Aen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtisheyawk—Remembering Our Culture
Volume 2, Issue 2
May 2007
Proud To Be Métis
Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council
"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
PETER COTURE President
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) British naturalist
TONY COUTURE Vice President CATHY HANSLER Secretary/Treasurer VACANT POST Women’s Rep PETER GENDRON ERNIE COATES MICHELE MICKEL Councillors LEORA WILSON Senator
Index Pride In Our Youth
2
Monthly Gatherings
3
Riel Poem
4
AHWS Report
5
RIEL pt. II
6
The Stew Pot
7
Remembrance Day—Métis
8
C
hange is all around us. We don’t recognize infinitesimal changes that occur every day in our lives, but change is there, nonetheless. Sometimes the changes are welcome and anticipated. Other times change is a dreaded entity. A single word, an action, a deed, all can lead to change. The action that wrested Louis Riel from his followers, and forced many to go “underground” is an example of an event that, to this day, carries with it resentment, regret and embarrassment, and has changed the lives of countless Métis families. Today we celebrate our Métis heritage, but how many families here in this small area were forced to deny their birthright in order to live “normal lives”? How many buried treasures, pictures, documents, have never resurfaced? Who were our ancestors? As recorded in the 1851 census, just outside of Owen Sound, a small “village” thrived. (known as the “French Village”) The inhabitants lived in huts made of birch bark or cabins constructed of log. The occupants are listed as traders and fishermen. The names were Boucher, Lavalee, Desjar-
dins, Fox, Jones, DeLa Ronde, Longe, Couture, Payette. Their language was French. These hardy people lived by strength and initiative. We have learned of French Trading Posts in this area, where supplies were available, but mostly they hunted, trapped, fished, gathered herbs and made maple syrup. Our ancestors were not highly educated. They did not build the cities or industrialize the area. They did, however communicate with Mother Earth and fed their families on the abundance that she provided. They celebrated their family ties, and held close together. They gathered collectively for work and good times. They charted a path for others to follow As the settlers thronged to the area, the land was confiscated, leaving the Métis as “squatters”. Even though our people had lived there for many years, they had no claim to the land. The Crown granted the land to be sold to the highest bidder. Perhaps our goal should be to rediscover some of the “buried” treasure, to assist us in finding out more about ourselves, and assess the changes that brought us here today. We acknowledge our heritage and loudly proclaim, “Proud to be Métis”. We have become a respected presence here in this area. We deserve to be proud.
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VOLUM E 2, I S S UE 2
Hunters Poem
Pride In Our Youth The exceptional achievements of our young Métis Kris Hillyer is a grade 6 student at St. Marys Catholic School (Mount Forest), who loves outdoor sports, especially snowmobiling. He enjoys helping people, learning crafts and other handiwork. He also plays road hockey, soccer, baseball and basketball. He loves swimming and riding his four wheelers. Katie Hillyer is a grade 7 student, also of St. Marys. She loves animals, playing soccer, baseball, swimming (which she coaches in summer), listening to music and “hanging” with friends. Chantelle Hillyer is a grade 5 student of St Marys, who loves singing and performing, as well as acting, dancing, sports, riding her bike, snowmobiling, reading (mother’s note: “but not cleaning”). The three Hillyers play youth darts and Chantelle is one of the best players in her competitive league. Chantelle and Kris Hillyer, both first year, junior-aged dart throwers, were key members of the Durham four-man darts team that placed 3rd in a division play-off to compete at Darts Ontario. The Hillyers played with and against competitors aged
16 to 18 years. All three are the children of Murray & Heather Hillyer of Mount Forest. Our congratulations to Matthew Boyle, who achieved an Honour Bachelor degree of Biomedical Science after 4 years of studies at Guelph University. Let’s encourage our Métis youth to achieve great things!
