The Outpost News - Winter 2008

Aen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtisheyawk—Remembering Our Culture

Volume 3, Issue 1

Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council

Tawnshi!

sent our community at various functions in the area.

The goal of council is to serve our comhe Grey-Owen Sound Métis munity with interesting projects throughCommunity begins a new year out the next year. We hope you will inwith a new council. We say clude yourself in these undertakings. All “Migwetch” to all those who you need do is let us know that you are supported the nominations that were preavailable. sented to MNO. Since our previous council We hope that you will make yourself acwas "interim", an election was needed to quainted with council members that you provide elected representation for our citimay not have met. Please give us suggeszens and in order to keep our Charter in ortions and thoughts. We are here to serve der. Nominations were received by Returnyou, our community. ing Officer Hank Rowlinson. Given that no GOSMC have been asked by the Blueother nomiwater District nations were New GOSM Council: Board of Edureceived, the Shown left to right: (Top row) President Malcolm Dixon, Councillor cation to send new council Tony Couture, Youth Co-ordinator Shannon Coates, representatives Councillor Peter Gendron. was acto sit on the claimed as Aboriginal follows: Education AdPresident – visory ComMalcolm mittee. The Dixon mandate for Vice Presi(Bottom row) Councillor Peter Coture, Senator Leora Wilson, this advisory dent – Jeff Vice President Jeff Wilson and Secretary/Treasurer Ernie Coates. committee is Wilson to form Secretarygroundwork Treasurer – for providing Ernie Coates higher levels Captain of and less gaps the Hunt – of achievePeter Coture ment for aboriginal students. President Youth Representative – Shannon Coates Malcolm Dixon, and Senator Leora WilCouncillor at Large – Tony Couture son represented the GOSMC at the first Councillor at Large – Peter Gendron meeting in December. There are also repSenator – Leora Wilson resentatives from Saugeen Métis Council, The Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council is a Saugeen First Nations, and Cape Croker chartered member of the Métis Nation of First Nations, as well as M’Wikwedong Ontario, and we encourage our citizens to Native Cultural Resource Center, and varibecome involved, that we may become a ous principals and teachers from area respected and well-known group in the schools and School Boards trustees. This community. We anticipate that a goodly (Continued on page 3) number of Métis people will proudly repre-

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MALCOLM DIXON President JEFF WILSON Vice President ERNIE COATES Secretary/Treasurer PETE COTURE Captain of the Hunt SHANNON COATES Youth Rep TONY COUTURE PETER GENDRON Councillors LEORA WILSON Senator

Index Youth Msg Miigwich

2

Tawnshi … cont’d

3

MNR Return Fishing Nets

4

AHWS Report

5

RIEL pt. IV

6

The Stew Pot

7

Nov. Community Gathering

8

Winter 2008

by Senator Leora Wilson

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V OLU ME 3, ISSUE 1

Message From Shannon Coates: GOSMC Youth Representative Hello, my name is Shannon Coates. I am the new Grey Owen Sound Métis Council Youth Representative. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am twenty-one years old and have lived in Owen Sound for eight years. I attended St. Mary’s High School in Owen

Sound and after graduation attended St. Lawrence College in Kingston for Medical Laboratory Technician. I am currently in third year of Medical Laboratory Science, again, through St. Lawrence College. My third year is placement which I am completing in Owen Sound at the Owen Sound hospital and upon graduation I hope to stay in the area.

I am hoping to share my college educational experiences with the youth in our community so that I can help them advance in their education. I have had both posi-

NEW MEMBER At age 81, Mrs. Iowna Swanson has just received her Métis card and is proud to be a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Iowna is mother to Linda Boyle and grandmother to Matthew and Melissa Boyle. All are active in the Grey Owen Sound Métis Community.

At The Riverside

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O Creator

s we stand before you, Great Spirit, help us to do our best to become what you wish us to be. Let us learn to take each day as it comes and to treasure each day as though it were out last.

