environment. (MCSS) and the Housing Branch’s RRAP Again, this became a collaborative ef- During the building inspection with administrative team worked together to fort involving CMHC, MCSS and the the Housing Branch’s Technical Advisor, make this story a success. Housing Branch to bring this home up to Kirk Flood, it was clear this house was not Within four months the repairs were standards. Although these homeowners up to CMHC standards. The home- completed. The homeowner is now con- experienced some delays before pro- owner’s only means of egress was com- fident in her surroundings and is enjoy- prised of old cement blocks and pieced ing her newly rehabilitated home.
MNO Housing Branch Head Office is located in THUNDER BAY, with two satellite offices: one in INNISFIL, near Barrie, and the other in NORTH BAY 14 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Arts & Culture Power and politics Métis talent on-screen and behind scenes of APTN’s new show Blackstone
Blackstone can be seen Tuesday's on APTN and Award-winning Métis Friday's on Showcase, check your local listings for time filmmaker Gil Cardinal (It’s 11:00 P.M. in southern Ontario). wrote the Blackstone pilot.
By LINDA LORD North of 60, Gil also wrote and di- credits include Mixed Blessings, rected Indian Summer: the Oka Cashing In, Hank Williams First f you’re a bit of a night owl, Crisis; Totem: the Return of the Nation, Adventures of Artie the you may have discovered G’psgolox Pole, and Big Bear. Gil Ant (animation), Rubberman and APTN’s new show, “Black- believes Blackstone provides an Consequences. His lifestyle cred- I stone”. Despite its First Na- opportunity for Aboriginal com- its include My Green House, Cow- tions’ content, writer Gil Cardi- munities to intimately under- boy Country, Code Green nal, is of Métis descent. This stand their own issues. Canada, Young as You Look and award-winning filmmaker wrote The Métis connection contin- Race and the River. His television the pilot for Blackstone after ues with Ron E Scott, Black- programs have aired on ACCESS, gathering extensive research on stone’s producer-director-writer, APTN, CBC, Citytv, CLT, CTV, the issues facing many Aboriginal who is also Métis and a citizen of Global, SCN, Vision TV,and in sev- communities. the Métis Nation of Alberta. Un- eral international broadcast mar- The greater part of his work der the banner of Prairie Dog kets including the US, China, has related to an exploration of Film + Television, he has written, Hong Kong, eastern and western Aboriginal themes. With numer- produced and directed several di- Europe and South Africa. ous credits as a director on Moc- verse film and television produc- He considers Blackstone the Andrea Menard in APTN’s Blackstone. casin Flats, Chiefs, Mentors, and tions. Besides Blackstone, his pinnacle of his career.
MÉTIS ARTISTS MEDIA POETRY B’en Proud to be Un Métis
by Raymond D. Tremblay
I wasn’t born d’en les plaines de l’west But I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. I never owned or rode un wild mustang But I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. Missing Women I never fired une carabine 30-30 Winchester But I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. coverage earns I never hunted le Roi de l’west: the buffalo APTN Human But I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. I never ate du pemmican frais Rights Award But I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. boriginal Peo- tion groups to change. J’ai souvent hunté la partridge avec my dad ples Television The award cele- Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. A Network (APTN) brates journalistic ac- Wins Amnesty Interna- complishments in rais- J’ai aussi souvent catché des hares avec lui tional Canada Human ing public awareness of Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. Rights Award human rights viola- La pêche, j’en ai fait lots of time The Amnesty Inter- tions. The APTN Inves- Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. national Canada Media tigates episode, “Miss- Exhibit celebrates Awards recognize the ing Women”, is a pow- Chez nous, nous avions beaucoup de parties efforts of journalists to erful examination of Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. Métis culture help Canadians become the tragedy of missing aware of human rights Aboriginal women. Re- My mom jouait le fiddle; my dad tapait du pied various series, presented in vi- issues within the mis- porter Tina House ref- Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. On Being Métis: Solo art exhibition gnette format throughout the sion of Amnesty Inter- erenced reports about Each Sunday nous allions à la messe by NATHALIE BERTIN gallery. From images of tradi- national and for their the downtown eastside Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. Where: The Art Space, 2-58 Main tional trades to political state- vital importance in mo- of Vancouver, the Walk St. East, Huntsville, ON ments, tied together by designs tivating the public to for Justice, and even We believed d’en le Grand Manitou When: June 3 to July 3, 2011 inspired by the art of the “Flower act and help force gov- the tragic death of her Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. Open daily from 1:00-4:00 P.M. Beadwork People”, the exhibit ernments and opposi- own cousin. Mes parents worked very hard dans leurs vies honours the Métis tradition, rec- Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. ognizes the courage of early he exhibition is a personal Canadian settlers, and acknowl- Nous sommes une very close-knit famille T celebration of Métis culture edges the debt we owe to our Et I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. past and present. The show First Peoples. brings together contemporary For more information visit: Yes, I’m b’en fier de mes Métis ancestors artworks from Nathalie Bertin’s www.nathaliebertin.com. Grâce à eux, I’m b’en proud to be un Métis. Spring 2011 15 Healing and Wellness
POKER, ROULETTE, SLOTS, BINGO and SPORTS BETTING are just a few of the various games Caught available to play online, but you must be aware that there is great danger in providing your personal and in the Web banking information to these sites here is an almost endless array of You may think you are playing an website, the backdoor program gets What is the solution? gambling sites available online and honest game online but you may be downloaded onto the Dot. Con’s com- for every illegal gambling website playing against a cybernomad. These puter which then allows the Dot. Con to The only sure fire way to avoid identity that shuts down, it seems that people use software tracking programs steal log-in and personal information. and financial theft is to never give out T three more open. These high-risk that memorize your style and betting personal or financial information to any websites are persistent with their adver- patterns and calculate your odds of win- Organized Crime online gaming site. There are plenty of tising, constant pop-ups, and banners on ning. This software then plays your cards websites that allow you to play casino popular websites, not to mention the for you to maximize your winnings. They Members of online crime organizations games for free and don’t ask for your barrage of e-mails enticing us to play, of- also use programs that will record and are most commonly known for running personal or financial information. fering free sign-up, starting bonuses and analyze you and your opponents playing cyber-extortion rings, phishing scams, easy payment options. Using online styles and hand history then give an and money laundering. Cyberextortion is gambling sites can not only compromise analysis, thus giving them an advantage perpetrated by members of the crime your computer system with viruses but over honest players. Table scanner pro- organization who hack into a gaming can put you at risk for identity theft. grams are also used to search and locate website, slow it down or completely shut This article will shed some light on three the easiest tables to play at to maximize it down. Then they demand that large different types of cyber criminals. winnings. Last, there are buddy list pro- sums of money be wired to offshore grams that allow you to add the weak bank accounts to stop the attacks. If the Cybernomads poker players you come across then owners refuse to pay, the attackers con- alert you whenever they sit down at a tinue to shut down the website until the Cybernomads are individuals who work table to play. ransom is paid. alone, often with an education in com- puters, specializing in software and pro- Dot.Cons Phishing gramming. Their purpose is to steal, modify or manipulate gaming sites and Dot.con criminals are either “cyber- Phishing scams work by creating identi- For further information contact software to collect personal information nomads” or “insiders”, staff members of cal websites to legitimate gaming web- the Provincial Aboriginal on you; then they sell your information the online casinos who come together sites but members of the online crime Responsible Gambling Coordinator on the black market. Considered the to work on a specific project. These peo- organization control and send out fraud- at 613-798-1488 xt.150. “Wal-Mart” of the black market, cyber- ple commit fraud and theft by targeting ulent e-mails to the unsuspecting users nomads can buy and sell bulk packages online gaming websites which allow stating that if they click on the link and Article Source: John L. McMullan, of players’ personal information such as them access to all of the website’s users’ sign in, they could win a large bonus. Department of Sociology and social insurance numbers, credit card personal information. They install back- Once the attackers have access to the Criminology, Saint Mary's Univer- numbers, and banking information to door programs into the websites and user names and passwords, they can sity; School of Criminal Justice, these websites without your knowledge when unsuspecting users download the take over your account and steal your Rutgers University or permission. program that allows them to play on the personal and financial information.
