MV89_Feb-2016_JC copy.indd

ISSUE NO. 89, FEBRUARY 2016
MNO Secretariat Act
Page 2
The MNO leadership and senior staff with representatives from all three political parties after the passage of the MNO Secretariat
Act on December 9, 2015. Left to right: MNO Associate Chief Operating Officer Margaret Froh, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David
Zimmer (Liberal), MPP Gilles Bisson (NDP), MNO President Gary Lipinski, Speaker Dave Levac (Liberal), MNO Chair France Picotte, MPP
France Gélinas (NDP), MPP John Vanthof (NDP) and Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party Patrick Brown.
Historic legislation recognizes
Métis Nation of Ontario
MNO Secretariat Act passes with all-party support Pages 2 – 8
President
Lipinski meets
with Minister
Bennett
40025265
Page 10
A busy month
for Métis
Veterans
Renkont
Michif
Page 18
Pages 13 - 15
2
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
The
Métis
Voyageur
February 2016,
Produced by the
Métis Nation of Ontario
Communications Branch:
Julie Cruikshank
Mike Fedyk
Marc St. Germain
Christine Roy
Contributors:
Aly N. Alibhai
Tera Beaulieu
Jade Bourbonnière
Danielle Callander
Jerry Clarke
Jackie Courville
Jocelyne Couture
Marlene Davidson
Cherie Dimaline
Larry Duval
Liliane Ethier
Larry Ferris
Margaret Froh
Paul Gilpin
Reta Gordon
Richard Gravelle
Yvonne Jensen
Brian Kon
Gary Lipinski
Glen Lipinski
Debra Huron
Guy Mandeville
Sharon McBride
Joanne Meyer
Linda Montsion
Bill Morrison
Joe Paquette
France Picotte
Amanda Pont-Shanks
Pauline Richardson
Loma Rowlinson
Bryanna Scott
Ken Simard
Paul Smith
Darby Starratt
Jennifer St. Germain
Wenda Watteyne
Submissions:
Communications Branch
Métis Nation Of Ontario
500 Old St. Patrick Street, Unit D
Ottawa, ON K1N 9G4
[email protected]
Publication #: PM40025265
Submission Policy:
MNO encourages contributions
from MNO citizens and staff. All
submissions are edited to conform
to the Canadian Press Style Guide as
well as for grammar, repetitiousness,
spelling and to accurately reflect
the official names and titles of
individuals, organizations, bodies
and agencies referenced in
submissions.
With the exception of letters to the
editor and submissions to the family
section, all submissions should NOT
be written in the first person.
The recommended length for a
submission is between 400 and 600
words. Submissions longer than that
may be edited for length.
2016-17 Submission deadlines:
March 18, 2016
May 20, 2016
September 9, 2016
November 4, 2016
January 27, 2017
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MNO Secretariat Act
The time is here
O
n December 9, 2015, the members of the 41st Legislative
Assembly made history and fulfilled the aspirations of Métis
throughout this province by passing the Métis Nation of Ontario
Secretariat Act. For our citizens and communities, this legislation
represents a significant step forward in our ongoing journey
toward reconciliation between the Crown and the Métis Nation.
For generations, we have struggled to be recognized and respected
as one of this country’s Indigenous peoples and partners in Confederation. As the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples aptly concluded,
we have been Canada’s “forgotten people,” even though we played a
fundamental role in this country’s expansion and development. While
we had hoped our inclusion in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
would correct this pattern of neglect, governments throughout Canada—including Ontario—remained willfully blind to our unique history, rights and needs.
In the 1990s, Ontario became ground zero in the Métis Nation’s “hunt
for justice” in this country. As a part of the denial of our existence as an
Indigenous people, the Ontario government charged two of our citizens,
Steve and Roddy Powley, for hunting a moose without a license outside
Sault Ste. Marie. In 2003,
after a
decade of court battles, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously
affirmed that there were Métis communities in this province with constitutionally-protected rights. The Powley case was and remains a watershed for Ontario Métis and the Métis Nation as whole.
Throughout these struggles, our citizens and communities through
the Métis Nation of Ontario have developed their own forms of selfgovernment at the local, regional and provincial levels. In 1994, as a
part of our organizational efforts, we incorporated the Métis Nation of
Ontario Secretariat as a not-for-profit corporation under Ontario law
to act as our nation’s legal and administrative arm. We incorporated
the Secretariat under Ontario law because we needed a legal entity to
receive and administer funding, do business, and protect our citizens
and leaders from
legal liabilities like other
While we continue to work
governments.
That said, this
toward full recognition of
provincial legislation has always
our Métis self-government,
been an awkward
this new legislation advances
fit for us. It is designed for local
the yardstick significantly.
clubs and associations, not provMost importantly, the days of
ince-wide Métis
anyone denying the existence
government. As
is our Métis way,
of the Métis people and our
we made do with
what we had, but
communities in Ontario are
always aspired to
over.
something more.
When I was first
elected as President in 2008, we began to write a new chapter with the Ontario government by signing a framework agreement. This first-of-its-kind
agreement included a commitment to “discuss options for the legislative recognition” of our unique governance structure. This became an
increased priority with changes to the existing provincial legislation
pending, which would have had a devastating effect on our governance
structures.