T
here were but two beneath the sky The thing I came to kill, and I. I, under covert, quietly Watched him sense eternity From quivering brush to pointed nose My gun to shoulder level rose. And then I felt (I could not see) Far off a hunter watching me. I slowly put me rifle by, For there were two who had to die The thing I wished to kill, and I. -Unknown
Thank You ~ Marcee ~ Miigwech ~ Merci To Susan Schank - for her interesting Louis Riel artifacts; representing Métis at 150th Birthday planning meetings; copying DVDs, videos, books; ongoing volunteerism and great support to AHWS; client assistance; storytelling; donations of resource materials, including interactive DVD for children who have diabetes; financial donation to Garden. To Alex Morton - time and supplies used to cut out jiggermen for upcoming workshop. To Scott Carpenter - presenting training initiatives. To Malcolm Dixon - representing Métis at 150th Birthday planning meetings and presentations at College
At The Riverside
O
h our Mother the earth, Oh our Father the sky, Your children are we, and with tired backs We bring you the gifts you love. Then weave for us a garment of brightness; May the Warp be the white light of the morning, May the weft be the red light of the evening, May the fringes be the falling rain, May the border be the standing rainbow. Thus weave for us a garment of brightness, That we may walk fittingly where birds sing, That we may walk fittingly where grass is green, Oh our Mother Earth, Oh our Father Sky. ~Unknown
Information Day; ongoing volunteerism; Inclusive Communities Committee and for purchases of Good Food Box for our hungry folks; donation of Computer keyboard & mouse. To Marie Monette - donation of television, videos and for keeping our site clean. To Mount Forest United Church Women - receiving blankets, quilts, blankets, diapers, baby clothes, toys, adult clothing and Craft supplies. To Senator Leora Wilson - presence at College Information Day. To GOSMC President Peter Coture, Malcolm Dixon - support and presence at D’Binooshnowin Women’s Day Dinner. To Francesca Dobbyn of United Way - Microwave, Computer and ongoing wonderful support and toiletries for our homeless folks. To Suzanne Muir - VCR and support. To James Morton - earrings. To Clare Hillyer - the loan of his trailer for Community Garden & 150th Parade float projects. To Home Depot - financial donation to our Garden and volunteer support at our dig. To Jackie Brown - for connecting us with the U.C. Women who gave such a wonderful donation to our families.
V O LU M E 2 , I S S U E 2
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Our Monthly Gatherings: The Place To Be!!
W
HAT WE’VE BEEN DOING!
February Monthly Gathering The February gathering was well received, with guest Scott Carpenter of the MNO presenting a Training Initiatives overview. Scott gave suggestions to the youth attending who are taking a two year college course. He spoke to those attempting to obtain a bursary, or help with tuition, books, courses, etc. He also gave advice or the young people seeking further training or apprenticeships. March Monthly Gathering The March gathering took the structure of a drawing/ cartooning class, led by Jeff Wilson, cartoonist. A good sized group of young people were taught the basics of drawing a character. Elmer Angell entertained the adults with his amazing recall, reminiscing about people and places from his childhood years in Owen Sound’s east side community.
W
HAT’S COMING UP!
May’s Monthly Gathering will feature a workshop putting together “jiggermen” the dancing Métis toys. If you would like to help with sanding, putting together, etc., be sure to attend. We are honoured to have Alex Morton, renowned Jiggerman cutter-outer from the shore of Georgian Bay cutting out a number of these toys, so that we, the community, can do the rest at a workshop. These can then be sold at the “Trading Post” and the money raised will go towards Community events. June's Monthly Gathering is the Annual Potluck Picnic at Harrison Park. This year we have rented the "Community Centre" there. That is the little building on the hill. There is lots of room for youth activities, shelter from the wind, kitchen facilities, fridge, etc. We anticipate a good time, and we hope to see you all there.
