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Aen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtishiyawk - Remembering Our Culture AUTUMN 2009 Check Out Our Online Archive: http://issuu.com/toonguy85
Happy Autumn!
By Senator Leora Wilson
Another Successful Summer Picnic
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e, as citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario, are voyageurs in the 21st century, facing new challenges, breaking new ground and forging new unions. Ride the rapids! Feel the excitement! You will have heard that the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Community is expanding by amalgamating with the Saugeen Community. We welcome new members to our citizenry, and pray that we can fill your needs with expanded services in the present office structure. We are indeed fortunate to have hired an office coordinator to take charge of our gathering place. We welcome Melanie Hamilton, who will be the person you meet on the telephone or at the office if you visit in person. Melanie is no stranger to many of you, having been involved in the Métis community at a very young age. Call her at 519-370-0435. (We notice the office # is not listed in the phone book, so keep this number for future reference.) A local election in December will bring new faces to our council table. All positions are available for nomination. We encourage your participation in the organizational component of this community. You will have received a letter telling you about the amalgamation and the election, our new boundaries, as well as a nomination form, so that you may nominate someone (or yourself) for a position within the Executive structure of the GOSMC.
We appreciate those volunteers who have served the past 2 years, and thank them for their time and participation in vital community social, business and cultural events. In keeping with the expanded boundaries, our name will also be undergoing a change to reflect the changes. We anticipate suggestions for a new community name, and a logo. We are offering a contest with a prize of $50 to the winning name and logo. If you are self employed and have a business of your own, you are asked to register it for future reference by calling Ray Racicot, our Protocol Committee rep at 519-363-3663. Métis specific companies are being sought to provide aboriginal presence in the workforce. There are many educational stimuli available for youth, education in health care, apprenticeships, re-entering the workplace, returning to school, those needing to travel a distance to work, those with disabilities, etc. The MNO website keeps you posted on educational opportunities. Please feel free to ask for assistance if you need anything. Your privacy will be respected. We will direct you if we do not have the needed assistance available within our structure. We are here to serve the Métis community and we welcome any and all inquiries. Wishing the Métis Community a happy autumn, we pray that your larder be filled from the plentiful harvest that Creator has provided for us all. ~Senator Leora
he Harrison Park Community Centre buzzed with activity on June 28th, 2009, as the GOSMC held their annual Aboriginal Day Picnic. In advance to the picnic, President Dixon held a bannock workshop. The bannock was served at the picnic, along with bison stew, venison stew, rice dishes, baked beans, many salads and desserts provided by community members. The day of the picnic began with a downpour, but by the time we were set up, the rain had let up. People arrived in everything from campers to motorcycles to mini scooters. We had seniors in their 90’s, babies under1 year, and many ages between. Guests traveled from New Jersey, USA, St. Catharines, London, Toronto, Midland, to join their friends and families. We marched to the hall in our grand entry with flags (Canada, Métis & Union Jack) flying proudly, joined by several invited dignitaries. President Dixon performed a smudge and Senator Wilson delivered prayer. Senator St Germain took a dish of traditional foods to our ancestors at our historic Métis community, now Hibou Park. The RCB Band and Rudy and Jean Couture Band performed during the afternoon. We are fortunate to have these musicians among our citizens. Our resident jigger began jigging lessons outside, and gave basic instructions, avoiding the puddles, instilling hope that one day we will have a jigging group who will go further and become more adept. Many thanks to the youth (boys and girls) who sold draw tickets for the numerous prizes contributed by the community, and competently manned the sign in table. Our thanks, also, to the kitchen helpers, who worked to make feast run smoothly. We thank Heritage Canada for their generous contribution, to the youth, and to the community who participated. ~Senator Leora Wilson
Tenders Welcome From Métis Businesses Hydro ONE has requested a list of Métis businesses, Some examples may be Tree harvesters/cutters, gravel and trucking businesses etc. If you know of any businesses in the Owen Sound Area please send them to Ray Racicot, knowledge@distributel.com, or call Alden Barty, Consultation Assessment Coordinator, Lands, Resources and Consultation, MNO Phone: 705-526-6335; Fax: 705-526-7537