In light of our urgent concern, Premier Wynne committed to pressing forward with us to develop Métis Nation of Ontario specific legislation. This legislation was introduced by the Ontario government on December 2, and passed unanimously on December 9.
It was quite something to sit in the same legislature that once
put a $5,000 bounty on Louis Riel’s head, and now see the
government and every political party stand united for this
historic recognition of Ontario Métis. I and other Métis
leaders were honoured and humbled to be there representing our citizens and communities.
While we continue to work toward full recognition of our Métis self-government, this new legislation advances the yardstick significantly. Most
importantly, the days of anyone denying the existence of the Métis people and our communities
in Ontario are over. Now, both the courts and
the legislature have affirmed that the law in this
province recognizes our historic and continued
existence as an Indigenous people. These recent
events in the legislature show that reconciliation is not an impossible task. We just need to
work together to make it happen.
Gary Lipinski is President of
the Métis Nation of Ontario
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
3
MNO Secretariat Act
Historic Legislation recognizes
Métis Nation of Ontario
Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act passed by Ontario Legislature with unanimous consent
by
MNO Staff
I am pleased that
so many of our
citizens, leaders
and Community
Councils came
forward to offer
their support
in order to see
this MNO goal
become a reality.
This legislation
demonstrates
the strength and
effectiveness of
the Métis people
within this
province.”
O
n December 9, 2015 (ON)
MNO citizens and communities throughout Ontario
celebrated the passage of the Métis
Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act,
2015 (the “MNO Act”) by the Ontario
legislature with the unanimous consent of the Ontario government and
all opposition parties.
“This is truly a historic day for
Ontario Métis. Less than two decades ago, we struggled to have the
existence of the Métis people and
our communities acknowledged by
the government of the day, which led
to us turning to the courts for recognition and justice. Now, in partnership with the Ontario government,
we are witness to this type of recognition through legislation unanimously passed by a legislature that
once put a $5,000 bounty on Louis
Riel’s head,” said MNO President
Gary Lipinski.
President Lipinski added, “While
we still have much to do to advance
reconciliation between the Crown
and the Métis Nation, this legislation
represents a significant step forward
that Métis and all Ontarians can be
proud of. On behalf of the MNO,
I want to thank Premier Wynne as
well as Ministers Zimmer and Orazietti and Government House Leader
Naqvi in making this long held aspiration become a reality for Ontario Métis. I also want to acknowledge the support of the leaders of
the Progressive Conservatives (Patrick Brown) and the NDP (Andrea
Horwath) and their house leaders in
making this happen.”
The MNO Act is a special purpose
piece of legislation that deals with
the MNO Secretariat the MNO’s corporate and administrative arm which
has been incorporated under Ontario
law since 1994. The MNO Act does
not deal with or interfere with the
MNO’s internal governance and institutions that are grounded on its inherent rights of self-government and
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable David Zimmer, greets President Lipinski and
Chair Picotte in the Legislature prior to the passing of the MNO Secretariat Act.
– MNO Chair France Picotte
self-determination, but it recognizes
and accommodates the MNO Secretariat’s unique status as the corporate
arm of the MNO.
In particular, the legislation exempts the MNO Secretariat from
various sections of the Ontario NotFor-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”),
which has already been passed by the
Ontario legislature and will be given
legal effect at a future date. ONCA
would have created operational challenges for the MNO (e.g., the MNO
elects its leadership through province-wide ballot box elections every
four years whereas ONCA requires
election be held at annual meetings).
While similar provincial legislation
in relation to the Métis Nation’s governance structures have been passed
in Saskatchewan and Alberta (The
Métis Act, SS 2001, c. M-14.01; The
Métis Settlements Act, RSA 2000, c.
M-14), this legislation represents a
historic milestone for Ontario Métis--home of the landmark Supreme
Court of Canada decision in R. v.
Powley because:
•
•
•
The MNO Act is the first piece
of legislation passed by the Ontario legislature since 1867 that
has dealt with Métis-specific
issues or included the word
“Métis” in it.
The legislation recognizes the
MNO’s unique representative
role on behalf of its citizens and
Métis communities throughout
the province flowing from its
centralized Registry.
The legislation acknowledges
that a distinct Aboriginal people
called the Métis Nation emerged
•
in west central North America,
which includes Ontario Métis
communities.
The legislation comes after repeated calls from MNO citizens,
leaders, Community Councils and
Annual General Assemblies for the
MNO to work with the Ontario government to develop legislation to recognize the MNO Secretariat’s unique
status and role. Most recently, the
2015 MNO Annual General Assembly, the highest governing authority
within the MNO, passed a unanimous resolution that directed the
MNO to “secure unanimous support
within the legislature for this historic
legislation.”
MNO Chair France Picotte added,
“I am pleased that so many of our
citizens, leaders and Community
Councils came forward to offer their
support in order to see this MNO
goal become a reality. This legislation
demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the Métis people within
this province. Je suis contente que autant de nos citoyens, dirigeants et Conseilles communautaire ont offert leur
appuis pour encourager cet objectif de
la NMO à devenir une réalité. Cette législation démontre la force et l’efficacité
du peuple Métis de cette province.”
MNO President Lipinski concluded, “Now that this historic legislation has been passed, we will be
beginning province-wide community consultations in early 2016 to
engage all of our citizens on this historic legislation and discuss how we
will work together to implement this
new and exciting opportunity to advance Métis rights and self-government in Ontario.”