We are the proprietors of the most intricate instrument that You have created. We have eyes that can gaze on the beauty or the awfulness of this world. We have ears that hear the beautiful sounds of the birds or sweet music, but they let us hear the sorrowful cries of the downtrodden. We have feet that carry us as quickly or as slowly as we want, where we want/ need to go. We have hands that can sense the softness of a baby’s skin, yet can be calloused with hard work. We have a heart that beats in time with the heartbeat of the world. We have organs that do their own thinking continually. We are beautiful works of symmetry. We are each alike yet different, miracles of creation. Let us appreciate each of these parts of ourselves.

This is the timecannot of year for and new “Character be renewal developed in beginnings.

This is the time to take stock of the past and look forward to ease and quiet. Only through the future. experience of trialonand suffering canfortunate than We ask your blessing those who are less soulyour be comfort strengthened, us. the We ask for thoseambition who are ill or who grieve.

We thank you forsuccess the time achieved.” that we have here on this earth, inspired and and we ask your guidance as we~Helen live dayKeller to day.

Migwetch, Marci, Thank you

Inspirational Words

tive and negative experiences from the Métis Nation of Ontario regarding the postsecondary school funding. I would be very grateful to hear other experiences of college students both positive and negative so that we may work together to make the process a better experience. I would like to hear from any and all youth in the community about things they would like to do, places they would like to go, things they would like to talk about, their hopes and expectations for the future.

I can be reached at hey_its_me321@hotmail.com Yours sincerely,

Thank You ~ Marcee ~ Miigwech ~ Merci Barrie Kruisselbrink - for roto-tilling our garden to winter rest.

Dave Trumble - Labour Council donation of dollars for our volunteer celebration Christmas dinner.

James Morton - gifts for party and Canadian Tire dollars for garden fund and wonderful songs.

Susan Schank - ongoing, ongoing, s-o-o-o very much. Food and support.

United Way loan of dishes etc, dishwasher.

Shelley Gonneville - and others for doing the dishes, because we forgot we had a dishwasher!

St. John Ambulance for tables.

Jackie Brown - gifts for Christmas party and food Adam Brown for your music and patience.

Peter Coture - wings and things. Feathers and so very much.

Malcolm Dixon - kindness,

insight, support and yummy breads.

Sen. Leora Wilson plants, Kefir and Prayer for our beginning.

Jackie Ralph - plants and a sweet voice. Wonderful fun activities for our party Tyler - for your singing.

Elizabeth Cockburn - ongoing support.

Kyler and Andrea - wonderful talented youth volunteers.

Marie Monette - for keeping me in the ‘know’ and for keeping our site shiny.

Doreen Lenz - pop for centre.

The Labour Council - for your generosity in funding our Christmas Feast.

Please forgive me if I have forgotten to add your name. Know the Métis of Grey-Owen Sound are blessed by your kindness and friendship.

—Diane Owen

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New Council— New Beginnings ...Cont’d from Pg 1 25 member committee hopes to include an aboriginal impact of the loss of several of our Métis Elders in the area. Our condolences go out to those citizens student in their discussions. The first meeting was and know that the Métis legacy will live on through mainly introductory. The Métis representatives are actively lobbying for more local Métis history to be the upcoming generations.

A General Meeting will be held on Sunday, Februtaught in the school system. We will keep you abreast of the progress of this newly formed commit- ary 24th at 1:00PM at the Métis Gathering Place, downstairs at 380-9th St East in Owen Sound. We tee.

This year we are considering something different invite all to attend.

Bring your thoughts and ideas as to projects and for our annual picnic. We have been asked to spend plans for the upcoming meetings.

Aboriginal Day, June 21st at Grey Roots, coAny changes in your address, receipt of your Métis ordinating with Scott Carpenter who has already Card #, etc, should be forwarded to been booked with his wonderful either Leora or Jeff. We need to Métis display that day. Any sughave a correct database in orgestions about this would be welder to serve you better. comed.

If you are able to volunWe are planning a moccasin teer to be in charge of one or workshop, possibly on a weekend more monthly gatherings at in March. The workshop will cost “the Gathering Place” one approximately $65.00, and proSunday a month, we would vides all necessary equipment.

Local Métis history may be taught in Bluewater be delighted to hear from you.

All you need to do is sew and school curriculum Please feel free to let us glue to complete a beautiful know if you have any subjects pair of leather moccasins. If you missed the last workshop, get your name in early, as that you would like to see covered in the newsletter.