April’s Monthly Gathering was a General Meeting. We saw many out, as advice and assistance was sought in planning the July's Monthly Gathering may take the shape of Annual Picnic at Harrison Park and our proa hike at Hibou Conservation Area. This beautiposed float for Owen Sound’s 150th Anniverful park is the location of the "French Village", sary. formerly Squaw Point. We anticipate a barbecue or something along those lines.
Inspirational Words
“It is cynicism and fear that freezes life; It is faith that thaws it out, releases it, and sets it free.” ~Harry Emerson Fosdick
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” ~Reverend Martin Luther King, Junior
All gatherings are held 4th Sunday of each month at the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Community Gathering Place, 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. Families are encouraged to attend. We try to entertain all age groups.
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VOLUM E 2, I S S UE 2
Grey-Owen Sound Métis Aboriginal Day
ANNUAL ANNUAL PICNIC PICNIC SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007 Community Centre—Harrison Park, Owen Sound •
POTLUCK LUNCH
•
MUSIC
•
PRIZES
•
BRING THE FAMILY
•
FUN FOR ALL AGES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!!
Louis Riel Poem Here is the text of the poem, preceded by a note from Riel to his jailer, Robert Gordon.
the ground all white, From heaven, comes here below: Its pure frozen drops invite us all
and lost their souls to fires? Good desires kept unpractic'd Stand, before God, unnotic'd.
Robert Gordon! I beg your pardon for so having kept you waiting after some poor verses of mine. You know, my English is not fine. I speak it; but only very imperfectly. The snow, Which renders
To white -- keep our thoughts and our acts, So that when our bodies do fall, Our mer- “To white—keep its, before God, be facts. our thoughts and
O Robert, let us be fond Of virtue! Virtues abound In every sort of good. Let virtue be our soul's food.
acts”
How many who, with good desires, Have died
Louis "David" Riel October 27th, 1885, Regina Jail
VOLUM E 2, I S S UE 2
PAGE 5
AHWS Report
by Diane Owen
L
brations, where the Métis community has been asked to et me first acknowledge my colleague Peggy participate in Children’s programs and the Parade. I Osawanimiki, who works out of the Sudbury understand Clare Hillyer has offered us his truck and area. Peggy’s son died in a fire at her home, and we trailer for our ‘float’ and we hope to have a large numknow she needs our love and prayers. MNO is collectber of Métis, resplendent in sashes, to walk with us. ing money donations on Peggy’s behalf, to assist with Basil Johnston is holding a mini Pow-wow again this costs of funeral and of replacing what has been lost in year and has asked for Métis participation. If you would the fire. If you can help, please contact Natalie Lloyd at be willing to spend time, telling stories of your experiMNO or write her at nataliel@metisnation.org. ence growing up in this area, it would be wonderful to AHWS is off to a good start this spring. I have submithave you there. Let me know. A fundraiser – Aborigited proposals to two funders for monies to help us with nal Fashion Show—for the Pow-wow is May 12 at equipment and soil for our Community Garden. Our Kelso. Come on over and have some fun. first major work will be to remove the old sand and reThe Inclusive Communities Committee has made place it with good soil. If you can help with labour, great strides toward the Weaving Our Communities, truck/trailer, shovels, wheelbarrows, or soil, please let the Land, the People, our Future Conference which me know. will be held at the Outdoor Education Centre September The Low Impact Aerobics classes have 21 and 22. Following the great success of Community Garden: “If you begun again Tuesday and Thursday mornlast year’s conference, we hope to provide ings. As the nice weather is coming, we can help with labour, truck, information and opportunity for our Greywill walk sometimes and will be active in