RENFREW | VIOLENCE AND HEALING OTTAWA | CANCER PREVENTION A Healing Plan Workshop develops healing plan for people exposed to violence
By Shannon Davis • build an emergency safety guidelines they can follow to Community Wellness Coordinator house in Renfrew, as the ma- keep themselves safe and of- RENFREW jority of the shelters are 45 fer support to loved ones minutes to 1 hour away; who are experiencing vio- n February 11, 2011, the • educate people on the re- lence. (left to right) Robin Davey, Jo MacQuarrie, Carmen Pregent and Métis Nation of Ontario sources available to the pub- Judy Simpson (absent from photo: Melissa Pigeau, Kristina Jewel, Yvon Health and Wellness Branch lic that assist in the preven- The participants also devel- Allard and Shannon Davis.) O in Renfrew held a workshop tion of violence; oped a healing plan for people on the prevention of violence • hold weekly sharing circles that have been exposed to vio- and on the healing process. for women and a separate lence. The healing plan included Staff receives cancer Eleven people participated in one for men to help in allevi- a weekly sharing circle, individ- the workshop. ating stress; ual and family counselling and prevention training A medicine wheel was used to • speak with local officials to substance abuse counselling if generate answers on how vio- facilitate the offering of needed. To maintain a positive By Melissa Pigeau tion with the MNO. Jo MacQuar- lence impacts individuals, fami- anger management courses outlook the healing plan also Community Wellness Coordinator rie provided opening and closing lies and society as a whole. Par- in Renfrew; suggests healthy eating, partici- OTTAWA prayers. ticipants discussed the emo- • speak to parents about the pating in positive social relation- The goal of the training was to tional, physical, spiritual and dangers of exposing their ships and taking part in positive On March 9, some of the Métis provide staff with information mental consequences of vio- children to violence in the leisure activities. Nation of Ontario (MNO) Health and resources on colon cancer lence on people. The partici- media and on video games; The workshop was a success and Wellness staff from the Ot- prevention and screening meth- pants shared their thoughts on • explain the importance of and organizers and participants tawa, Renfrew and Bancroft of- ods to bring back to their com- what their community needs to age appropriate games, would like to thank Monica Owl fices participated in a one day munities. The training was pro- help in the prevention of vio- movies and television shows for making her green chilli dish. “train-the-trainer” workshop on vided by Dr. Maureen Donohue. lence. to parents; colorectal cancer prevention. She had an excellent way with The group made the follow- • develop a community safety The workshop was presented by words and the presentation did ing recommendations: plan so individuals have Cancer Care Ontario in coopera- not come across as too clinical. 16 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR DIABETES | NATIONAL CONFERENCE The Benefits of Breakfast By Melissa Pigeau skip breakfast are prone to hungry when they wake up in Community Wellness Coordinator making less nutritious and un- the morning. To sneak in some OTTAWA healthy convenience food essential vitamins, try a glass of choices. Furthermore, many of 100% fruit juice, a smoothie or MNO staff treks “I'm on a diet.” “I don't have us do not consume essential a glass of vegetable cocktail time.” “I'm just not hungry in nutrients, such as vitamins and when you first wake up then to Winnipeg for the morning.” How many times minerals needed daily. later on in the morning have a have you told yourself this? “I don't have time,” is an- piece of whole wheat toast or a Eating a well-balanced, healthy other excuse people who don't boiled egg. National Aboriginal breakfast lays the foundation eat breakfast use. If you are Here is a quick and easy for the busy day that is ahead feeling rushed in the morning breakfast option that can be Diabetes for most of us. try healthy choices like a bowl made ahead of time and stored No more, “I’m on a diet” ex- of cereal, oatmeal or a hard- in containers that are great to cuse! Eating breakfast every boiled egg; all take less than grab and go when you are in a Conference morning assists in maintaining five minutes to prepare. hurry. a healthy weight. Those who Some people just aren’t By Lisa Scott community diabetes prevention Community Wellness Coordinator workers. Guest speaker, Alex Mc- HAMILTON Comber, an adjunct professor TROPICAL SUNRISE GRANOLA with the Faculty of Education at ighteen MNO staff from McGill University, addressed the • 1/3 cup honey across the province travelled crowd. Alex brought with him a • 1/3 cup light brown sugar to Winnipeg, Manitoba, dur- wealth of knowledge and experi- • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted E ing February to take part in ence gathered during his career. • 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats the 6th National Conference on Mr. McComber has been a sub- • 1/3 cup wheat germ Diabetes and Aboriginal Peoples stance abuse coordinator, high • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut presented by the National Aborig- school teacher and principal, a • 1/2 cup each of dried mango, dried pineapple, inal Diabetes Association (NADA). member of the Kahnawake Fire and toasted macadamia nuts, chopped The Métis Nation of Ontario Brigade and a Kahnawake Base- sent representatives from several ball League coach. DIRECTIONS MNO programs, including Com- After enjoying an amazing munity Wellness, Long Term meal and listening to an uplifting 1. Heat the oven to 300º. Line two cookie Care, Aging at Home and Chronic speech the crowd was awed by sheets with aluminum foil. Disease Surveillance. the Asham Stompers’ high en- 2. In a large bowl, combine the honey, brown There were many learning op- ergy jigging and square dancing. sugar, butter, and salt. Add the oats and wheat portunities during the two day Well known Manitoba fiddler, germ, then, stir the mixture until it's evenly conference held at the Delta Ho- Shawn Mousseau, accompanied blended. tel and the Winnipeg Convention the group. The mission of the 3. Spread the granola on the prepared cookie Centre. Participants had the op- Stompers is “to help recapture sheets and bake for 20 minutes, stirring once portunity to take part in work- and preserve the history of the halfway through to keep it from burning and shops that included: Healthy Métis people through the tradi- encourage even baking. Food Preparation, Diabetes in tional dancing of the Red River 4. Remove the pans from the oven and stir the Pregnancy, Promoting Healthy Jig”. They combine the Red River granola again. Add the coconut, and then re- Lifestyles to Aboriginal Children Jig with the traditional square turn the pans to the oven to bake 10 minutes and Families, Trends in Diabetes dance aptly called “the Red River more. Note: Keep an eye on the granola dur- and many more. In true NADA Dance”. Formed in 2002, the ing this period and stir it occasionally so that it style, attendees were encouraged Asham Stompers perform over doesn't burn. to take part in the nutrition 100 times a year. 5. Remove the granola from the oven and stir it breaks and to engage in “Brain The crowd was wowed by the one last time. Allow it to cool completely in Dance” or “Cool Stretching” dur- show and it was still the biggest the pans, about 15 minutes. When it has ing an energy blast with Jennifer topic of conversation at both the cooled, stir in the dried mango, the dried from Action Schools! BC. breakfast and lunch tables the pineapple, and the toasted macadamia nuts, On the first night of the NADA next day. then, transfer the granola to an airtight con- Sharing and Learning Sympo- A big thank you goes out to tainer. The granola can be stored for up to sium, conference goers were NADA for making this conference four weeks. Makes about 7 cups. treated to a banquet in honour of such a wonderful experience!
OWEN SOUND | GREY-OWEN SOUND MÉTIS COUNCIL The BIG Diabetes Day at the Mall by David Clark to 7:00 P.M. on February 23rd. Southern Ontario Aboriginal Dia- Community Wellness Worker We tracked visitation using betes Initiative (SOADI), Cana- OWEN SOUND door prize ballots which included dian National Institute for the a “quickie survey” that asked Blind (CNIB), Canadian Diabetes t started innocently enough, a about the value of the event, in- Association, Grey Bruce Health quick chat with a community tention to attend next year, and Services, South West Self Man- agency about doing a joint di- source of information. Analysing agement, MNO, and Osteoporo- I abetes workshop. As we chat- the ballots generated the follow- sis Canada/Ontario Osteoporosis ted, Judy (Osteoporosis Canada) ing: 1) 24% were male, 76% fe- Strategy. The BIG approach to suggested we involve Lynda of male; 2) 59% were from Owen this function, we believe, made it the Grey Bruce Diabetes Program Sound, 27% travelled 1-hour or more inviting for people to con- operating through the regional more; 3) top three sources of in- sider making the trip out to visit hospital. From there it grew into formation were newspaper the event; also, invitations by at- a large, all-day event at Heritage (40%), radio (33%), and word-of- tending agencies to each other Place Mall, the only mall located mouth (18%). On a 5-point scale The MNO Healing and Wellness Branch partnered with other for more partnering opportuni- in Owen Sound and Grey and (1 low, 5 high) asking about help- agencies in an all-day diabetes awareness event at the Her- ties were discussed, with several Bruce Counties. Seven agencies, fulness of the presentation, the itage Place Mall in Owen Sound new connections made. The all with vested interests in dia- average rating was 4.3 with a presentation also generated at- betes (awareness, management, mode of 5.0. Eighty-two (82) per- the moment we opened the booked and attended the foot tendance by staff from other and prevention), partnered to cent stated they would attend doors, we had a steady stream of care clinic. agencies who were not a part of present a one-stop source for di- next year. Ballots totalled 133. visitors, with two half-hour slow- As we planned the event, it the event, achieving more net- abetes information. We provided The mall management gener- downs around lunch and dinner. drove home the necessity for a working. A total of 14 staff and screening, foot care, and lots of ously donated the use of an Screening was provided with holistic approach to health in volunteers hosted the informa- information and expert advice. empty store for the day, and about 40 people taking advan- general, but specifically regarding tion displays. The function ran from 10:00 A.M. loaned us tables and chairs. From tage, and almost 30 people pre- diabetes. Exhibitors included Go BIG! Get BIG results! Spring 2011 17
TORONTO | DRUM-MAKING WORKSHOP
Flo and Dave Kate and her drum Spencer and Claire. Hide, Sinew and Spirit
by Lianne Dumais an important spiritual quality about and sinew dried, it tightened and out so different from the rest, re- MNO Healing Long Term Care Coordinator it, choosing a frame, hide, and fi- gave the drum its resonance and flecting the individuality and amaz- and Wellness GREATER TORONTO AREA nally creating a drum beater to be depth of tone. ing presence of each drum-maker. used with the drum. It also requires The group was left with an im- Because the workshop fell on a Branch staff in n January 21st, 2011, the a lot of strength; my hands sure felt portant message: There are many PD day, some children were able to Toronto Long Term Care Coor- it the next day. drums; there are many drummers. share the experience with their par- Toronto hosts a dinator organized a drum mak- There are several frame styles Each drummer must find their own ents. The clients have expressed drum-making Oing workshop. I’d like to take for hand drums; we chose the heartbeat which leads to their own their gratitude for giving them the the opportunity to thank our facili- round drum as it was the most pop- drum, which clarified that no two opportunity to create their own workshop for tators Dave and Blanche White. I ular. Skill came into play when we drums will sound the same; each drum. I hope everyone enjoys their learned quickly that making a drum were stretching the hide and tight- has a unique tone. This brings me drum and takes the time to play their local Métis is far more than technique. There is ening the sinew pieces. As the hide to the next point: each drum turned own special creation.
WINDSOR MÉTIS RESEARCH | CHRONIC DISEASE SURVEILLANCE PROJECT Valuable First Population-based health studies lessons at Anti-bullying about Métis in Ontario completed luncheon in By Mario Gravelle Council of the Métis Nation of Wellness Branch will present the chronic disease research proj- Chronic Disease Surveillance Project Ontario in the spring and then to findings in “Technical, Lay and ects. A respiratory disease study Windsor TORONTO MNO citizens at the Annual Gen- Knowledge Translated” formats. is underway while a mental eral Assembly (AGA) in Thunder Material will be available in Eng- health and addiction feasibility By October Fostey n article published last July Bay. Fact sheets circulated at the lish and French. testing study is also in progress. Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy in the Métis Voyageur out- AGA provided information about This dissemination strategy The preliminary findings of both Children Coordinator lined the work of the Métis the findings of these research includes the following activities: initiatives will be presented to WINDSOR A Nation of Ontario’s Healing projects. Second, “Clinical Signif- the PCMN0 in July, 2011, and to and Wellness Branch, Chronic icance Studies” are being done • Launch event in Ottawa and the AGA later in the summer. he Métis Nation of Ontario Disease Surveillance Project in partnership with leading ex- public release of materials to Please visit the MNO website (MNO) Aboriginal Healthy (CDSP). This item explained that perts from the respective social media, Aboriginal Peo- for a link to the fact sheets about T Babies Healthy Children the CDSP was undertaking pop- chronic disease fields to inter- ples Television Network, the diabetes, cancer, and cardio- (AHBHC) staff in the Windsor ulation-based studies to deter- pret the study findings and to MNO website and publica- vascular disease studies. If you MNO office held an Anti-bullying mine the burden of diabetes, recommend the best use of the tion in the Métis Voyageur, would like to have copies of this and Harvesting Luncheon on Jan- cancer, and cardiovascular dis- results. This process will allow and press releases distrib- material sent to you, please con- uary 27. Participants not only ease in the Métis Nation of On- the MNO to identify policy and uted to Ontario newspapers; tact: learned how bullying impacts tario Citizens Registry. The Métis programming options along with • Community information ses- every age group but were also Nation of Ontario Healing and research priorities about dia- sions (regional councils, Jo MacQuarrie treated to a delicious hot lunch of Wellness Branch is pleased to betes, cancer, and cardiovascular community councils, and CDSP Knowledge Translation Consultant Indian taco's and corn soup, provide a follow-up progress re- disease. This activity should be AGA in Parry Sound); [email protected] thanks to one of the AHBHC vol- port about these exciting re- finished in the summer. • Poster presentations at Heal- Tel: 613-798-1488 unteers who periodically cooks search initiatives. The CDSP has developed a ing and Wellness Branch traditional foods for the Windsor First, we gladly announce that strategy to broadcast the results sites across Ontario. Mario R. Gravelle office staff. Our big “thank you” the Métis-specific studies have of the chronic disease studies as CDSP Coordinator goes to her for preparing and been completed. Results were well as the Clinical Significance The CDSP is currently under- [email protected] bringing all this food while it was presented to the Provisional Studies. The MNO Healing and taking two other Métis-specific Tel: 416-977-9881 still hot. It was very much en- joyed by all! The AHBHC would also like to extend thanks to all our guest A New Year, a New You! speakers who provided excellent information and facilitated dy- By Melissa Pigeau On Tuesdays personnel come nity office, workers participate in namic group interaction by ask- OTTAWA one by one to the community of- physical activity challenges on ing good questions and providing fice where they begin by weigh- their lunch hours. They may feedback. Even the youngest he staff at head office started ing-in, and every three weeks choose to do a personalized community member participat- T the new year off with one thereafter their body measure- THE STAFF AT workout, or play against each ing learned a valuable lesson as goal in mind: “A New Year, A New ments are taken. These measure- HEAD OFFICE other in weekly challenges with he helped his grandma put food You!” Over-indulgence and social- ments are then charted using the STARTED THE the “Biggest Loser” game. on her plate (with a little bit of as- izing, coincided with insufficient website www.sparkpeople.com, NEW YEAR OFF With summer fast approach- sistance from one of our staff). exercise throughout the Christ- which is a free healthy lifestyle WITH ONE GOAL ing, the group will take full advan- Feedback from participants in- mas season, so workers formed a website that tracks measure- IN MIND... tage of the office’s proximity to dicated that everyone enjoyed healthy living/weight loss group ments and creates individualized the Byward Market and Parlia- the day, so, until next year let's re- that meets every Tuesday at lunch meal and fitness plans. ment Hill to increase cardio-vas- member that bullying is a form of hour. With the support of others, During the lunch meetings, cular exercise. These walking abuse that can cause long-term their journey to healthy living is a staff members discuss their suc- groups, highlighted with various trauma and WE are the ones that path that does not need to be cesses and failures, the challenges ideas for the next session. exciting competitions, will stimu- can take control to stop it! travelled alone. they encountered, and share Using the “Wii” in the commu- late personal motivation. 18 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR
NORTH BAY | AROUND BLUE SKY COUNTRY Métis on Ice
Walter Deering, Gerry Greenwood and half-frozen Métis. David Potvin, Amanda Desbiens sitting, Mel Jamieson and Marc Laurin on machine.