We try to communicate with as many of our citizens there will be limited spots. Call Tony Couture at as possible. If you would like to sponsor part of the 519-376-2463 to register. You will be called with printing costs of the newsletter, contact Jeff or Leora definite date and time.

We have a “dinner and movie” night in the works for information. You will be featured with a business card size advertisement. for sometime in the spring. We are planning a potMay your winter be spent in a pleasant manner, a luck supper provided by you, and a movie provided

by Scott Carpenter. It could be a weekday evening, precious moment in time when you can catch up on or a Sunday afternoon. Let us know which would in- all the things that you don’t have time for in the summer, or to enjoy the winter sports that are so availterest you. able in this beautiful area we call home.

We extend sympathy to all who suffered loss of loved ones over the last year. Many families felt the ~Leora and Jeff

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V OLU ME 3, ISSUE 1

MNR returns seized nets; Métis fisherman says he's still owed an apology

By BILL HENRY (Reprinted from the Sun Times, January 5, 2008)

The gear was seized beSouthampton Métis fisherman cause, under terms of the Fish Jim McLay on Friday finally got and Wildlife Act, at the time back gill nets that conservation only licensed commercial officers seized more than two fishermen could legally posyears ago. sess gill nets, Gibson said.

But neither the apology the Sanguingue Métis Council presi"The ministry acted cordent says he is owed, nor the 54 rectly in this situation. We whitefish also seized Oct. 29, were acting on the laws that 2005, came with the two boxes of were in place at that point in nets, four marker buoys and two time," he said. anchor chains that were returned "If you've got a net set that to him. is a quarter of a mile long, With Métis council members, usually a guy is setting for his children and invited reporters commercial purposes. Are “I can’t give you that apology” at the loading dock at his home on you going to be using 1,000 ~MNR Enforcement Supervisor Robert Gibson the Saugeen River, just steps away pounds of fish for personal from several First Nations fishing Two MNR conservation officers shown returning a gill net to Jim use? These were some of the tugs, the former commercial fishMcLay that was confiscated from the Sanguingue Métis fisherman questions that were going erman lectured conservation offithrough some of our heads. in October. cers as they delivered his gear. He That's why the nets were ~Photo by Willy Waterton (Courtesy Of The Sun Times) said he wanted them to tell the seized at that point in time." crowd he had done nothing wrong McLay said ministry staff and later asked about an apology. "reneged" on the July 2004 agreement food, which was to be served to about 30 "I can't give you that apology," said between the Métis Nation and the MNR people at the Sanguingue Métis Nations Robert Gibson, Ministry of Natural Re"almost immediately." annual fall banquet. sources enforcement supervisor with the Believing the agreement should cover "I feel that I deserve an apology," he Upper Great Lakes Management Area. all of Ontario, he said the Métis nation said. "Those fish weren't just for myself, McLay and Gibson debated, mostly challenged three charges against Métis they were for our citizens, children and amiably, their versions of what happeople for harvesting under terms of the elders." pened. agreement. That led to the June 1st deciMcLay was never charged with any sion, which has now extended those They agreed the law now gives offence, but said he has not fished in rights to Métis in Southern Ontario and a McLay - and other Métis people regisover two years because ministry staff change now in enforcement policies, tered with the Métis Nation of Ontario threatened to also seize his boat.

Gibson said. the right to catch fish for social, ceremo"The main point of today is that I did nial and personal use. They disagreed on "Our legal advice here is basically as nothing wrong and I want my children to when that law actually took effect. long as they're harvesting under the auknow that," McLay said before his nets thority of a harvester's card that is issued McLay believes it began with a July were returned. "I'm not getting off on a by the Métis Nation of Ontario, we're 2004 agreement between the ministry technicality. I didn't find a loophole, I supposed to take that into account when and the Ontario Métis Nation. that foldid nothing wrong. I was acting comwe're doing an investigation." lowed a Supreme Court of Canada ruling pletely within the agreement that the on a Sault Ste. Marie case, which effecDockside Friday, McLay also wanted Métis Nation of Ontario had with the tively extended Métis rights to susteto know what happened to his 54 whiteMinistry of National Resources." nance and ceremonial hunting. fish, which Gibson said were processed Earlier Friday, Gibson said in a telelocally and given to a charity group.