MNO Act Timeline
Creation of
the MNO as
representative
government for
Ontario Métis
1993
Incorporation of
MNO Secretariat
as the legal and
administrative
arm of the MNO
under the Ontario
Corporations Act
MNO makes
first submission
to Ontario
Government on
concerns about
the modernization
of the Ontario
Corporations Act
and need for Métis
legislation
MNO President
Lipinski elected
and makes
legislative
recognition
of MNO and
Community
Councils a priority
for his mandate
MNO-Ontario
Framework
Agreement
includes
commitment to
explore legislation
recognizing MNO
and its Community
Councils
MNO Assembly
passes unanimous
resolution calling
for MNO-specific
legislation
1994
2007
2008
2008
February
October
May
November
MNO-Ontario
Framework
Agreement
renewed and
continues
to include
commitment to
explore legislation
recognizing MNO
and its Community
Councils
Presentations to
MNO AGA on
MNO legislation
and unanimous
resolution in
support of
securing a
MNO Act
Ontario
Legislature
unanimously
passes MNO Act
MNO Engagement
with Métis Citizens
and Community
Council on
Implementation of
the MNO Act
MNO Assembly
passes unanimous
resolution calling
for MNO-specific
legislation
Ontario passes
Not-For-Profit
Corporations Act
to take effect at a
date in the future
that includes
problematic
provisions for
MNO Secretariat
MNO Assembly
passes unanimous
resolution calling
for MNO-specific
legislation
Premier Wynne
commits to
moving forward
on MNO-specific
legislation at
annual meeting
with MNO
President Lipinski
2009
2010
2010
2014
2014
2015
2015
2015
2016
August
August
October
August
December
April
August
Dec. 9th
Onward
4
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
MNO Secretariat Act
Understanding the
Metis
Nation
of Ontario
Secretariat
Act, 2015
O
n December 9, 2015, the
Ontario legislature passed
the Métis Nation of Ontario
Secretariat Act, 2015, S.O. 2015,
Ch. 39 (the “Act”)1. A copy of this
historic legislation is available at the
MNO’s website (www.metisnation.org)
or on eLaws Ontario (www.ontario.ca/
laws).
This legislation came after years of successive calls by
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens, elected leadership
and Community Councils – hrough the MNO Annual General
Assembly (MNO AGA) – to secure legislation which recognizes the MNO’s unique governance structures at the local,
regional and provincial levels. The legislation also responds
to upcoming changes to provincial legislation that would
have created significant operational challenges for the MNO
Secretariat. The Secretariat – the MNO’s legal and administrative arm – has been incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under Ontario law since 1994.
The information in the following pages is provided by the
MNO to explain the Act in greater detail to MNO citizens.
The first section sets out the background and historic context leading to the MNO’s creation in 1993, the incorporation of the Secretariat in 1994, and, ultimately, the passage
of the MNO Act in 2015. The second section sets out what
the Act does and why it was needed, including, an overview
of the important provisions of the Act and descriptions of
the various sections of the Act using plain language explanations. The third section sets out what happens next in relation to implementing the Act and provides information on
how citizens can get additional information.
Background and
Context for the MNO Act
The Creation of the MNO and its
Governance Structures
In 1993, frustrated by years of denial and
neglect as well as ineffective representation
of Métis interests in pan-Aboriginal organizations, Ontario Métis came together and
created the MNO to represent their collective rights, interests and claims. The MNO’s
purpose and goals were set out in the MNO
Statement of Prime Purpose. This foundational
document has guided and continues to guide
the MNO’s development and evolution as
the representative body for the Métis Nation
within Ontario for over two decades.
As set out in the Statement of Prime Purpose,
the MNO’s goal is “to gain the recognition
and respect of the Métis as a Nation and a
people” and “to establish democratic institutions based on our inherent right of selfgovernment.” As such, the starting point for
the MNO’s mandate is its centralized Registry of MNO citizens. Based on the mandate
it receives from its citizens, the MNO has
established democratic and nation-building
governance structures at the local, regional
and provincial levels. These structures and
institutions are authorized to represent
MNO citizens and communities throughout
Ontario as a part of the MNO’s overall governance structure.
Specifically, MNO citizens are represented at
the local level through Community Councils, at the regional level through Regional
Councillors that sit on the Provisional Coun
Continued on page 5
As a regional councillor, I am
very much looking forward to
the opportunities that Bill 153
will give to communities in
my area who are looking for a
chance to expand their horizons
and engage in new ventures.”
PAULINE RICHARDSON
Region 7 Councillor on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)
1
Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015, S.O. 2015, Ch. 39
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
5
MNO Secretariat Act
Indigenous Group
Corporation to Advance Self-Government
Recognized Government
Dogribs (NWT)
Dogrib Treaty 11 Council Inc.
Tłı̨chǫ Government
Inuit (NFLD)
Labrador Inuit Association
Nunatsiavut Government
Inuit (NU)
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Nunavut Government
Innu (QC/NFLD)
Innu Nation Inc.