trailer, shovels, wheelbarrows, Bruce multi-cultural communities to come the garden too, as part of our exercise protogether to develop ways to end violence please let me know” gram. You are as welcome as the flowers in all its forms. We encourage youth parin the garden, if you would like to participate. ticipation in a greater way this year – what do youth Increasingly, we are asked to participate in community envision as a positive future and how can adults, and events and presentations. In March, Leora Wilson, decision-makers make this happen? If you know of Malcolm Dixon and I presented to students of the Aboyouth, or if you are a youth and would be willing to parriginal Studies Program at Georgian College. I have ticipate or would like to attend, please talk to me as hunted buffalo with the Community Living Day Prosoon as possible. gram. With M’Wikwedong AHWS and D’BinooshCheck the paper and listen to the radio, or….just drop nowin, I sang and spoke of Métis experience at the in some time to find out what is going on. You are alCoalition Against Poverty Seminar in April. Our presways welcome. entation was moving and very well received. AHWS and volunteers Susan and Malcolm are attending meetings for Owen Sound’s 150th Birthday Cele-
Diane
AHWS Calendar of Events
May 23 1 – 4pm
“I am a Strong Person” Workshop/ Ribbon Pillows
May Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 – noon Low Impact Aerobics AHWS closed –1st Aid Training May 8 / 9
June Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 – noon Low Impact Aerobics St. Jean Baptiste Day and Métis AboJune 24 riginal Day Family Picnic
May 12 11 am – 4 pm Kelso Beach Aboriginal Fashion Show May 14 9am – 4pm. Moccasin Making *$25.charge and limited registration Moccasins finish May 15 8:30 – 10
July Week of July 9 – AGA Thunder Bay AHWS closed: summer vacation July 30- Aug. 14
May 15 10 – 3pm
Diabetes Awareness and Footcare, with SOADI and Dr. Lisa Arsenault Chiropodist – Lunch Provided
*Upcoming through the AHWS office but as yet not scheduled: Beadwork – Making Earrings Hide Vest making Vests Hand Drum Workshop ~All are welcome to AHWS programs & workshops~
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VOLUM E 2, I S S UE 2
The Story Of Riel (Part II)
F
ollowing the resistance and execution of Thomas Scott, Riel enabled Manitoba to enter Canadian confederation with the Manitoba Act on May 12, 1870. However, a general amnesty for Riel's provisional government was not secured. As a means of exercising Canadian authority of the settlement and dissuading American expansionists, the Canadian militia set out to lynch him, despite Colonel Garnet Wolseley's "errand of peace" as his expedition neared the Red River. Lieutenant General Adams George Archibald finally arrived to set about establishing civil government, but in the absence
of amnesty, Riel fled to St. Joseph's Mission across the Dakota Territory border . The results of the first provincial election proved promising for Riel, as many of his supporters came to power, but personally, he suffered stress and financial loss. He soon contracted a serious illness, claimed by some to be a harbinger of Louis Riel his future mental afflictions. This prevented him returning to Manitoba until May of 1871.
The settlement faced another threat, this in the form of raids by the U.S. based Fenians, coordinated by former associate William Bernard O'Donoghue. Riel stood up to the Fenians and Archibald made the public gesture of a handshake with Riel, but no amnesty was forthcoming. This no doubt gave Riel cause for great concern. Also worried was Prime Minister John. A. McDonald, who feared a widening rift in Ontario/ Quebec relations. TO BE CONTINUED
Next Time You Visit The Métis Office Drop In To...
Complete Line Of Métis Goods and Novelties!! ♦
FLAGS
♦
WINTER WEAR (hats & gloves)
♦
BUMPER STICKERS
♦
SWEET GRASS BRAIDS
♦
T-SHIRTS (THE RIEL THING)
♦
RED RIVER CARTS
♦
KEY CHAINS
♦
JIGGERMEN
♦
SASHES (men’s & women’s)
♦
JEWELRY
♦
GREETING CARDS
NEW!! ANYTHING MADE FROM BUFFALO! MEAT—VESTS—POUCHES, Etc.