By Brian Cockburn to drive around the barrier and by NORTH BAY 8:30 A.M. he had the Métis flag flying out on Lake Nipissing. he start of 2011 saw the Debbie Cronk arrived with the Métis Nation of Ontario minnows; before you knew it 20 program offices in a sham- more Métis drove around the bles, as the Education and wooden horses in front of the T Training section brushed railway tracks. Another Métis flag on a fresh coat of paint--the first was soon flying on the back of since they opened the doors at one of the trucks, to let our mem- this location in 1998. Many cabi- bers know we were still ice fish- nets, files, desks and computers ing. found new locations, and not to As the morning drifted on, I be out done, Long Term Care, watched a lot of the local vehicle Healthy Babies, and Community traffic being turned around at the Wellness also cleaned up old files city's “Road is Closed” sign, while or put a new look to their offices our flag proudly flew. One car and the Greenwood Room. that did stop was the local TV Métis on Ice was a storm. Feb- crew who had come to see the Métis flags fly on Lake Gerry Greenwood on machine, Mel Jamieson, Walter Deering ruary 19th the community gath- Métis blockade at the railway Nipissing. and Debbie Cronk. ered for a day of ice fishing, snow- tracks along the water front. shoeing, and broom ball followed Our blockade continued in Malette of Long Term Care made North Bay. The musicians, Tim nounced it was election year, by an evening with dinner, music, good fun with a baker's dozen go- a hot chilli lunch for the gang that and Larry Ellery, entertained the with the date being early June, cards, and a presentation on the ing out on the ice, even in the -30 her grandson Patrick Landry growing crowd as Amanda Desbi- 2011. Members were invited to North Bay Métis Council web wind-chill and blowing snow; “waitered” out onto the lake on a ens and Stacey Rivet chopped the run for the many positions on page. many thanks to volunteers Gerry four-wheeler. vegetables and Jason Jamieson council. The morning started with a Greenwood, Pierre Malette and By 3:00 P.M. the fishermen stirred the moose stew. An intro- If you would like to join in one 30km wind blowing so hard that Marc Laurin who had brought were ready to join the events be- duction to the new website and a of our family days there will be a the city had to close the road to their snow machines, ice augers, ing put on by the Healing and great dinner were soon served--a large one planned by the Healing our location for ice fishing. Presi- and wind barriers, and Jason Wellness Branch at Le Club Les very enjoyable evening. The and Wellness Branch for July at dent Walter Deering was the first Thibert for the first coffees. Lise Bon Amis, 327 Dudley St. in North Bay Métis Council an- the North Bay water front.
KENORA | DIABETES VOLUNTEERS MNO Healing and MNO LTC program playing Wellness partners with regional health orgs an important role in
By Judith Williams gagement Committee, and the Timmins Métis Community AHBHC Coordinator Kenora/Rainy River Communities KENORA & DRYDEN Early Development Instrument he MNO Healing and Wellness Branch’s Committee (EDI). LTC Program in Timmins was very busy peaking of warming up-- The Kenora Healing and Well- during the winter months with several January was “hot” with new ness Branch hosted the first community service events. S energy. LTC Coordinator quarterly diabetic clinic day, facil- TOn February 24, the LTC program and the Youth Kathleen Tardi and I brain itating with the Kenora Area Coordinator hosted a presentation by Mary Fortier. stormed our programs together Health Access Centre (KAHAC). Mary is a survivor of the residential school system. as much as possible and net- Diabetics were screened and She told her story of coping with her painful memo- worked with our community consultations arranged for ries throughout her youth and adulthood. “I was partners. clients who expressed a desire amazed with Mary’s quiet courage,” stated Shirley The first weeks of January, for further direction in the care Potvin, a member of the Timmins Métis Council, Healthy Babies Healthy Children of their medical concerns associ- “while it was heartbreaking to hear her story, it is Top: Timmins area volunteers with the (HBHC) attended committee ated with diabetes. Extending di- important for all of us that she tells it.” MNO Healing and Wellness Branch’s meetings to share program infor- abetic education and services, as- On March 3, twenty participants attended a work- Long Term Care Program. mation with other agencies plan- sessments of clients with “skin shop on Alzheimer’s disease organized by the LTC. ning 2011 events and welcoming breakdown”, and a foot care The workshop was provided by Graham Lee and in- new members to the Kenora clinic were held February 28th, cluded a movie about the impact of Alzheimer’s dis- Family Coalition (KFC) to which I 2011. These specific clinics will ease. Following the workshop, council member, have been a contributor. Discus- repeat throughout the year. KA- Regina Rosignol said, “It is a hard subject, but I re- sion and involvement with KFC HAC has expressed their com- ally appreciated what Graham had to say and I think has enabled me to participate in mitment and involvement with it helped us all understand Alzheimer’s disease.” future events and programs, as the MNO Healing and Wellness The LTC held an appreciation luncheon for vol- well as training seminars held in Branch. We also had unexpected unteers on March 17 at a local restaurant. Each vol- the Kenora area. media coverage by the Kenora unteer received a certificate acknowledging their New Year’s resolutions were Daily Miner and News. dedicated service. Some volunteers had been sup- the focus: Healthy Eating, Smok- Collaborating with other porting MNO Healing and Wellness programs for as ing Cessation (BCC), Healthy En- HBHC the Northwestern Health long as 17 years. “Our program wouldn’t be possible vironment for Children, Breast- Unit and local dentists assisted in without our dedicated volunteers,” said LTC Coordi- Bottom: Mary Fortier with Youth Coordi- feeding and Accreditation mater- the 2011 Circle of Friends Day nator Louise Cloutier. “We are so grateful for every- nator Cyndee Desrochers of the MNO- nity ward for Lake of the Woods Care presentation to promote thing they do to make our program a success.” Timmins Council. District Hospital, Community En- dental care. Spring 2011 19
THUNDER BAY | NEW HEALING AND WELLNESS STAFF New faces for T-Bay Healing and Wellness
By Kerrie New party while feasting and listening CAP-C Coordinator, THUNDER BAY to the delightful music of the Kam Valley Fiddlers. Families enjoyed a hunder Bay Healing and fun-filled day at Centennial Park Wellness Branch has some with a horse drawn sleigh ride, T fresh faces this year: Cher- snowshoeing, sledding and a hot ity Calder as Healthy Babies lunch. Mothers celebrated with Healthy Children Co-ordinator, some henna, belly casting, sling Kerrie New as Community Action making and baby quilts. Program for Children Co-ordina- Our calendar is jam-packed for tor, and Liisa Hymander as the spring so we look forward to Pre/post Natal Nutrition Co-ordi- continuing the positive adventure nator. They have jumped right as part of the Thunder Bay Heal- into the community facilitating ing and Wellness Branch team. some wonderful family events and offering support. CONTACT: Over 200 participants cele- 226 May St. S., Thunder Bay, ON brated a community Christmas Tel: (807) 624-5012
(top) Community Christmas party volunteer crew. (bottom left) Horse drawn sleigh-ride. (middle) Making baby quilts. (right) Kerrie New and Senator Bob.