To be determined
Stó:lō (BC)
Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association
To be determined
Figure 1. Other Indigenous corporate structures
The chart above shows examples of other Inditvvgenous groups that have similarly used
corporate structures as the legal vehicle to advance their self-government.
struggle to have Canada fully recognize their
mandates and jurisdictions. As this Métis
self-government recognition process unfolds,
the MNO needed a corporate entity to act as
its legal and administrative arm for two key
reasons:
cil of the Métis Nation of Ontario (“PCMNO”) and at the provincial level through
the PCMNO (which includes provincially
elected officials such as the President, the
rest of the MNO Executive, Senators, Youth
and Post-Secondary Representatives). All of
these structures are mandated through ballot box elections held at regular intervals. In
addition, all MNO citizens have the right to
participate in the MNO Annual General Assembly. The assembly receives annual updates on the MNO’s progress and provides
direction to the MNO’s leadership in between
PCMNO’s province-wide elections held every
four years.
The above listed MNO governance structures, along with other structures like the
Youth Council, Veterans’ Council, the Women’s Secretariat of the MNO, work together to
represent and serve Ontario Métis. They are
the “democratic institutions” that advance
and implement Métis self-government in
Ontario.
Incorporation of the Secretariat
While the Métis Nation – as an Indigenous people – has the inherent right to
self-government and self-determination, Métis governments like the MNO continue to
1. Other governments would not provide
funding for the delivery of programs and services or other initiatives for collective Métis
benefit to individual Métis or elected Métis
leadership directly. From a policy perspective, governments will only provide this type
of funding to incorporated entities where
there is a clear understanding of the entity’s
corporate and accountability structures.
Since there was no Métis equivalent to the
legislative recognition afforded to First Nations under the Indian Act, the only option
for the MNO was to incorporate the Secretariat under provincial legislation. The alternative would have been for the MNO not to
be able to access any government funding on
behalf of Ontario Métis.
2. A corporate entity such as the Secretariat
provides a liability shield that protects MNO
citizens and elected leadership from being
personally liable for the administrative and
business operations of the MNO (outside of
certain liabilities such as employee source
deductions or fraudulent activities where
the corporate shield can be pierced). Even
though the Métis Nation has the inherent
right of self-government, it would be unfair
to ask individuals to be personally liable for
potential lawsuits, damages, cost claims or
debts the MNO incurred in pursuit of recognition of Métis rights and self-government.
Based on these realities, the MNO incorporated the Secretariat as a not-for-profit corporation under Ontario law on February 25,
1994. Notably, other Métis governments use
similar corporate structures to advance their
self-government. For example, the Manitoba Métis Community has incorporated the
Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. (MMF) under provincial legislation. The Métis Nation
of Alberta is incorporated as an association
under Alberta’s Societies Act.
Contrary to the suggestions by some, the
use of corporate structures does not diminish Métis self-government or put Métis under
the thumb of government. For example, both
the MNO and the MMF have advanced Métis
rights litigation all the way to the Supreme
Court of Canada as corporate entities. Further, the Supreme Court of Canada has held
the following:
“… But an Aboriginal group can authorize an individual or an organization to represent it for the purpose of
asserting its s. 35 rights ...” (Behn v.
Moulton Contracting Ltd., 2013 SCC 26,
para. 30)
Other Indigenous peoples have similarly
used corporate structures as the legal vehicle
to advance their self-government. The Indigenous people or nation can never be incorporated, but rather the group’s members create
a corporation to collectively represent them
and to negotiate with other governments.
The chart above (Figure 1) includes some examples of other Indigenous groups who have
used or are using this strategy across Canada.
Of course, these not-for-profit corporations have always been an awkward fit for
Indigenous governments. These corporate
entities were not designed for this purpose,
however, they have proven to be effective
transitional vehicles to advance Indigenous
rights and claims until full self-governmenrecognition can be secured.
Successive Calls for MNO-Specific
Legislation
While the full recognition of Métis selfgovernment remains the ultimate destination for the MNO, getting to a negotiations
table will take time. The MMF Land Claim
took 30 years to litigate, and, in spite of the
MMF’s 2013 victory at the Supreme Court of
Canada, the MMF still has not secured a formal negotiations table. In the First Nations
world, modern day treaties take decades to
prepare, to be accepted for negotiations, to
negotiate and to conclude.
As we advance Métis self-government in
Ontario, citizens have repeatedly called for
increased recognition and respect for the
MNO’s representative role. Put simply, since
the MNO and its Secretariat are unique, they
should not be lumped in with mere clubs or
associations under Ontario’s legislation. At
successive MNO AGAs, unanimous resolutions directed Métis leaders to secure MNOspecific legislation. Notably, both Saskatch-
Continued on page 6
Bill 153 gives more power
and options to our Métis
communities in the province.
It is another example of the
positive work the MNO is
doing to advance our shared
goals.”
SHARON MCBRIDE
Vice-Chair of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) and
Spokesperson for the Women’s Secretariat of the Métis Nation of Ontario (WSMNO)
What impressed me about Bill
153 is that it recognizes the
distinctness of Métis government
and provides structures that we
can work within. For many years
now MNO citizens have been
asking for this legislation.”
MARCEL LAFRANCE
Region 3 Councillor, Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)
6
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
MNO Secretariat Act
ewan and Alberta have passed legislation
that recognize Métis governance structures
in those provinces (The Métis Act, SS 2001, c.
M-14.01; The Métis Settlements Act, RSA 2000,
c. M-14).
