OUTPOST
NEWS
Aen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtishiyawk - Remembering Our Culture SPRING 2009
Greetings and Happy Spring! By Senator Leora Wilson
W
e are grateful for this fresh season that gives us renewed energy and appreciation. This edition will introduce you to several facts about the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council. The MNO is currently working together with the Provincial Government in the signing of a Framework Agreement. The purpose is “to promote and facilitate the recognition and advancement of Métis people in Ontario by providing a framework for the parties to work together in order to develop, coordinate and implement mutually acceptable measures to: strengthen the relationship between Ontario and the MNO; support the MNO’s structure, institutions and administration; improve the well-being of Métis children, families and communities; jointly protect and promote the distinct culture, identity and heritage of the Métis people in Ontario; and recognize and respect Métis rights as a means of achieving reconciliation between the Crown and the Métis people.” (This is a ground-breaking agreement, and we suggest you keep up on the progress). The following excerpt was reprinted from the Métis Nation of Ontario Annual Report, 2007/2008. “Although a recent census showed that Métis people represent 34% of the overall
Aboriginal population in Canada, only a small percentage of government funding currently goes to the Métis. Furthermore the Métis do not receive any funds from the federal Indian and Inuit Affairs Branch.” The MNO receives some funding for programs, such as AHWS, Long Term Care, Healthy Babies, Training Initiatives, etc. The Owen Sound area is fortunate to have an Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy Program. If you wonder what this program can do for our community, or for upcoming workshops, drop in to the office and speak to Kurv, the co-ordinator of the program, or call him at 519-370-0435. The Training Initiatives Program has been accessible to several local youth in pursuing post secondary education. There are funds available for retraining courses at various colleges and universities, and specific money is available for health related careers. The citizens who serve on the local GreyOwen Sound Métis Council are volunteers, who declare their heritage and wish to bring about a better understanding of the Métis history in the settling of this area. Councillors sit on committees and groups on their own time, at their own expense. For this time and effort they gain education and understanding in many areas that would otherwise be unfamiliar to them,
also confirming their visibility in the community. Council is fully supported in their undertakings by the Métis Nation of Ontario , and we thank them for their faith in their chartered councils. Your local council is actively involved in numerous activities in the area that you may not be aware of. Councillors sit on anti-racism committees. They participate in the aboriginal events at Georgian College. Councillors sit on the Aboriginal Education Strategy committee with local school board. We speak to local groups on the history of the Métis in the Georgian Bay area. Councillors prepare and share harvest foodstuffs to citizens. Members attend the annual Memorial Day Service and lay a wreath in honour of the Métis war veterans and participate in Education workshops. Councillors publish the Outpost News and send it to you all. Your Council members wish to be available to assist the community. We hope you will become involved in programs and workshops. This makes us a visible and viable community to the MNO, and keeps our charter healthy. It is an honour to be part of the Métis Nation of Ontario . Let us show our pride in our heritage.
Protocol Info Meeting
O
n Feb. 26th Grey-Owen Sound Métis President Malcolm Dixon joined other concerned Métis in a Consultation Protocol Information meeting in Penetanguishene. President Gary Lipinski updated items of interest in the changing structure of the MNO. A new Intake Officer, Hubert Charlebois, of Midland (hcharlebois@hotmail.com. Phone 1-705-526-6335.) has been hired to assist those seeking genealogical proof of descendency for citizen’s or harvester’s card. It was confirmed that the Training Initiatives program will resume for 2 more years. Other health programs will be renewed for 1 year. The MNO/MNR agreement is still being respected. A future dialogue with the MNR is scheduled. A Research Chair in Métis studies will be hosted by the University of Ottawa, to give educators a true picture of the Métis history and the contribution made by the Métis people in Canada’s development.