LIFE SKILLS SUMMIT TO END VIOLENCE
Staff members of the MNO Healing and Wellness Branch participate in Life Skills Training held in Toronto on Feb. 22-23, 2011. Standing Senator Roland St. Germain (left), Mitch Case (right) and sitting, Josephine Mandamin. Life Skills Training will assist Protecting Healing and Wellness Branch our children staff in delivery of workshops from violence
By Shelley Gonneville teaching participants to take provided an anger management By Shelley Gonneville children and youth by delivering Manager, Child and Family Initiatives common workshop topics such workshop in their community Manager, Child and Family Initiatives powerful messages and stories OTTAWA as budgeting, and incorporate that incorporated some of the in- OTTAWA about those who lived--or con- methods and activities that teractive ideas they had learned tinue to live--with the long-last- and Danielle Deneau would make it fun as well as real in Toronto. Participants talked The Métis Nation of Ontario ing effects of family violence. Community Wellness Coordinator for people within their commu- about what anger looks like and (MNO), along with the Ontario Speakers, including many WINDSOR nities. Over time, standard pres- how to react to it. It was the first Federation of Indian Friendship youths, shared stories of re- entation models don’t always res- time staff tried a more interactive Centres, the Ontario Native siliency and how their culture On February 22-25, 2011, The onate with most people. workshop from the Life Skills Women’s Associations and inde- played a significant part in their Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Hands-on, interactive activi- Training in Toronto and it was a pendent First Nations, organized healing processes. The MNO was Healing and Wellness Branch or- ties and story sharing, on the success! With lots of good this year’s “Summit to End Vio- well represented at the confer- ganized front-line training in other hand, give audiences the laughs, but also a serious side, lence Against Aboriginal Women” ence and MNO speakers in- Toronto for 43 of its staff mem- opportunity to better under- and with the help of a guest on February 28 to March 2 in cluded MNO Chief Operating Of- bers. Over three days, facilitators stand the topic, because in the speaker from the John Howard Toronto. The Summit was spon- ficer, Doug Wilson, MNO youth, Tracy Bald, Community Wellness end, they can relate it directly to Society, the participants learned sored by the Ministry of Child Mitch Case and Senator Roland Coordinator, and Shelly Whitney, their everyday lives, making it about different types of anger; and Youth Services. Shelley St. Germain who participated in Long Term Care Coordinator, more likely they will make the using anger in a positive way; Gonneville, the MNO Healing opening and closing prayers. guided the group through Life changes needed to live healthier when anger becomes a problem; and Wellness Branch Manager of MNO Healing and Wellness Skills sessions. Tracy and Shelly life-styles. the ABC’s of anger, and much Child and Family Initiatives rep- Branch Managers, Lisa Pigeau had previously taken on the task The MNO Healing and Well- more. resented the MNO on the Sum- and Shelley Gonneville, were of becoming Life Skills trainers ness staff in the Windsor office The Healing and Wellness staff mit steering committee. among the facilitators of break- and brought these skills back to wasted no time applying what in Windsor would like to thank The Summit theme was “Pro- out sessions that provided fur- the branch with a high standard they had learned in Toronto to everyone who participated, in- tecting our Children from Vio- ther direction on how to move of professionalism. one of their training sessions. On cluding the guest speaker and all lence: Our Sacred Responsibil- the issue of violence against Abo- “Life Skills Training” involved the afternoon of March 8, they staff for a wonderful afternoon. ity”, which focused attention on riginal women forward. 20 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR
MOON RIVER HEALING AND WELLNESS HAMILTON | DIABETES AND FOOT CARE Healthy feet for life
By Lisa Scott by a performance of traditional signed for people to independ- Community Wellness Coordinator singing and drumming. ently go to the chiropodist’s of- HAMILTON The Southern Ontario Aborig- fice for treatments. Some partici- inal Diabetes Initiative is funded pants for various reasons are n March 10th, 2011, the by the Ontario Ministry of Health house-bound and have mobility O banquet hall of the Ukrain- and Long-term Care, which pro- issues; in this case, in home foot ian Cultural Centre in Hamilton vides financial assistance for the care is possible. was alive with the sounds of development, and enhancement Various foot care supplies community. The Métis Nation of of programs and services focus- (such as diabetic socks, support ‘Round Ontario, along with Aboriginal ing on the education, preven- hose, orthotics, orthopaedic Healthy Babies Healthy Chil- tion, and management of dia- shoes etc) may be subsidized. the dren, Ontario Native Women’s betes in Aboriginal communities, Nike shoes can be subsidized to Association and the Southern both on and off-reserve. The high SOADI subsidy clients, through Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Ini- Over the course of the day we prevalence of diabetes in Aborig- SOADI Foot Care Subsidy Pro- campfire tiative (SOADI), held the 6th An- had the pleasure of hearing from inal society has placed it among gram. For more information con- nual Hamilton Aboriginal Dia- many voices, including Rebecca the top health priorities. tact the Foot Care Coordinator. by VERNA PORTER betes Awareness Day and Foot Truscott from Cancer Care On- Nike N7 shoes are available to try Care Clinic. tario, Gordon Gong from Hamil- Who is a candidate for on by appointment at our head of- As I listen to Métis citizens speak Fifty-three community mem- ton Executive Directors' Aborigi- SOADI Foot Care Subsidies? fice. Contact the foot care pro- at round table discussions, bers were treated to a day of nal Coalition Inc., and Bob Fen- gram to make an appointment. around a camp fire, or at moc- learning, self-care and a wonder- ton from Ontario Native Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit peo- Our feet are very important to casin camp training, the same ful lunch. The day began with a Women’s Association. ple that are living with diabetes, our daily lives and we must take story seems to surface. Some moving prayer and welcome During the morning Crystal have current foot concerns, are care of them. Feet are a part of us found out they had “mixed from Elder Renee Thomas Hill, Macdonald provided a presenta- high risk under LEAP ranking, for life. However, amputations blood”--that they were Métis peo- who had us all thinking of the im- tion on reading food labels and and elders who do not qualify for are becoming the leading com- ple--but at a later age. Some were portance of the health of our feet Kathleen LaForme taught us how any other funding resources are plication of diabetes. Let’s walk fortunate enough to grow up and laughing at her wonderful to create the “ribbon of life” SOADI’s main priority. together to help prevent more knowing their heritage and prac- account of her childhood antics. while the crowd was entertained This part of the program is de- losses. ticing their beliefs, a way of life, maybe a little different than their school peers. I was one who SUDBURY | COMMUNITY OUTREACH found out in my late 30’s that there was “mixed blood” in my family tree. It takes a lot of paper Scenes from Sudbury Fun Day work, asking questions, digging and getting government papers in By Dale Xilon where fun was had by everyone. order, but the end result is very AHBHC Coordinator In one activity, children cheered satisfying to know where you SUDBURY on their favourite race horse came from and the history that and in another they bet suckers surrounds those findings. n February 12, 2011, the as part of a “Let’s Make a Deal” I am from up north, and while O Métis Nation of Ontario round. This area turned out to moose hunting with my husband (MNO) Healing and Wellness be by far the loudest and most years back, I sat on my watch and Branch in Sudbury hosted a popular area during the Family was thinking of ancestors and Family Fun Day. Fun Day. what it would have been like to sit The day included three mini- With the children in mind, and wait for your moose to ap- workshops and presentations: Rainbow Bear from Rainbow pear (if you were lucky enough). winter skin care by Dr. Lyne Cinema stopped in for a visit, As these thoughts went through Giroux, dermatologist; obtain- handing out free movie vouch- my head I wrote a little song. I ing and maintaining healthy ers and taking pictures with sung it for some students during family weight by Lorna Fryer, both the children and the one of our Aboriginal Days and Area Manager at Weight Watch- young at heart. felt maybe I should share it with ers; and, the link between child- Nancy Martel, MNO Long you as well. hood and responsible gambling Term Care Coordinator, recog- by the Métis Nation of Ontario’s nized and publicly thanked the Verna Porter is the Senator of own Loma Rowlinson, Provincial volunteers who made the event the Moon River Métis Council. Aboriginal Responsible Gam- from her experiences as a par- demonstrated that gaming can possible. bling Coordinator. ent. She was supported by inter- be approached in a fun, healthy Proud To Be Metis Loma’s heart-felt presenta- active activities facilitated by and safe way and were featured tion shared a personal story Brent Xilon. These activities in a responsible gaming area This is a song about me and you How I found out I was Métis too It was a secret in most our families KENORA | DIABETES CLINIC Pride and shame, but who’s to blame
My great-grandfather James Miller Good food makes healthy bodies From Orkney Island was his birth To be a factor for the Hudson’s Bay Co. By Lisa Scott teething, breastfeeding, signs and or 60 years, that has changed sedentary than ever before. This At the great Matagami trading post Community Wellness Coordinator symptoms of illness, and general drastically. Our people are no creates higher risk because they KENORA maternal health. longer active in order to survive. may be overweight and they're He met his love an Ojibwa maiden Philina Sky, the branch's dia- New technology such as cars, not eating the proper traditional Settled down and raised a family he Métis Nation of Ontario betes nurse educator, works with even shopping for food doesn't foods they used to eat.” Generations have all come and gone THealing and Wellness Wassay Gezhig Na Nahn Dah We expend a lot of energy so we're Sky acknowledged there's a Our legends told in verse and song Branch launched 2011 with a di- Igamig (Kenora Area Health Ac- finding our people are more “challenging” job ahead, as abetes clinic at the Kenora Métis cess Centre). Her team travels to poverty plays a pivotal role in Our elders our only bond Centre on January 24th. 13 regional First Nations com- available food options but Memories faded but the spirit is strong “Our goal as a health branch munities to provide services in- through education and engage- But united we must stand is to get out there and provide cluding blood sugar and healthy ment in programs such as the A circle all holding hands community workshops with lifestyle management, nutrition TRADITIONALLY “Healthy Food Box”, she is learning or educational aspects and even mental health, within a AND HISTORICALLY, spreading the message that cost I grew up in a society to them,” said Long-term Care holistic framework. OUR PEOPLE WERE saving measures and planning That wasn’t ready for the Métis Coordinator Kathleen Tardi. “Traditionally and historically, VERY ACTIVE. can create a healthy diet within a Our families were not to blame “We're targeting the community our people were very active. THEY NEEDED TO tight budget. It’s really sad and what a shame at large, not just Métis people.” They needed to by physically ac- BY PHYSICALLY “Our services are holistic- Judith Williams, the branch's tive in order to survive. They ate ACTIVE IN ORDER based,” she said. “We have a bal- I’m young and proud to be a Métis Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy what was available from the land TO SURVIVE. ance of traditional services and I’ll keep searching for more history Children Coordinator helps with and they moved around a lot ac- mental health services to help I hope and pray that generations to come family planning needs as well as cording to the seasons--wher- our clients to be able to take care Will gain their pride and stand as one with such parenting elements as ever the food was. In the past 50 of themselves wholeheartedly.” Spring 2011 21
FORT FRANCES | SUNSET COUNTRY MÉTIS COUNCIL Find the Voyageur within
By Charmaine Langlais
tudents of Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton par- ticipated in Voyageur Day TO PROVIDE A on March 4, 2011, when a GLIMPSE OF THE S celebration of Aboriginal, VOYAGEUR WORLD, French and Métis heritage was in TEAMS PARTICIPATED full swing. The student body di- IN OUTDOOR GAMES vided into six teams and fulfilled MIMICKING THOSE the task of creating a team name, OF EARLIER DAYS a tune and a flag that proudly dec- BUT WITH A orated the gymnasium walls. To- CONTEMPORARY gether “The Mighty Métis” team TWIST. chanted:
We’re tough, we’re buff primary and two junior students We’re the mighty Métis! were selected as the “voyageurs The mighty Métis! of the year”. Sunset Country Métis We’re half ‘n half, Healing and Wellness staff pre- We hunt ‘n we trap! sented each of them with a dis- We honour our parents’ past. tinctive red Métis sash. We’re the mighty Métis To complete the day, teams The mighty Métis! were judged on tunes and flags Ya! Ya! Ya! combined with points from the The MIGTHY MÉTIS! voyageur games. First, second and third place received voyageur To provide students with a ribbons and Métis Nation of On- glimpse of the voyageur world, Left to right: Gavin Brumwell, Avery Kreger, Paige Anderson and Destiny Copenace. tario Healing and Wellness water teams participated in outdoor bottles. games mimicking those of earlier “Dog Sled Race” were just a few breaking through the snow their own dot painting master- We want to thank the students days but with a contemporary of the games. I helped with dog proved an exhausting task. piece by dipping the end of a and staff of Our Lady of the Way twist. Students learned that effec- sled race, a timed event in which Voyageur inspired games were paintbrush into paint and press- School for their invitation to be tive teamwork takes a great deal all team members worked to- followed by a pot luck lunch with ing it onto canvas. The end result part of Voyageur Day and their of hard work and compromise. gether to manoeuvre voyageur many parents in attendance and was the effect of hundreds of ambition as modern voyageurs to Older students welcomed a lead- like equipment (toboggans, rope, dishes to share. The Healing and raised dots that simulated floral preserve our cultural heritage. ership role by setting a good ex- snowshoes, bags, wood) through Wellness Branch offered a display beadwork. ample and promoting morale and the course. The lighter kids were of beading and other Métis sym- Just like the real clothing that Charmaine Langlais is the communication. “Snowshoeing”, able to walk on the top layer of bols for the school to admire. Fol- voyageurs wore, students sported MNO’s Community Wellness “Hike through the Woods” and the snow but for the rest of us, lowing lunch, students made their best voyageur costume. Two Worker in Fort Frances.