Based on this direction from the MNO
citizens, both the 2008 and 2014 MNOOntario Framework Agreements included
the following objective: “discuss options for
the legislative recognition of the MNO and
its Chartered Community Councils.” Previous Liberal minority governments were unwilling to move forward on this legislation,
however, in December 2015, Premier Wynne
committed to this initiative at her annual
meeting with MNO President Lipinski.
Throughout 2015, the MNO worked collaboratively with the Ontario government for
the development of the Act. While the legislative drafting process had to follow the rules
and strict confidentiality requirements set
for the provincial legislature, regular updates
were provided to PCMNO and presentations
were provided to the 2015 MNO AGA as
well as the annual Community Council Presidents meeting. Ultimately, this unanimous
resolution was passed:
WHEREAS past MNO AGAs have called for
the MNO’s leadership to work with the Ontario Government to secure legislation that
recognizes and respects the MNO’s unique
governance structure;
AND WHEREAS the MNO’s leadership and
legal counsel have presented the MNO AGA
on the progress that has been made on this
issue as well as the proposals being considered;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: (1) That
the 2015 MNO AGA fully endorses the MNO
moving forward on securing provincial legislation that recognizes and respects the
MNO’s unique governance structure; and,
(2) That, when it is strategic, all of the MNO’s
governance structures at the local, regional
and provincial levels will provide letters of
support to the provincial government and
opposition parties in an attempt to secure
unanimous support within the legislature for
this historic legislation.
Upcoming Changes to Ontario’s NotFor-Profit Legislation
In addition to the MNO AGA’s calls for
action, the upcoming implementation of
Ontario’s new Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
would have imposed a number of rules and
requirements on the Secretariat that conflicted with the MNO’s well-established system
of governance. This would have been very
problematic for both the MNO and the Secretariat. As such, through the Act, the MNO
sought exemptions to these problematic provisions in order to protect Métis governance.
# of citizens
eligible to vote
for that Councillor
# of those citizens
required to call a
meeting
# of those citizens
required to go
ahead with the
meeting
Provincially
Elected
Councillor
18,000
3,600
9,000 + 1
4,500 + 1
Regionally
Elected
Councillor
5,000
1,000
2,500 + 1
1,250 + 1
# of citizens
needed to pass the
resolution
Figure 2. Removal of Councillors
The table above shows what would be required to remove a provincially-elected Councillor based on 18,000
MNO citizens, and what would be required to remove a regionally-elected Councillor who has 5,000 MNO
citizens in his or her region.
THE PASSAGE OF THE MNO ACT:
A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR
ONTARIO MÉTIS
After years of strong advocacy and effort by the MNO’s citizens, communities and
leadership, history was made on December
9, 2015, with the passage of the Act. The Act
received unanimous support from all political parties in the Ontario legislature. It was
the first time in the 148 year history of that
legislature where legislation passed that included the word “Métis”.
Unlike agreements with governments of
the day that may be cancelled on political
whim the Act binds future Ontario governments in recognizing the representative role
of the MNO on behalf of its citizens and
communities. The Act acknowledges that
Ontario Métis communities – as a part of
the Métis Nation – have their “own language
(Michif), culture, traditions and way of life.”
Consistent with the MNO Statement of Prime
Purpose, the Act also acknowledges that the
MNO represents the “collective rights, interests and aspirations” of its citizens and communities.
The Act recognizes that MNO citizens
have “defined rights and responsibilities, as
set out in the Secretariat’s constituting documents and bylaws.” Contrary to the claims
of some, the Act does not alter the existing
rights of Metis citizens have under the MNO
Bylaws. Nor does it alter the existing Charter
agreements between the MNO and its Community Councils. As detailed here, however,
the Act does now provide a way for Community Councils to incorporate under the
MNO’s overall governance structure, if they
so choose.
While it is recognized that our ultimate
goal is to replace the Act with legislation that
gives legal force and effect to a negotiated
modern day land claims agreement between
the MNO, Ontario and Canada, the Act significantly advances the MNO’s rights and
self-government agenda today. The recognition of the MNO and its representative
role on behalf of Ontario Métis is now
the law in Ontario. As stated by MNO President Gary Lipinski on December 9, 2015:
“This is truly a historic day for Ontario
Métis. Less than two decades ago, we struggled to have the existence of the Métis people
and our communities acknowledged by the
government of the day, which led to us turning to the courts for recognition and justice.
Now, in partnership with the Ontario government, we are witness to this type of recognition legislation being unanimously passed
by a legislature that once put a $5,000 bounty on Louis Riel’s head.”
Overview of the MNO
Act
∞
∞
∞
∞
Purpose and provisions of the Act
The purpose of the Act is to exempt the
MNO from certain provisions of provincial
corporate law that are inconsistent with how
Ontario Métis have chosen to govern themselves, and to create special provisions for the
MNO to reflect its unique status and objectives. This means that instead of the MNO
having to change its structures and policies
to reflect provincial corporate law, Ontario
has changed its laws to respect the MNO’s
structures and policies.
Preamble
The Preamble to the Act makes a number of
important statements about the nature and
structure of the MNO, and why the MNO requires special recognition. It says that:
∞
The MNO was created to represent and
advocate on behalf of its citizens and
communities with respect to their “collective rights, interests and aspirations”,
as well as “to provide social, economic and cultural supports to Métis
individuals, families and communities
through a province-wide service delivery system.”