But Gibson said the agreement that folphone interview the officers were relowed between the MNR and the MNO McLay said he has thought about his sponding to complaints from local First only affected Métis hunting rights in seized fishing gear every day for the alNation commercial fishermen about illetraditional territories north of the French most 800 days since it was seized. He gal gill netting within their quota area.

River. Those rights did not extend to also said he expects different treatment The officers seized from McLay a halfSouthern Ontario until after a judge now that the law is clarified. He said he mile of gill net, enough to catch 2,000 ruled last June 1 that ministry officials has nothing to hide and offered to let pounds of whitefish in a day under fashould honour the agreement throughout conservation officers know ahead of time vourable conditions. the province. if he plans to fish.

At the time, the Métis' agreement McLay said that recent ruling proves "This is not an end, it's a beginning," he with MNO did not extend to Southern he was doing nothing wrong when consaid. "And what I hope it does is conOntario and the enforcement officers servation officers seized his fishing vince the ministry to stop what I essenalso doubted McLay was fishing for his equipment. He said he was fishing for tially refer to as bullying tactics." own purposes with so much equipment. his own consumption and for ceremonial

VOLU ME 3, ISSUE 1

AHWS Report

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by Diane Owen

with its Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic and Histrie were so pleased to have Seana Mooronic personalities to be most interesting. Within this head, Staff Lawyer from the Legal Clinic in November, to speak to us group are those who are chronically blaming and who about the Clinic and the services availcannot control themselves. When they are ‘called on’ able there. Among other things, she spoke of Appeals their behaviors, they will first feel ashamed and then and Rights. Seana emphasized, and I will too, that the will attack. These are the bullies. They are filled with Legal Clinic is not Legal Aid, but is a free, community shame and anger. The best defense here is not to take service. their words and actions personally.

Mental Health ConferenceBeaded Blanket I was privileged to be chosen to attend the AboSlowly and surely we continue to work on riginal Mental Health Conference, Leaders for Change, beaded squares for our blanket. On February 11th we as one of the MNO delegates in Toronto in November. will be on Roger’s TV, interviewed about our project What an amazing experience. I found the workshops to and our Flower Beadwork ancestors. Watch for us! be worthwhile, valuable and continuously That afternoon will be our next Beading Cirresonating in my work. I participated in Twocle. Do come join in if you can. You will find BAD Spirited, Moss Bag Teachings and Mothers of the afternoon fun and unpressured. No matter All Nations, as well as a Working Group what your ability in beading, you are wel(The Bullies) strategizing where we go from here in improvcome. Some of us are beaders and some of us “They are filled ing Aboriginal Mental wellness. are beginners. It would be wonderful to have with shame and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner – you here and to see your creative energy flowChristmas In the Afternoon- was a ing. anger. The best wonderful success. Of the fifty folks who were Rural Women and Poverty defense is not to invited, to enjoy an appreciation dinner for February 1, starting at noon, there will take their words their generous contributions to the ‘Centre’ be a meeting of folks to discuss Rural Women over the past year, we had about 36 guests. and actions and Poverty. We meet at the United Way and will have lunch followed by discussion groups Among these was Shelley Gonneville, AHWS personally” Supervisor from Ottawa. to talk about what can be done to alleviate We sang, played games and stuffed poverty in our area. Your thoughts and voice ourselves on turkey, tourtiere, venison and all the trimare most welcome. mings. In fact, there was so much food that we shared Beginning in March and experimentally for the with the Victorious Living Church (thank you for a month, the AHWS office will be open evenings on Wednesday. If you have found it difficult to come in great idea Jackie Ralph) and others throughout the following week. We had lively and entertaining performbecause you too work days, I look forward to seeing you until 7:00 pm Wednesday 5, 12, 19, or 26. If this ances, and new GOSM Council President Malcolm is well received by the community, MNO will consider Dixon led us in games. Thank you to Susan Schank, Jackie Brown, and their families for working so hard to this on a more permanent basis. prepare for the event.

I hope to develop a Youth Drop In after school on those days also. This is in the planning stage, and Congratulations to Jean Akiwenzie, Isabell again depends upon community interest. Let me know Charlton, Malcolm Dixon and Senator Leora Wilson for their successful bids on our Silent Auction items, your thoughts. and to the winners of the draw prizes.