BANCROFT | COMMUNITY OUTREACH NORTH BAY | COMMUNITY OUTREACH The best part of winter Healing and Wellness Branch plans snowshoe outing in North Bay
By Amanda Desbiens Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program Coordinator NORTH BAY
ormally I’m not a winter fan; I don’t like to be out- N side in the cold or dressed up in all that winter gear that makes it hard to move. I do have to admit that I love snowshoeing! The best part for me is taking a hike in the snowshoes down some trail when the sun is blazing Basic Jigging through the trees. I feel so con- nected with Mother Nature and a Event brings together school community higher power when I’m out in the middle of the forest walking through laughter, physical fitness, socializing around breathing in the cold air North Bay, Aboriginal Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Pro- and culture through my lungs and listening to gram Coordinator, Amanda Desbiens, introduces snowshoeing the birds chirp and the wind to students at École publique Jeunesse-Active in Sturgeon By Tracey Dale active learning experience that slowly blow the snow off the Falls during their winter carnival. photo by Chantal Rainville Community Wellness Coordinator showcased Métis culture and trees. & Tammy Hoover community cohesiveness. As the AHBHC program coor- for all the students in the school Aboriginal Healthy Babies/Children Each class was brought to- dinator in North Bay I get the priv- on February 10, 2011. We played BANCROFT gether to learn four individual ilege of doing some physical activ- boys against girls in every grade jigging steps that when com- ity workshops that I normally save and it was a blast! n February 9th, 2011, the bined with fiddle music, com- for the winter so I can take partic- THE BEST PART We didn’t think the snow- O children from Bird’s Creek pleted a full dance. By the end ipants out snowshoeing. This year FOR ME IS TAKING shoes would fit the kindergarten- Public School in Bancroft were of each class the children were we borrowed snowshoes from the A HIKE IN THE ers but they were anxious to get able to experience and learn ba- keen on performing with their MNO Timmins Council and went SNOWSHOES DOWN them on, so we gave it a go. They sic jigging. peers and teachers. to École publique Jeunesse-Active put those snowshoes on and Métis jigging is a unique This event brought together in Sturgeon Falls for their winter SOME TRAIL WHEN walked around like champs. They dance developed by the Métis the school community through carnival. THE SUN IS did an amazing job, although we people. It combines the intri- laughter, physical fitness, social- Our Community Wellness Co- BLAZING THROUGH were really tired from running af- cate footwork of Native dancing izing and culture. ordinator, Stacey Rivet, and our THE TREES ter them putting their snowshoes with the instruments and form It was an honour to be in- second year Social Service back on and picking them up of European music. vited to share Métis traditions Worker program student, Debbie when they fell in the snow. It was Throughout the day 116 stu- with the children of our com- Cronk from Canadore College, an awesome morning with a great dents participated in a fun inter- munity. assisted with snowshoe soccer bunch of kids! 22 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Education COMMUNITY OUTREACH Moccasin Camp The MNO’s Education and Training branch holds a Moccasin Camp a meaningful and useful experience for Métis citizens
he Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Education and Training Branch has re- cently started offering Métis T “boot camps” to provide training on presenting about Métis history, culture and issues in Ontario to MNO citizens. The par- ticipants at a recent boot camp in Midland were an enthusiastic and engaged group who quickly adopted a suggestion from Sena- tor Roland St. Germain that these events would be more appropri- ately called “moccasin camps”. So, from now on, these training events shall be known as “moc- casin camps”! Moccasin camps address the increasing demand from schools, governments and the general cluded Senators Audrey Vallee, During the Midland Moccasin Camp, Scott Carpenter of public for information about the Roland St. Germain, Cecile Wagar, the MNO Education and Training Branch, speaks about the Métis. As well, the camps assist Alis Kennedy, Andre Bosse and significance of the sash to Métis culture. Métis by increasing awareness Verna Porter, as well as MNO and pride about Métis identity, I learned Chair, France Picotte. MNO Edu- which leads us all to want to learn something new cation and Training staff mem- camp was great,” stated Larry Du- was quite moving. Kathy is a de- more about Métis history and cul- about my bers, Chris Paci, Bonny Cann, val, the President of the Moon scendent of Louis Riel’s grandpar- ture. In response to this growing Scott Carpenter, Chris McLeod River Métis Council. “I learned ents, Jean Baptiste Lagimodière demand, moccasin camps provide Métis heritage and Guylaine Morin-Cleroux led something new about my Métis and Marie-Anne Gaboury. She ex- Métis educators and community and gained more sessions on such topics as public heritage and gained more confi- plained that as a teenager she had leaders, including senators, eld- confidence in my public speaking skills, presenting Métis dence in my public speaking abil- resisted learning about her Métis ers, youth, community council- speaking ability. This type material culture, and how to pro- ity. This type of education is very heritage, a time when she could lors and other activists, with train- of education is very mote Métis culture. The partici- important because it helps people have learned from her mother ing on effective ways of making important because it pants were also provided with a get a better understanding of and other elders. However, now presentations to different audi- helps people get a better power point presentation called Métis history and culture.” that her mother has passed she is ences and how to use various understanding of Métis “Métis 201”, which they can adapt Kathy Morgan, an MNO citizen actively trying to re-connect with presentation tools to explain history and culture. for their own presentations. from the Toronto area, com- her Métis identity. It was a power- Métis heritage and current issues. Highlights for many partici- mented: “I loved the moccasin ful story with which many at the During the weekend of Janu- pants included Scott Carpenter’s camp! I hadn’t had the chance to camp could identify. ary 29-30 over 30 MNO citizens beautiful display of Métis artefacts expose myself to this kind of After the completion of the from the Moon River, Toronto- and a similar impressive display learning before and it was really camp, Chair Picotte presented York, Georgian Bay, Credit River brought by Jim Tolles of the quite wonderful.” During discus- each participant with a certificate and Midland Community Coun- Credit River Métis Council. Reac- sion about how to tell the Métis recognizing that they had com- cils gathered in Midland for a tion from the participants was epic, Kathy shared the story of her pleted the camp. moccasin camp. The group in- very positive. “The moccasin own family, which everyone felt
STUDENT BURSARIES | SENECA COLLEGE MNO establishes award for Métis at Seneca College On April 8, the Métis Nation of On- taking place in Ontario flowing dents develop the skills and ex- tario (MNO) announced that it from the Memorandum of Under- pertise necessary for today’s ca- had pledged $20,000 to provide fi- standing (MOU) between the reers.” nancial assistance to Seneca Col- MNO and the Ministry of Training, In order to be eligible for the lege’s Métis students. These funds Colleges and Universities, which award, students must show aca- will be matched by the Ontario was signed last year. “The MOU is demic promise and have a Trust for Student Support. part of our overall Framework demonstrated financial need. In The new MNO award is in- Agreement with the Ontario Gov- addition, applicants are encour- Seneca College President, David Agnew, presents MNO tended to encourage Métis indi- ernment,” stated Lipinski, “and aged to provide information President, Gary Lipinski, with a hand-made drum painted viduals within Ontario to pursue the award is another example of about their active role in the Métis by Aboriginal artist Jay Bell Redbird. post-secondary studies specific to the progress being made in imple- community and any humanitarian careers leading to employment. menting the Framework Agree- or volunteer efforts. provided assistance to Métis stu- fairs and Quality Operations, “Métis students face a number of ment.” “Four per cent of Seneca’s full- dents attending Seneca through Computer Networking and Tech- unique cultural, geographic and “We are pleased to have the time student population is Aborig- our employment and training pro- nical Support, Early Childhood social challenges when attending Métis Nation of Ontario invest in inal,” said Mark Solomon, Man- grams,” stated Jennifer St. Ger- Education - Apprenticeship Pro- a post-secondary institution,” ex- the success of Seneca students,” ager Student Development. “This main, MNO Director of Education gram, Law Enforcement and In- plained MNO President Gary Lip- said Seneca College President, new award acknowledges the and Training. “Last year we were vestigations and Tourism and inski. “The financial assistance we David Agnew. “By working to- unique needs of Métis students able to fund seven students pur- Travel. This new award is an im- are providing will help to address gether, Seneca and the Métis Na- and will help them to achieve suing studies in Golf-Course Tech- portant step forward to create some of these issues.” The new tion of Ontario can provide more their academic and career goals.” nician, Registered Practical Nurs- more opportunities for Métis peo- award is part of the ongoing work access to education to help stu- “Over the years, the MNO has ing, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Af- ple to attend Seneca College.” Spring 2011 23
STUDENTS’ SUCCESS | READY TO WORK PROGRAM Ready-to-Work first graduates
n December 3, 2010, students from training to help them successfully transi- Sault Ste. Marie in the Métis Nation tion into the tourism and hospitality of Ontario (MNO) Ready-to-Work workforce. Participants also received the (RTW) program were in the mood core industry certifications needed to get O to celebrate as were students in Ot- a job in tourism and begin working to- tawa and Midland in the same program on ward their emerit National Tourism Certi- December 17. On each of these days, stu- fied Professional (TCP) designation in any dents held graduation parties to recognize of 21 recognized tourism occupations. their achievements in completing the pro- “Ready-to-Work really built up my con- gram. fidence,” explained RTW graduate Sarah The Ready-to-Work program is a part- Hamill: “I feel very prepared and excited nership between the MNO and the On- to launch my new career.” At least 28 in- tario Tourism Education Corporation dividuals graduated from the RTW pro- (OTEC). Its purpose is to provide tourism gram in December, 2010. These most re- and hospitality training for Aboriginal cent graduates are part of over 60 people people. Graduates receive essential skills who have successfully completed the pro- Ottawa Graduates: (Back row, left to right) Gilbert McGillivary, Charleen Kakek- development through “emerit” Tourism gram, most of whom are already em- agumick, April Guanish, Darlene Gear-White, Vanessa Petawabano. (Front row, Essentials (TOE), Service Excellence and ployed in the tourism and hospitality in- left to right) Christine King; Chantal Lemire, MNO Job Developer; Tanya Sadler, Canadian Workplace Essentials (CWE) dustry. OTEC Facilitator. (Monica Ethier and Mervin Leclair are absent.)
Midland Ready-to-Work graduates: (Back row, left to right) Nicole Williams; Sault Ste. Marie graduates: (Back row, l to r) Jenilee Neveau, Marshal Agawa, Naomi LeCamp; Cortney Lottermose; Kristen Stewart, MNO Job Developer; Ashley Tanner, Loretta Nolan, Sheila Pitawanakwat and Lisa Bonin. (Front row, l Brenda McCue and Ken Laycock. (Front row, left to right) Ashley LeCamp; Jem to r) Becky Rogers, MNO Job Developer; Scott Wilkins; Marie Murphy-Foran, St. Germaine; Sheila Kidd; Sue Tait, OTEC Facilitator; Cathie Williams; Jenne MNO Facilitator; Cyndi Boston Cloutier, MNO Project Coordinator; Kyle Rus- Finley and Darlene Desroches. sell; Sarah Shawanda, and Dominic Migwans-Desjardine.