The MNO’s citizens are the members of
the MNO Secretariat, and have “defined
rights and responsibilities as set out in
the Secretariat’s constituting documents
and bylaws.”
The citizens of the MNO identify as
“descendants of the Métis people that
emerged in west central North America
with their own language, culture,
traditions and way of life. These Métis
people collectively refer to themselves
as the Métis Nation, which includes
Métis communities within Ontario.”
Through the Secretariat, the MNO has
established various “democratically
elected governance structures at the
local, regional and provincial levels to
represent its citizens.”
The Government of Ontario “recognizes that the Secretariat’s status as a
governance structure that represents
its citizens at the local, regional and
provincial levels creates operational
realities that are distinct from other
Ontario not-for-profit corporations.”
Definitions
Section 1 of the Act replaces various terms
used in provincial legislation with terms
that the MNO has developed and uses. For
example, instead of referring to “members”
of a corporation, the Act uses the term “citizen.” Similarly, it uses the term “Councillor”
to refer to the elected members of PCMNO,
rather than “director”. It also explains how
Continued on page 7
This legislation has great potential to
help our community councils and the
nation grow in ways we likely don’t even
realize yet. Thirty years ago no one had
even heard of the Métis but it is through
the efforts of the MNO that now we
even have our own Act in the legislature.
It is terrific example of how the MNO
advances our rights, issues and culture.
At our Annual General
Assemblies, MNO citizens and
communities have been asking
for a bill like this for many
years, which we why we are
moving forward as Métis in
Ontario.”
THERESA STENLUND
Region 1 Councillor on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)
DERRICK PONT
President of the MNO Niagara Region Métis Council
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
7
MNO Secretariat Act
various terms are used in the Act.
Election of Councillors on the
PCMNO
The PCMNO serve as the board of directors of the Secretariat. Under provincial
legislation, a board of directors of a corporation has to be elected once every year, at the
annual general meeting. That is inconsistent
with the MNO’s Electoral Code, which says
that Councillors are to be elected once every
four years, through province-wide ballot box
elections.
In order to recognize the MNO’s Electoral
Code and the democratic process through
which Ontario Métis have chosen to govern
themselves, the Act creates an exemption for
the MNO from the election provisions of the
Corporations Act. Section 4 of the Act says
that Councillors shall be elected by citizens
every four years, and the elections shall be by
province-wide ballot.
Removal of Councillors
Under Ontario law, members of a corporation can remove a director simply by passing a resolution at a special meeting. While
this may make sense for ordinary not-forprofit corporations, it does not make sense
for a Métis self-government structure. A balance needed to be struck between having a
way to remove a Councillor if they are not
fulfilling their duties, while respecting the
fact that these individuals are democratically
elected by citizens.
Sections 5 and 7 of the Act work together
to create special rules for the Secretariat. In
order to remove a Councillor, at least 20 per
cent of the MNO citizens who are entitled
to vote for that Councillor would first have
to requisition a special meeting (section 7).
For a Councillor who is elected on a province-wide basis, this means 20 per cent of
all MNO citizens. For a Councillor who is
elected by a group of citizens—for example,
a Regional Councillor who is elected by the
citizens who live in that region—this means
20 per cent of those citizens. Then, in order
for the special meeting to go ahead, it has to
be attended by a majority of the citizens who
are entitled to vote for the Councillor. The
resolution to remove that Councillor must
then be passed by a majority of the citizens
at the meeting (section 5).
What does that mean in practice? The
table on page 6 (Figure 2) shows what would
be required to remove a provincially-elected
Councillor based on 18,000 MNO citizens,
and what would be required to remove a
regionally-elected Councillor who has 5,000
MNO citizens in his or her region.
Youth Representatives
The MNO is committed to ensuring that
The MNO is strongly committed
to ensuring that Metis youth are
meaningfully engaged in the MNO’s
governance structures at the local,
regional and provincial levels.
Métis youth are meaningfully engaged in the
MNO’s governance structures at the local, regional and provincial levels. This is reflected
in the fact that MNO citizens who are at least
16 years old can vote in elections and at
MNO AGAs in accordance with Métis traditions and self-government. It is also reflected
in the fact that the PCMNO includes both
Youth and Post-Secondary Representatives.
At the same time, the MNO also needs to ensure that young people are not exposed to
legal liabilities that may affect their futures.
In order to balance these needs, the MNO respects and accepts the votes of young people
between the ages of 16 and 18, but does not
expose them to potential liabilities. For that
reason, the MNO’s Bylaws have always stated
that voting councillors must be individuals
who are bondable, at least 18 years of age,
and have the power under law to enter into
contracts.
Under provincial law, however, youth
simply do not play any role in not-for-profit
corporations. Sections 6 and 14 of the Act
create special rules for the MNO. They allow
for Métis youth to be elected to represent the
interests of young people on the PCMNO
(section 6) and Community Councils (section 14), without acquiring any of the rights,
powers, duties or liabilities of a Councillor.
This respects the MNO’s longstanding policies and practices.
Sections 6 and 14 of the Act also say that
if a person turns 18 while they are a youth or
Post-Secondary Representative, they will not
automatically acquire the rights and liabilities of a director simply by virtue of turning
18. This is because it would be unfair to expect a 16-year-old to make a decision that
when they turn 18 they will take on all of
the legal liabilities that come with their position. It is open, however, to the MNO to
develop internal policies that would allow
for a Youth or Post-Secondary Representative
who turned 18 and wanted to assume the full
rights and liabilities of a Councillor to do so.