Contact: MALCOLM DIXON, Prop. — (519) 376-1922 — email: maldixon@hotmail.com For hours and information
VOLUM E 2, I S S UE 2
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GOSMC Coming Events The Owen Sound 150th Birthday Homecoming Committee has asked the local Métis community to enter a float in their August 4th parade. Malcolm Dixon has offered his canoe and we hoped to have a Métis display of flags, sashes, snowshoes, etc, complete with a voyageur aboard paddling. The Hottest Yard Sale falls on July 28th this year and we are requesting any items to sell and volunteers to man the tables. Articles of interest can be dropped off at the office.
Basil Johnston is hosting a Pow-wow at Kelso Beach the weekend of July 1& 2. Volunteers are needed to help feed the performers, as well as help with other duties. Weaving our Communities is being held for its second straight year Sept. 21 & 22 at the Outdoors Education Centre just northwest of Wiarton. Volunteers are needed and they would especially appreciate involvement of youth aged 16 and older. Volunteers call Diane Owen: 519-370-0435
The Métis Stew Pot Potato and Wild Leek (Ramps) Soup
Y
ou can use wild leeks to make this tasty potato soup. If you don't have wild leeks, you can use domestic ones.
A meal to enjoy with wild leeks!
INGREDIENTS: • 4 to 6 slices bacon • 4 cups chopped ramps (including green) • 4 to 5 cups diced red potatoes • 3 tablespoons flour • 4 cups chicken broth • 1 cup heavy cream • salt and pepper, to taste
pot with a tight-fitting lid. Commonly referred to as a ‘cocotte’ in French), fry bacon until crispy; set bacon aside. Add ramps and potatoes to the skillet; fry on medium-low heat until ramps are tender. Sprinkle with flour; stir until flour is absorbed. Stir in chicken broth; simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream and heat thoroughly.
PREPARATION: In a large skillet or Dutch oven (a Dutch oven is a thick-walled, usually cast iron, metal cooking
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4 to 6.
Copies Still Available!
H
istoric Saugeen and Its Métis People
Copies of this excellent historic account of the Métis, as they populated the Grey and Bruce area, are available for sale through the AHWS office or from Council. EDITED BY AREA METIS HISTORIAN
PATSY LOU WILSON McARTHUR
$30.
00 per copy
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VOLUM E 2, I S S UE 2
Local Métis Active In ’06 Remembrance Day Activities
It Can Be Habit-Forming!
W
ould YOU like to participate in sharing a talent, or craft, or just interested in meeting your local Métis family? Come out to one of our gatherings, scheduled the 4th Sunday of each month!
Pictured left to right are: Malcolm Dixon, Peter Gendron, Ernie Coates, Larry Miller MP, Tony Couture, AHWS coordinator Diane Owen.
A
Bring the whole family! You’ll be glad you did!
re you registered at MNO Head Office in Ottawa?
There are many people whose addresses have changed since they registered with the MNO. Do you know of anyone who is not receiving the Métis Voyageur regularly? Perhaps a friend or relative is not receiving this newsletter. Could it be that their address is not current with either the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Office OR the MNO Registry Department in Ottawa. The MNO number is toll free and the Registry should be informed of any changes in your name or address, any births or deaths that take place, etc. It is hard to keep track of all the citizens in any area. We hope to communicate with you all, but we need to know if there are those who are being missed. We want to keep you up to date on events and happenings in the Grey-Owen Sound area, as well as the programs offered by the MNO. Call or email Jeff or Leora (see contact info below) with any new information or names and addresses that have been lost or changed.
LEORA WILSON…………….……...leoraw@bmts.com………………..…….(519) 986-2746 JEFF WILSON………….………….…jeffw@bmts.com……………………….(519) 923-9160 GREY-OWEN SOUND METIS COMMUNITY CENTRE & ABORIGINAL HEALING AND WELLNESS OFFICE 380—9th St. E., Owen Sound, ON. N4K 1P1. Ph: (519) 370-0435 Email: dianeo@metisnation.org GREY-OWEN SOUND METIS COUNCIL is a chartered member of THE METIS NATION OF ONTARIO……………………………..…..www.metisnation.org