EDUCATION POLICY STUDENT SUCCESS | UNIVERISTY OF SUDBURY Canada's Ministers of Education Métis student urged to endorse a Métis-specific receives honour forum on Education and Training elanie Smits is a self-iden- tifying Métis woman who by Chris Paci non-Aboriginal people and Métis Mhas worked for the Métis Manager, MNOET that attend post-secondary educa- Nation of Ontario as a summer tion--18% versus 7%. Doucette student and who attended the t a meeting with National FUNDING SHOULD says our economy stands to make 2010 MNO Annual General As- Aboriginal leaders and BE RESPONSIVE TO great gains if we can increase sembly as part of the youth con- A Canada's provincial and THE SPECIFIC NEEDS those numbers. tingent. She recently received the territorial Ministers of Education OF MÉTIS PEOPLE ... “Minister Duncan is aware of Sword of Loyola, the most presti- (CMEC) on February 24th, Métis TO ENSURE MÉTIS our issues, and now we all need to gious award offered by the Uni- National Council Minister of Edu- DON'T CONTINUE TO sit down at the table to ensure versity of Sudbury. Melanie is the cation, Robert Doucette, called FALL THROUGH THE we're able to come up with solu- first Métis student to receive this for Métis-specific solutions to ed- CRACKS. tions to educate our Métis popula- honour. ucational challenges. tion youth and how it engages A bilingual honour student, He explained education fund- them in the labour force moving she is currently completing a de- ing should be responsive to the forward in the 21st century,” says gree with double specializations specific needs of Métis people and Doucette. “The fact of the matter in Native Studies and Religious Mentorship Circle, where she with 52% of the Métis population table to address the need to in- is this country will prosper when Studies—Religious Studies in helps train Aboriginal youth to do below 19 years of age, it's time for crease education funding for Abo- Métis people prosper and I'm con- French and Native Studies in Eng- presentations in the community Canada's governments to take ac- riginal students--First Nations, fident that message will be res- lish. schools on Aboriginal history, tion to ensure Métis don't con- Inuit and Métis. onated loud and clear by the First In addition to her academic health and leadership. After grad- tinue to fall through the cracks. Minister Doucette says: “I'm Ministers to Minister Duncan.” studies, Ms. Smits is the Aborigi- uation, she intends to attend ei- Doucette informed CMEC that the encouraged that CMEC delegates A Métis-specific forum on edu- nal representative on the board of ther teachers' college or pursue Métis National Council recently re- have listened and that they are go- cation would address the need to the Association des étudiants an M.A. degree in the Humanities. ceived support from the Hon- ing to take our message forward revamp the K-12 system, examine francophones (l'AEF); a represen- The Sword of Loyola was es- ourable John Duncan, Minister of to Minister Duncan. The Ministers ways of improving access to post- tative of the Métis students on the tablished in 1966 by the Board of Indian Affairs and Northern Devel- asked questions specific to Métis secondary education and look at Board of the Indigenous Students Regents to recognize the graduat- opment and Federal Minister re- education and I believe they are providing support for adult learn- Circle; a member of the Under- ing student who has proven to be sponsible for Métis and Non-Status sincere in their advocacy in want- ers among other things. Doucette graduate Program Review Team the most outstanding example of Indians, that if the provinces are ing to ensure a huge segment of says all Métis Nation governments for the Department of Native the university's ideal in scholar- willing to talk about a Métis-spe- the Canadian population within need to be at the table including Studies and a member of the De- ship, leadership qualities, and cific process then he's willing to be their provincial jurisdictions are the Métis Nation of Ontario, Man- partment of Religious Studies concern for others. The award is engaged in those discussions. dealt with in an equitable man- itoba Métis Federation, Métis Na- search committee. inspired by the life of Ignatius of National Aboriginal leaders ner.” tion - Saskatchewan, Métis Nation Off campus, Melanie is a vol- Loyola, a Spanish Knight who and CMEC all agree that the fed- Currently, there is an enor- of Alberta and the Métis Nation unteer coordinator of the Ni- converted to Christianity in 1521 eral government must be at the mous gap between the number of British Columbia. wapeten Npeten Aboriginal Youth and founded the Jesuit order. 24 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR
BUILDING SYSTEMS TECHNICAL ADVISOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Housing expert provides Empowering Aboriginal BSTAIP training youth to he week of December 6-10, 2010, was a big one for the work for students enrolled in the T Métis Nation of Ontario change (MNO) Building Systems Techni- cal Advisor Internship Program Aboriginal Youth Program (BSTAIP). The BSTAIP students partici- goes national in 2011 pated in a one week seminar led by Gail Lawlor, the President of n the short year since the Energy Matters. Gail is a leading Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) consultant in making homes Iof Canada launched a pilot more energy efficient. Based in project to introduce the global Thunder Bay, the purpose of youth action program, “Jane BSTAIP is to develop a Métis Goodall’s Roots & Shoots”, to workforce of highly skilled build- Canada’s First Nations youth, ing inspection and energy conser- communities across the coun- vation advisors, who are knowl- BSTAIP students listen as Energy Matters President, Gail Lawlor, describes the working of a try have embraced the pro- edgeable on current housing Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system. gram as a way to empower trends, so, Gail’s expertise was Aboriginal youth to work for very valuable to the students. leakage, moisture control, heat required research and class pre- nar was very informative and in- positive change in their com- Gail’s training was part of the flow, mechanical systems, air and sentations and concluded with a teractive,” commented BSTAIP munities--for people, animals BSTAIP Building Science class and ventilation sizing, thermal com- field trip to inspect the Heat Re- student Peter Ducharme. “We all and the environment--while focused on the concept of the fort and indoor air quality. Gail covery Ventilator (HRV) system in learned a great deal from Gail that also reconnecting with their “House as a System.” Topics cov- took a practical approach to one of the Rural and Native Hous- we will be able to use when we traditions. More First Nations, ered during the week included air teaching with assignments that ing units. “The week-long semi- enter the labour market.” Métis and Inuit youth are now encouraged to make their ideas heard by joining Jane BUILDING SYSTEMS TECHNICAL ADVISOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Goodall’s Roots & Shoots for Aboriginal Youth Program as JGI expands the youth-driven Many challenges met by network in 2011. “Roots & Shoots is a global network of young people first-year BSTAIP Interns working for positive change in their communities and beyond and Canada’s Aboriginal youth by Peter X. Ducharme on-line assignments and con- bring a unique perspective. cluded the course with a field trip Our youth have tremendous he MNO Building Systems to a local fish hatchery to inspect energy, innovation and ideas. Technical Advisor Intern- the mechanicals of the building. By tapping into this spirit T ship Program (BSTAIP) pi- Terry Desaulniers, BSTAIP Coor- through the Roots & Shoots lot project is a partnership be- dinator, gave the interns a 10 les- program, everyone benefits,” tween the Métis Nation of On- son, self study program. explains Abner Lico, National tario, the Métis Nation of Ontario One of the big highlights this Program Manager, at the Jane Education and Training (MNOET) year was the Buildings Science Goodall Institute of Canada. Branch, the Ontario Aboriginal Class. Gail Lawlor, President of There are currently tens of Housing Services (OAHS), the Energy Matters, was brought in thousands of Jane Goodall’s Ontario Power Authority (OPA), for a week-long insight into the Roots and Shoots members in Confederation College and the science behind “House as a Sys- more than 120 countries. Government of Canada’s Aborigi- tem”. Gail touched base on sev- Canada’s Roots & Shoots pro- nal Skills and Training Strategic eral topics throughout the week. gram has 400 member groups Investment Fund (ASTSIF) and It was a participatory seminar as including several new Aborigi- runs out of the MNO Housing In- Gail gave out assignments for nal communities. vestments Inc. Branch located in everyone to research and present Aboriginal communities Thunder Bay, Ontario. It is a two in front of the class. The week from Yellowknife, Calgary, and year internship with in-class ended with a field trip to inspect Sudbury--to name just a few-- learning and on-site training with an HRV system in one of MNO’s are already active in hands-on applied learning in shops, labs Housing Branch rentals. projects that include: planting and the workplace. Building Systems Technical Advisor Internship Program The second highlight for the and nurturing of community Since our last report in No- (BSTAIP) Interns at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival in BSTAIP interns was attending the gardens, assisting elders with vember, 2010, the interns have Hamilton. Canadian Aboriginal Festival at daily tasks, community recy- completed the first academic year the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, cling programs and the cre- for the BSTAIP with great success. a basic leadership seminar to help ON. At the trade show, the interns ation of a “community narra- This winter, the interns attended in the understanding of what it set-up a display table to promote tive” video that addresses is- several workshops and seminars, takes to be a leader and develop the Building Systems Technical sues important to them. and finished several accredited teamwork qualities. Advisor Internship Program and This pilot program is made courses. Sheena Owen, from Confeder- SINCE OUR LAST also attended the cultural events possible with the financial sup- Patrick Larocque, Senior Tech- ation College, presented business REPORT THE of the festival. port of Indian and Northern Af- nical Officer for the CMHC was in- communication information on e- INTERNS HAVE Finally, Dale Kauzlarick, from fairs Canada. vited to the BSTAIP class to dis- mail, letter, report, and briefing COMPLETED THE Confederation College, instructed To learn more, please visit cuss the Residential Rehabilita- note writing. The presentation FIRST ACADEMIC the interns on contracts, laws and www.rootsandshoots.org or tion Assistance Program (RRAP) also included information on oral YEAR FOR THE ethics. Dale taught the basics of call JGI’s Aboriginal Program that CMHC administers. Patrick and multimedia presentations. BSTAIP WITH laws and legalities as they pertain Coordinator, Tanya at gave a Power Point presentation Kevin Conner, of Milestone GREAT SUCCESS. to the construction field. (416) 978-3565. followed by a question and an- Construction Solutions, started The new class started in early swer period where students had the Construction Materials April, 2011. The BSTAIP interns The Jane Goodall Institute is an opportunity to ask questions course. It gave the interns a brief have completed their first year. a global non-profit organiza- pertinent to their own experi- overview of the various construc- During this time, both the interns tion that supports wildlife re- ences in the inspection field. tion materials being used in to- and BSTAIP Coordinators met search, conservation and ed- Jean McIsaac-Wiitala, Executive day’s market. many challenges. ucation. Jane Goodall’s Roots Director of MNO Housing Invest- Bob Hookham, from Confed- Peter X. Ducharme is the & Shoots is dedicated to in- ments Inc., and Terry Desaulniers eration College, introduced the Housing Inspector Intern for the spiring, training and support- CET, Senior Technical Advisor and class to the basics of heating, ven- MNO’s Housing Investment Inc. ing tomorrow's leaders today. BSTAIP Coordinator, as part of tilating, and air conditioning He can be contacted at For more information, visit “Achieve Global”, gave the interns (HVAC) systems. He gave several (807) 626-9876. www.janegoodall.ca. Spring 2011 25
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION Plans for Post-secondary Métis Mentor program generate excitement
leven enthusiastic Métis “Encourage the Métis people students from nine differ- you know,” President Lipinski ent Ontario post-secondary told the students, “and make institutions gathered in them aware of what they can be. E Toronto on Saturday, March In that way we can all be role 26 to start the process of devel- models.” He also told the stu- oping a Métis Nation of Ontario dents: “Tell us what the Métis Na- (MNO) program to provide role tion can do to help you in your models and mentors for Métis post-secondary education. We post-secondary students. The are behind you! Let us know what post-secondary institutions rep- the MNO can do to help.” resented were University of The students identified a Toronto, Sault College, Cambrian number of difficulties that Métis College, University of Sudbury, students commonly face during Sutherland-Chan School of Mas- their post-secondary education. sage Therapy, Athabasca Univer- Issues surrounding funding and sity, Carleton University, McMas- poverty often create difficulties ter University and Laurentian as do concerns related to feeling University. isolated because Métis students The students were brought to- often are far from their families gether by Benny Michaud, MNO and there are no visible Métis Post-secondary Education Analyst communities on many university with the Education and Training and college campuses. In addi- Branch, as a focus group to help tion, because they are frequently the MNO develop a new program the first person in their family to Participants and facilitators at the MNO Métis Students’ Post-secondary Focus Group sessions on to assist Métis students attending attend a post-secondary institu- March 26 in Toronto. Back row (l-r) Nick Callaghan (Youth Representative on the PCMNO), Andrea post-secondary institutions. tion, relating their experiences to Park, Stephanie Humphries, Annette Laprise, Benny Michaud (MNO Post-secondary Analyst), Melody “We had two major purposes their family is sometimes chal- Chislett, Senator Roland St. Germain. Front Row (l-r) Conlin Sawchuck, Ginny Gonneau, Sylvie Forest, for our focus group,” explained lenging. For these and other rea- Crystal Audette, Sheila Grantham and Jasmine Kondracki. Michaud. “First, we wanted to sons, the students felt that the identify obstacles facing Métis MNO mentorship and role model post-secondary students as well program would function best as a as discuss solutions to these ob- network. stacles. Second, we wanted their “The students envisioned a ideas on how to effectively imple- community of Métis learners, THE STUDENTS ment a role model and mentor- learning from each other,” ex- ENVISIONED A ing program in Ontario post-sec- plained Michaud, who was im- COMMUNITY OF ondary institutions.” pressed by the students’ ideas. MNO President, Gary Lipinski, “The approach they are suggest- MÉTIS LEARNERS, MNO Chair, France Picotte, and ing would impact more people LEARNING FROM Senator Roland St. Germain all than we initially thought,” she EACH OTHER took the time to attend parts of said, “and will expand the bound- the focus group meeting and pro- aries of the project. I’m excited vided the students with inspira- and can’t wait to start imple- President Gary Lipinski (standing) and Chair France Picotte tion and encouragement. menting this program.” (on his right) meeting with the Focus Group Students.