List of Citizens
Although MNO citizens are members of
the Secretariat, they are quite different from
members of other corporations. For many
not-for-profit corporations, becoming a
member requires nothing more than signing
up to join. In order to become MNO citizens,
in contrast, individuals have to:
∞
∞
∞
∞
provide documentation to establish that
they are Métis (they self-identify as Métis, are of historic Métis Nation ancestry,
and are accepted by the Métis Nation);
not be enrolled on any other Aboriginal
registry;
apply to and be approved by the MNO’s
Registry; and
commit to upholding and advancing
the MNO’s Statement of Prime Purpose—
the MNO’s foundational document
that sets out its objects, principles, and
aspirations.
Section 8 of the Act creates special rules
that reflect the significance of MNO citizenship and impose strict controls on access to
the list of MNO citizens.
The list of citizens is only available to
MNO citizens or their legal representatives.
In order to obtain the list, the applicant has
to provide a statutory declaration promising
that the list will not be used for any purpose
not connected with the Secretariat, including
(a) forming another body with objects
similar to those of the Secretariat (e.g.
an organization to represent Ontario
Métis) or establishing a registry of Aboriginal persons;
(b) challenging the eligibility of anyone to
be a citizen;
(c) soliciting citizens on behalf of another
body.
Anyone who uses the MNO list of citizens for an improper purpose is guilty of an
offence under the Act.
Community Councils
Community Councils operate according to
their Charter Agreements with the MNO. Using this Charter system advances Métis selfgovernment through:
∞
∞
consistency of Métis citizenship across
the province (i.e. the citizens of the
MNO and the Community Councils are
the same);
consistency in how the Community
Councils operate across the province
based on the mutually agreeable terms
∞
∞
set out in the Charter Agreements and
MNO policies;
fairness and transparency in the election of Community Councils; and
equitable sharing and use of resources
to benefit all Ontario Métis, including,
effective and accountable program and
service delivery.
Under each Community Council’s Charter Agreement, the MNO delegates its mandate to represent MNO citizens in a defined
area. In turn, the Community Council promises to uphold the MNO’s principles and
policies as well as responsibly manage its
financial affairs.
It is recognized that some Community
Councils are happy to continue to operate
under the current Charter Agreement model,
and any Community Council that wants to
continue with that model can do so under
the Act. Other Community Councils, however, have repeatedly said that they want to
be able to incorporate so that they can have
more local control over their financial affairs. Presently, since all Community Councils are not separate legal entities from the
Secretariat, their liabilities can accrue to the
MNO overall. Based on previous experiences, which resulted in a significant amount of
debt rolling up to the Secretariat’s doorstep,
the MNO has implemented policies to avoid
this from happening again. Some Community Councils have seen this as restrictive and
want to assume more risk and liabilities at
the local level in order to build capacity and
pursue various initiatives.
Until now, there was no legal mechanism
that would allow Community Councils to
separately incorporate thereby creating a liability shield between the Secretariat and the
Community Council while also making sure
that the Community Council operated consistently and as a part of the MNO’s overall
governance structure. Under the Act, however, willing Community Councils can now
be incorporated as separate corporations,
with the Secretariat as the sole “member” of
the corporation. The word “member” is used
here only in a corporate law sense. This does
not mean that local MNO citizens will no
longer be the members or electors of Community Councils. Community Councils will
continue to be governed by locally elected
Councillors, and will continue to represent
local MNO citizens as will be set out in the
bylaws that they will need to negotiate with
the Secretariat prior to being incorporated.
This new approach—Community Councils as individual corporations with the Secretariat as their sole member—accomplishes
and balances two goals. Making Community
Councils separate corporations means that
they will be responsible for their own debts
and liabilities. This helps to prevent a situation in which a decision made by a single
Community Council ends up having significant consequences for all MNO citizens and
the MNO as a whole. At the same time, mak-
Continued on page 8
Bill 153 is a milestone for
Métis in this province as
we see for the first time in
legislation the recognition
of our governance structure
as unique and distinct. It is a
real advancement for Métis in
Ontario.
JOEL HENLEY
President of the MNO Kenora Métis Council
It is great that all three parties
supported our Métis Nation of
Ontario Secretariat Act. It shows
how much change has taken place
in the years since the MNO was
founded. Bill 153 opens up the door
for even more positive change.
SENATOR GARY LAFRAMBOISE
MNO Niagara Region Métis Council
8
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
MNO Secretariat Act
Just over 12 years ago, the Métis Nation
of Ontario celebrated my father and
brother’s victory at the Supreme Court
of Canada. ... At the time, we had no
choice but to go to court ... Today, we
celebrate the Ontario government’s
recognition of the MNO’s unique
governance structure and representative
role on behalf of its citizens.
As President of the Métis Nation
of Ontario Youth Council ... I am
very pleased to see the Ontario
government recognizing the vital
role Métis youth play in the MNO.
The MNO Act ensures that we can
continue to make our voices heard
and be active participants in the
MNO’s governance structures.
MITCH CASE
Youth Representative, Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)
ing the Secretariat the sole “member” of each
Community Council corporation means that
the Secretariat will still have the power to ensure consistency and fairness in Métis governance across the province, just as it does
under the current Charter system.