Our exercise group continues every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 10:00 – noon. Come join us.

January AHWS Training in Kingston Early in January, Health Branch attended anUp Coming other Professional Development session in Kingston.

Before April, AHWS will present an HIV/ This very useful training involved information on PerAIDS Lunch and learn; and a Cardiovascular Health sonality Disorders. What a helpful instruction about Event. Watch for these in radio and paper, or come by certain clusters of disorders, from the odd and eccentric the office. to the emotional, erratic. These are categorized into the I wish you all a happy and health-filled bon jeu !

MAD, BAD and SAD clusters. I found the BAD cluster ~Diane

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V OLU ME 3, ISSUE 1

The Story Of Riel (Part IV)

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In 1875, a temporary balm was found, when Governor-General Lord iel went into hiding, taking Dufferin commuted Lepine’s senexile in a small French Catence. This opened the way for nadian village in New York state MacKenzie to negotiate named Keesville, near with parliament and get Plattsburgh. them to grant Riel a Here Riel learned colfive-year amnesty. league Ambroise-Dydime Riel became less inLepine was sentenced to volved in politics and death by the Canadian more involved in religgovernment over his role ion. With the urgence of in the execution of Robert a sympathetic Roman Scott.

Catholic priest in QueThis sparked rabid anbec, Riel began to beger in the pages of the lieve he was divinely Quebec free press, who chosen by God to lead called for amnesty for the afflicted Métis. His Riel and Lepine. The isweak mental state led to sue became a political hot Riel as depicted in a sculpa violent outburst, with potato for Prime Minister ture at the CollegeRiel being sent to live MacKenzie, ever chalUniversitaire de St. Boniface, with his uncle, John lenged by the growing Manitoba Lee in Montreal.

Quebec-Ontario rift.

After Riel disrupted a religious service, Lee had him institutionalized in a Longue Pointe asylum under the false name “Louis R. David” on March 6, 1876.

Riel continued his religious writing, presenting a theological mix of Judaic-Christian concepts. This despite the violent, erratic behaviour patterns he was beginning to develop in his personal life.

Duty To Consult On February 9, 2008, the MNO’s Jason Madden, Gary Lipinski and France Picotte held a special informational meeting at the GOSM office with focus on “Duty To Consult”, in light of recent Bruce Nuclear developments.

Mr. Madden presents the next meeting in this series on Wednesday, March 27, 2008 at 9:00 pm at the GOSM Office. Contact any council member, Jeff and Leora for further details and make plans to attend.

Next Time You Visit The Métis Gathering Place 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)

♦

ANYTHING MADE FROM BUFFALO!

♦

JEWELRY

♦

GREETING CARDS

SPECIAL!! METIS SASHES AVAILABLE

AT COST!

Contact: MALCOLM DIXON, Prop. — (519) 376-1922 — email: maldixon@hotmail.com For hours and information

VOLU ME 3, ISSUE 1

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“The Paintings On The Wall” Beginning in June/July, participants will be instructed by poets, artists, musicians and dramatists to create a depiction of an inspirational story on the walls, and also dramatize their ideas through songs and plays. Should the project end earlier than expected, the participants will complete a first aid training course and be offered to participate in other projects i.e. – Aboriginal Day, Pow Wows, etc.

Any youths interested in participating in this creative project can contact Diane Owen at the Grey Owen Sound Métis Office for further information.

By Rebekah Wilson

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he Grey Owen Sound Métis have been invited to participate in a project run by The United Way to involve youth in the creation of storytelling murals.

The project, funded by an Ontario Arts Council grant, has offered up two storeys of wall space to be painted by local youth during the summer months.

The six to eight week project will involve approximately 8 selected youth who will be paid for their recreational work.

The Métis Stew Pot Golden Mashed Potatoes with Morels and Baked Eggs Recipe INGREDIENTS: -1/2 cup dried morels ( 1/2 ounce) -1/2 cup boiling water -1-1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks -6 garlic cloves, peeled -1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil -1 large onion, coarsely chopped -3/4 cup heavy cream -Salt and freshly ground pepper -4 large eggs -1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese -1 tablespoon minced chives

A meal to enjoy with wild leeks!

INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a heatproof bowl, cover the morels with the boiling water and let stand for about 15 minutes to soften. Drain the morels, reserving the water; rinse and coarsely chop the morels.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cover the potatoes and garlic with water and boil over high heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and garlic and return them to the pan. Dry over moderately high heat, shaking the pan for about 1 minute. Work the potatoes and garlic through a ricer or mash them by hand in a large bowl.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.

Add the onion and cook over low heat, stirring often, until it is soft and golden,

about 15 minutes. Add the morels and 1/4 cup of the cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the onion mixture to the potatoes along with the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the reserved mushroom water; season with salt and pepper.

Spoon the potatoes into a buttered shallow 1 1/2 -quart baking dish. Make 4 shallow indentations in the potatoes and break an egg into each. Sprinkle the cheese over all. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are softly cooked. Garnish with the chives and serve at once.

Suggested accompaniment: A spinach, bacon and mushroom salad.

Yield: 4 servings Note: These oniony mashed potatoes are wonderful morning or night.

GOSMC Bulletin Board

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ebsite Proposal: The Outpost has been so well received by those in and out of our community, a GOSM website was bound to be the next logical step.

This service has been offered to us and we NEED your ideas and feedback. Please contact Jeff (519) 923-9160 or jeffw@bmts.com) or Leora (519) 986-2746 or leoraw@bmts.com) to offer thoughts and ideas. dvertise In The Outpost: We are delighted by the overwhelming response to the Outpost News.

We have decided to accept spot advertising and spon-

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sors for messages. If you have a business, or service you want to promote, consider the Outpost News!

Prices start at $25 for a business card sized spot, or message. e’re celebrating Aboriginal Day with a picnic at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives on June 21st with Métis dancers, musicians, crafts and Métis specific displays. People and ideas welcome! Contact Jeff (519) 923-9160 or jeffw@bmts.com) or Leora (519) 986-2746 or leoraw@bmts.com).

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V OLU ME 3, ISSUE 1

GOSM/AHWS Coming Events High and Low Impact Aerobics every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10:0 am. No cost and all are welcome.

General Meeting for all Grey Owen Sound Métis. Being held at the Métis office 380—9th Street East, Owen Sound on February 24th, 2008, at 1:00 pm. Please plan to attend.

Mind Your Heart will come to the Métis office on February 20th at 1:30 to 4:00 pm. This is a cardio-vascular health event presented in association with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

No cost to take part and all are welcome.

Another Moccasin Workshop is planned to take place at the Métis office possibly in March. We have more room this time, so look forward to a good turnout. Call Tony Couture for info at 519-376-2463.

November GOSM Gathering An Enriching Affair

Are YOU Registered At MNO Head Office?

If not, call the MNO toll-free number:

1-800-263-4889 Also, inform them of address changes, so you may continue receiving communications

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cott Carpenter of MNO Training/Initiatives and Markdale residents Alan and Eula Coleclough were guests of the Grey Owen Sound Métis for a very educational community gathering at the 9th street East gathering place on November 7, 2007.

Scott Carpenter showed films of the annual Youth Canoe trip and gave a brief talk. Local Métis youth are being sought for this enriching cultural experience. Being a crew member has the added benefit of being a paid position.

Alan & Eula Coleclough presented an autographed copy of the book, “Niiwin – Four Ojibwe Critter Tales”, written by their daughter-in-law, Kathleen Coleclough, and illustrated by granddaughters Cynthia, 10 and Laura, 8. Niiwin has been shortlisted for the "First Peoples Publishing Award" from the 2007 Saskatchewan Book Awards. Kathleen and husband Jeff Coleclough, who live in Saskatchewan, own and operate KAKWA, featuring authentic handmade reproductions of Métis and First Nations handcrafts, etc.

The key players in a very enlightening Grey Owen Sound Métis community meeting on November 7, 2007.

LEORA WILSON…………….……...leoraw@bmts.com………………..…….(519) 986-2746 JEFF WILSON………….………….…jeffw@bmts.com……………………….(519) 923-9160 GREY-OWEN SOUND METIS GATHERING PLACE & 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