EDUCATION SUMMIT Learning from Each Other
and Senators panel; MNO promotes Métis Education • Dr. Brenda Macdougall, Chair agenda at Post-secondary Gathering of Métis Studies at the Uni- versity of Ottawa, explored n March 5-6, 2011, the Min- Métis people still face consider- different approaches and con- istry of Training, Colleges able socio-economic challenges cepts of learner success. The and Universities organized including lower income and edu- session was moderated by Dr. the first Aboriginal Post- cation rates,” explained President Chris Paci, the MNO Manager O secondary Education Gath- Lipinski, “but our population is of Education and Training. ering in Toronto. The event young and growing and we are Dr. Paci was also a member of brought together over 300 edu- working to ensure that our young the organizing and steering cation leaders, faculty, practition- people complete high school and committee for the gathering. ers, administrators, learners, eld- post-secondary studies.” ers, senators, and youth to share The gathering provided the In addition to these speakers, the common goals of improving MNO the opportunity to showcase on the second day, MNO Chair, the educational achievements of the considerable success of its ed- France Picotte, joined the Hon- Aboriginal people, and closing ucation and training programs: ourable Chris Bentley, the Minis- the educational attainment gap ter of Aboriginal Affairs; the Hon- between Aboriginal and non-Abo- • MNO Director of Education ourable John Milloy, the Minister riginal learners in Ontario, and to and Training, Jennifer St. Ger- (Left to right) MNO President Gary Lipinski and Bonnie Patterson, of Training, Colleges and Univer- “Learn from Each Other”--the main, explained how MNO President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities. sities; and, Ontario Regional theme of the gathering. programs prepare Aboriginal Chief, Angus Toulouse, in provid- Métis Nation of Ontario students for the labour mar- PAYIN program in engaging ing opening remarks when the (MNO) President, Gary Lipinski, ket and a successful transition Aboriginal young people; Ontario Government released its was one of the dignitaries who to post-secondary education; • As part of a student panel, Ja- “Aboriginal Post-secondary Edu- provided opening remarks and • Robert Karklins, Manager of OUR POPULATION IS nine Landry, Thunder Bay cation and Training Policy Frame- he was also a member of a panel the MNO Aboriginal Appren- YOUNG AND GROWING Council, Youth Representa- work”. Senator Roland St. Ger- that closed the event. In his com- ticeship Centre at Sault Col- AND WE ARE WORKING tive, described her experi- main provided the opening and TO ENSURE THAT ments, President Lipinski recalled lege, presented factors that OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ences attending Lakehead closing prayers. some of the challenges and obsta- assist Aboriginal learners tran- COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL University. Janine expressed Further information about the cles Aboriginal students have that sition into the labour force; AND POST-SECONDARY her gratitude to the MNO for conference, including copies of he had observed while teaching, • MNO Post-secondary Analyst, STUDIES. the support she had received presentations and speeches, can and also the challenges he had Benny Michaud, and MNO from its programs; be found on the Aboriginal Post- faced as a university student. youth, Ginny Gonneau, dis- • Senator Alis Kennedy shared secondary Education Gathering “Compared to other Ontarians, cussed the success of the IS- her perspective on the Elders website. 26 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MANITOBA Métis and non-Métis mark Louis Riel Day in Manitoba
ebruary 21st was also coincided with Festival “Family Day” in On- du Voyageur, which hosted F tario, but it was some of Manitoba's top “Louis Riel Day” in Mani- Aboriginal performers, in- toba. The Musée de Saint- cluding Tracy Bone and Boniface offered all-day Tribe of One. free admission as an entice- ment to learn more about Festival du Voyageur Riel and Manitoba’s Métis her- itage. Founded in 1969 by a Among those in at- group of Saint-Boniface tendance were NDP entrepreneurs, this MP, Pat Martin, once three-day and St. Boniface event, held in Win- Tory MP, Shelly nipeg’s French Quar- Glover. Martin ter, has evolved into a was there to perfect 10-day province-wide his knowledge of Riel's celebration of sights, story in preparation for a sounds, snow and spirit. debate against well-known Dubbed “The World’s Largest conservative political scientist, Kitchen Party”, Festival du Voyageur Tom Flanagan, in May. The two will go celebrates the joie de vivre of the fur head-to-head on the question of whether traders, who established the Red River Riel was a traitor who deserved to hang. Colony and the ever-growing French- Martin has drafted a private member's bill Canadian community in western Canada. asking Parliament to exonerate Riel. The spirit and culture of the voyageur is Museum director, Philippe Mailhot, present in the vibrant community that said dedicating a provincial holiday to Riel comes together to celebrate its history has generated new interest in the story of through this event every February. Manitoba's founder. He noted that in the In honour of the voyageur spirit, the last census almost double the number of Festival du Voyageur’s emphasis is on the people identified themselves as “Métis”, beauty of winter, with numerous histori- meaning the old stigma is starting to fade. cal, educational and entertaining activi- Events marking Louis Riel Day were ties--truly something for every age and held all over St. Boniface, with afternoon every taste! entertainment, tours through historic St. Visit: [email protected] Boniface and a Métis lunch. The holiday
MNC announces and language, and our continuing struggle Council of Indigenous Peoples during as rights bearing people. We hope to use which time he was asked to witness peace Decade of the the decade as an avenue to promote our talks in Nicaragua. issues, whether it's our push for a land President Chartier was joined by Métis Nation base for our peoples, securing harvesting Brooklyn Rivera from the Indigenous peo- rights, or recognition for Métis veterans.” ples of the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua and ast year, 2010, was declared “the Year ment Chartier, began a “President's Tour” The tour included visits to the Univer- leader of the Yatama political movement. L of the Métis Nation”. Now, the Métis on March 21st at the University of Alberta sity of Saskatchewan on March 22nd and Mr. Rivera discussed the progress the In- Nation has announced that 2011 to 2020 to discuss the significance of the declara- the University of Winnipeg on March 23rd. digenous peoples of Nicaragua have will be “the Decade of the Métis Nation”. tion. President Chartier used this opportu- achieved with respect to land rights and The theme for this year, 2011, is “Paying President Chartier says: “We are mak- nity to introduce his book, “Witness to Re- self-government. He also outlined the Tribute to Our Métis Veterans.” ing progress in getting our message out as sistance”, which outlines his experiences challenges his people continue to face. Métis National Council President, Clé- Métis people about our history, culture as the former President of the World
MÉTIS EDUCATION Higher education, higher aspirations continued from page 1 cluded: lack of funding for post- families, the MNO has partnered ing, Colleges and Universities. secondary education, persistent with various post-secondary insti- Benny Michaud is on board in fully to the goals outlined in the poverty, discrimination, lack of tutions across the province and this role and is currently working framework in order to ensure student support specific to Métis, currently has signed Memoranda with post-secondary institutions that Aboriginal students have and a lack of awareness by other of Understanding (MOU) with to increase recruitment and re- equal access to post-secondary students and faculty about who the University of Ottawa, Univer- tention of Métis students. Ms. education. Métis people are in Ontario. sity of Sudbury, Laurentian Uni- Michaud will also be implement- According to Statistics Canada Recently, President Gary Lipin- versity, Collège Boréal, Confeder- ing a unique mentorship and role only 9% of Métis people have ski appeared on the TVO pro- ation College, Georgian College, model program set to be achieved a university degree, as gram, The Agenda with Steve and Sault College. These MOU launched at various schools in compared with 23% of the non- Paikin, as part of a panel dis- represent a shared commitment September. If you have questions Aboriginal population. This dis- cussing Aboriginal post-second- by post-secondary institutions regarding post-secondary educa- parity points to the need for in- ary education. President Lipinski and the Métis Nation of Ontario tion initiatives please contact her creased support for Métis who was quick to address the com- to find ways to support Métis at 1-800-263-4889 extension 137. want to attend post-secondary in- mon misconception that Métis Ontario is working with post-sec- learners. In order to assist stu- stitutions. At a Métis Post-second- students get a free ride for their ondary institutions to create sup- dents in covering the rising costs By Jennifer St. Germain ary Education Focus Group facili- education: “There is no federal or port for Métis students. “I have of education, the MNO continues Director, MNOET tated by the MNO Education and provincial funding for Métis stu- found educational institutions to invest in bursary endowments Training Branch in March, Métis dents for post-secondary educa- are very willing to partner with at some 33 colleges and universi- and Chris Paci students identified a variety of tion except for whatever their the Métis Nation of Ontario and I ties throughout the province. Manager, MNOET factors impacting access to parents might save or whatever certainly think that’s an impor- In January, a new Post-second- higher education. Some of the they can get through scholar- tant step in moving forward.” ary Education Officer position and Benny Michaud barriers identified during the ships.” President Lipinski also Continuing to look for ways to was created through an agree- Post-Secondary Analyst course of the discussion in- noted that the Métis Nation of assist Métis students and their ment with the Ministry of Train- Spring 2011 27
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
Dr. Dwayne Donald, University of Alberta, speaking on Aboriginal-Cana- dian relations as an educational priority. Breakfast at Centre Block Now is the time for Canada to step up and do more to make real structural changes to include Aboriginal peoples in education
By Chris Paci Donald argued for a clear understanding Manager, MNOET of “Treaty”, and this is one of the short- OTTAWA comings of his presentation. Treaty as the basis for better understanding the relation- n Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:30 ship between Canadian-Aboriginal rela- A.M., The Canadian Federation for tions leaves Métis and Inuit out. If the Othe Humanities and Social Sciences, terms “Aboriginal” and “Indigenous” are to in cooperation with the Social Sciences and include Métis and Inuit, then we need to go Humanities Research Council, hosted a beyond Treaty. This is problematic for First breakfast talk by Dr. Dwayne Donald, Uni- Nations because their argument for educa- versity of Alberta, Faculty of Education, ti- tion funding is tied to the Treaties. tled, “On What Terms Can We Speak?” His Here in Ontario, the approach MNO is talk focused on Aboriginal-Canadian rela- advancing with the Ministry of Education is tions as an educational priority. As I passed respect for Aboriginal rights. In 2007, the through Parliament’s visitor entrance, I was Ontario Government adopted the First Na- a little nervous. This same house three tion, Métis and Inuit Education Policy times denied the rights of Manitoba’s first Framework as a result. This framework was elected Member of Parliament, Louis Riel, crafted with input from First Nations, Inuit and twenty years later condemned him to and Métis. While still in its early days of death after an unjust trial. I breathed change, and far from perfect, the policy deeply and besides taking off my belt and marks the beginning of the inclusion of emptying my pockets at security, was ad- First Nations, Métis and Inuit in crafting mitted without fuss. curriculum, teacher training, resources, Aboriginal education is increasingly a and the like. hot national issue. Last June, National Chief Another good example of change is Shawn Atleo made a passionate plea to all Pearson Good Minds’ new texts for Native levels of government to support the As- Studies 10 and 11 that provide students sembly of First Nations’ vision of creating a with more of a reflection of Aboriginal cul- strong educational foundation for First Na- tures, histories, and a sense of place in On- tions students. At the February 2011 Coun- tario. cil of Education Ministers meeting in Métis are not pushing for separate Toronto, Métis National Council’s Minister schools in the same way that some First Na- of Education, Robert Doucette, called for tions do, and there is no rally cry like “In- Métis-specific solutions to education chal- dian Control of Indian Education”. The his- lenges. tory of Métis relations in Ontario is marked Aboriginal governments and the by Métis exclusion from Treaties which re- provinces are developing emerging educa- sulted in 160 years of quiet resistance. The tional initiatives aimed at engaging and re- MNO approach is simply to ensure Métis taining Aboriginal youth in the school and relevance and content for all students at all post-secondary education systems. During levels and for all subject areas, and in this his presentation Dwayne Donald argued regard we agree with Dr. Donald. The On- that much of the research informing these tario Government’s Equity and Inclusive initiatives focused on identifying culturally- Education Strategy supports the MNO ap- relevant educational approaches that foster proach, but it is not a replacement for the higher rates of Aboriginal student success. importance of Aboriginal education for all He says these are important, but the focus students. implies only a concern for Aboriginal stu- Sadly, constitutional recognition of Abo- dents, their families, and their teachers. Dr. riginal and Treaty Rights, in 1982, has not Donald proposes that the priority should been matched by a sustained effort by the be placed on helping all students and edu- federal government to decolonize Aborigi- cators better understand the historic and nal education. Certainly we have not seen current character of Aboriginal-Canadian Canada make the same efforts they have on relations. Such a shift in educational prior- bilingualism, or trade, or even the develop- ities would enhance chances to repair and ment of national parks. The next twenty renew Aboriginal-Canadian relations on years will be an opportunity for Canada to more ethical terms, fostering decoloniza- step up and do more than apologize, but tion, and sparking imagination for genera- rather to make real structural changes to in- tions to come. clude Aboriginal peoples in education.
The First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/fnmiFramework.pdf 28 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Volunteers
THESUZANNEROCHON-BURNETT VOLUNTEER of the Year Award•2011
auline Saulnier is a courageous Métis woman who is dedicated to promoting and preserving her culture. She gives freely of her time to en- sure that others experience and get to know P more about the rich traditions and colourful culture of the Métis. For that reason Pauline was cho- sen the “2010 Volunteer of the Year”. Like the woman for whom the Volunteer of the Year Award is named, “Suzanne Rochon-Burnett”, Pauline exempli- 2010 2009 2008 2007 fies the definition of “volunteer”. If you know or Pauline SAULNIER Louise GOULDING Richard SARRAZIN Reta GORDON work with someone who, like Pauline, deserves Penetanguishene Midland Sudbury Ottawa recognition as the Volunteer of the Year, the time to nominate them has arrived. Louise Goulding, deserves recognition as the MNO that the Métis in Ontario continue to earn the recog- The objective of the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year, please nominate them for this nition they deserve as a distinct Aboriginal people in Volunteer of the Year Award is to recognize individu- prestigious award. The 2011 Suzanne Rochon-Bur- Canada. One of the greatest strengths of the Métis als who contribute as a volunteer to the Métis Nation nett Volunteer of the Year winner will be announced Nation of Ontario is that there are many, many volun- of Ontario year round and have done so for a num- at the 2011 MNO Annual General Assembly in Parry teers within the organization who demonstrate quali- ber of years. Each year a volunteer meeting the crite- Sound, August 20-22, 2011. ties like these on a daily basis. ria is named as the recipient of the Suzanne-Rochon- The attributes that earned Pauline the 2010 award Any MNO citizen can nominate a volunteer for the Burnett Volunteer of the Year by a selection commit- include working hard for the community, respect for award by completing a nomination form and sending tee of the Métis Nation of Ontario. So, if you are for- others and giving more than she takes. Louise it to: Volunteer of the Year Selection Committee, tunate enough to have a person in your life who, like Goulding, 2009’s winner, has been with the Métis Na- Métis Nation of Ontario, 500 Old St. Patrick Street, Pauline, and previous winners Suzanne Rochon-Bur- tion of Ontario since 1996 and it is through efforts Ottawa, ON K1N 9G4. The deadline for nominations nett, Richard Sarrazin, Senator Reta Gordon or like hers and those of other dedicated volunteers is July 2, 2011.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett PROCESS: Any MNO citizen can nominate a volunteer for CRITERIA: The individuals nominated must exemplify the Volunteer of the Year Award is to recognize individuals who con- the award by completing a nomination form and sending it to: kind of volunteer contribution demonstrated by Suzanne Ro- tribute as a volunteer to the Métis Nation of Ontario year Volunteer of the Year Selection Committee, Métis Na- chon-Burnett. They will have given generously of their time and round and have done so for a number of years. Each year a tion of Ontario, 500 Old St. Patrick Street, Ottawa, effort; be strong advocates of the Métis Nation and their record volunteer meeting the criteria is named as the recipient of the ON K1N 9G4 of selfless commitment will be firmly established. They will be Suzanne-Rochon Volunteer of the Year Award by a selection seen as caring, giving individuals that others look up to and ad- committee of the Métis Nation of Ontario. The deadline for nominations is July 2, 2011. mire. The candidates will have provided an extended period of service as a volunteer.
DR. SUZANNE ROCHON-BURNETT was a founding member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Named to the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, Suzanne was a member of the Canada Council and was awarded an Honourary Doctorate by Brock University where she served on the Board of Trustees. She was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and the first woman inducted into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame. Suzanne passed away in 2006. To honour her memory and recog- nize her outstanding service as a volunteer, in 2006, the Métis Nation of Ontario named Suzanne as the first recipient of the inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award which now bears her name.
PAULINE SAULNIER | VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, 2010 My passion for volunteering
By Pauline Saulnier the Métis Nation of Ontario and for the Métis Nation of Ontario gateway to permit our Nation to received my card signed by past for Region 7. This role has pro- strive. eceiving the Métis Nation President, Dr Tony Belcourt, I vided me with many opportuni- I have been working for the of Ontario Suzanne Ro- asked my late husband Todd what ties to see many social changes Ministry of Community of Social chon Burnett Volunteer of this meant. IN TIME OF CRISIS, for our Métis way of life. Every and Services since May, 1987. I the Year Award in the year Instantly, the forces that be EVERYONE HAS day I have the privilege to walk currently work for the Ontario R of the Métis, 2010, is not must have been in play, as I YOUR BACK AND the volunteer pride road for the Disability Support Program in done alone but rather with a lot opened the local newspaper and NO MATTER WHAT, rights of Métis people in Ontario Orillia. of support from your family and the ad read: “Wanted, a Métis per- THE PRIDE AND THE and across our Métis homeland. LOVE OF THE MÉTIS I have volunteered since 2008, friends. son to sit on the Métis Child and PEOPLE ARE TRULY I have been one of the found- as Vice Chair and since 2010, as Participating in Métis events as Family Committee”. I went and THERE. ing members of the Region 7 Chair on the Ontario Public Ser- a volunteer, for me, is like spend- volunteered to assist on that Rendezvous Committee which vant Employee Union Aboriginal ing time at my Memere’s house. board and this is where my vol- permitted me the opportunity to Circle which gives the Métis citi- You have lots of family with vari- unteer journey began. embrace my culture and all it has zens of Ontario yet another voice ous tastes and wants. You all en- At the Annual General Assem- to offer. to educate and promote, “Who joy being together; you know bly in Penetanguishene, Senator I volunteer as Chair of the are the Métis?” I am also the “Eq- where all the good food is, and Helen Bradley, OMC, volunteered Georgian Bay Traditional Terri- uity vice Chair for OPSEU Equity you spend time laughing until me to be doing all sorts of activi- tory Consultation Committee Committee” and part of the social you cry. Other times you are cry- ties to assist the local council at on various committees to do a with other presidents who sup- mapping committee. ing until you laugh, but you still the time. Little did I realize that volunteer board manual; to open port our full region with ensuring I often attend various Métis have time for little disagreements this was just the first connection the Métis Shoppe; to assist with that our environment and our tra- functions, such as Educational from time to time. You need to to more continuous learning the Youth drumming group; to ditional knowledge is preserved Boot Camp in December 2009; push and be loud if you truly be- within the Métis Nation. place floats in community pa- and/or accommodated. Learning the Métis Economic & Develop- lieve in your cause; otherwise it I joined the Georgian Bay rades; run garage sales; to work about all sorts of proponents’ ment Strategy II; meetings for the may be lost forever. In time of cri- Métis Council, first as the secre- as a team with such great Métis projects has offered me so many Women of the Métis Nation, just sis, everyone has your back and tary and proceeded to become citizens who were as proud as I opportunities to understand to name a few. no matter what, the pride and the the President of Georgian Bay was to volunteer for the good of more economic opportunities. Thank you so much to all love of the Métis people are truly Métis Council. the cause. I volunteer on the Métis Na- those who supported me and there. Volunteering for the Métis After having done the “presi- tion of Ontario Finance Commit- who nominated me for this I remember in 1996, when I meant just that, more hard work dent” role for a few years, I took tee, which in my eyes is the brain award, I proudly stand tall with first investigated the fact that I and more learning experiences, a short break and returned to be of the Métis Nation that allows us my prior award winners in this could become a proud citizen of such as proposal writing; sitting elected as Provisional Councillor to continue to function. It is the place of honour. Marci!