As the sole “member” of a Community
Council, the Secretariat can issue a “written
declaration” that directs how a particular activity is to be managed by the Community
Council. This effectively gives the Secretariat
the power to create province-wide policies
that apply equally to all Community Councils. If a Community Council runs into difficulty, the Secretariat can also use written declarations to assist a Community Council or
suspend or wind down a Community Council pursuant to terms and dispute resolution
processes set out in their negotiated bylaws.
These may seem like significant changes,
but in fact they simply recognize the powers the Secretariat already has under the
existing Charter system. The Charter Agreements do exactly what written declarations
would do—set province-wide policy that
governs how all Community Councils are
run. In addition, the Charter Agreements
give the Secretariat the power to suspend or
revoke a Charter, subject to the terms of the
agreement.
Regulations Provisions
The Act addresses all of the ways in
which current provincial law is inconsistent
with the MNO’s governance structure and
processes. But, in the future, the Ontario
government could decide to change its laws
again in ways that have unintended consequences for the MNO. Making changes
through regulations is a far simpler procedure than making amendments to the Act
itself. Section 16(1) of the Act provides the
Minister the ability to exempt the MNO
from changes to provincial legislation in the
future. This regulation power is not about
controlling the MNO.
Section 16(1) gives the Lieutenant Governor the power to make regulations under
the Act if the regulations are jointly recommended by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and the Minister of Government and
Corporate Services, and the regulations do
one of two things:
(a) Create further exemptions from or alterations to the provincial corporate
law as it applies to the Secretariat and
Métis Community Councils; or
(b) Relate to another matter that is necessary or advisable for the purposes of
the MNO Act.
The purposes of the Act are set out in
the preamble. As described above, the Act
is intended to recognize and reflect the Secretariat’s unique role as a governance structure. Section 16(1) gives the government
the power to make regulations under the
Act only in order to better achieve that purpose. Those are regulations that create an
additional exemption from provincial corporate law (Clause A) or that do something
else—like create a new special rule for the
MNO—that is either needed or helpful to
ensure that the unique role of the Secretariat, and the operational realities it faces, are
recognized and accommodated (Clause B).
The Act came into being because the
MNO determined it was needed and
worked together with the Ontario government to make it a reality. The MNO identified the provisions of provincial corporate
law that were inconsistent with the MNO’s
own structures and procedures. The MNO
identified the changes it needed and wanted
to see made. The Act was not imposed by
the Ontario government, but instead created to respond to the MNO’s concerns and
wishes. The same will be true of any regulations made under the Act. Because regulations can only be made to further achieve
the Act’s purpose, they will necessarily be
responsive to the MNO’s needs and concerns and could not be done without consultation with the MNO.
Contrary to the claims of some, there is
simply no authority under the Act to make
regulations that would be negative for the
MNO or put it “under the thumb” of government. Even if a different government was
in power, the worst it could do would be to
refuse to make a regulation that the MNO
wanted. It would not have any authority
KIM POWLEY
President, MNO Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council
under the Act to make a regulation that the
MNO did not want or that was inconsistent
with the Act’s purpose.
Section 16(2) gives the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs the power to make regulations to bring Community Councils that
have chosen to incorporate under the Act.
This means that a Community Council that
chooses to incorporate will have the benefit
of all of the exemptions and special rules
the Act creates. If and when a Community
Council chooses to incorporate, the Secretariat will notify the Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs using the notification process described in section 3 of the Act. This will only
happen after the MNO, the Secretariat and a
Community Council have negotiated mutually agreeable bylaws for incorporation. This
process must have the consent of all parties.
Once the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs
is given notice by the MNO, it will then
work together with Service Ontario and
the Minister of Government and Corporate
Services to make sure that the regulation is
made at the same time that the Community
Council becomes registered as a not-forprofit corporation. The newly-incorporated
Community Council will immediately have
the full benefit of the MNO Act. It is important to note that this process is solely driven
by the MNO, the Secretariat and a Community Council. The Ontario government will
only act and use these provisions of the Act
if requested by the MNO.
Amendments
When the Secretariat was incorporated in
1994, it was incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act. Right now, the Corporations Act applies to both for-profit and
not-for-profit corporations. The Ontario
government has already passed new legislation—the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act,
that is expected to come into force soon.
When the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
comes into force, that will be the legislation
that applies to the Secretariat, subject to the
exceptions and modifications set out in the
Act.
Sections 17 to 29 of the Act simply set
out the changes that will be made when the
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act comes into
force, in order to replace all of the references in the Act to certain provisions of the
Corporations Act with references to the corresponding provisions of the Not-for-Profit
Corporations Act.
Additional Information
on the MNO Act
What happens next?
The Act came into force on January 1,
2016—but nothing changed on that day.
The MNO is holding community information sessions in early 2016 to review the Act
with MNO citizens and Community Councils. Through these meetings, the MNO
hopes to better inform citizens on the success and benefit that the Act represents to
Ontario Métis as well as begin to identify
those Community Councils that may have
interest in incorporating under the Act for
future discussions. Information about these
meetings is available at www.metisnation.org.
Clearly, in order to meaningfully implement various parts of the Act, the MNO
requires additional capacity for both the
Secretariat and Community Councils to
negotiate new arrangements. As a part of
upcoming bilateral and tripartite meetings
with Ontario and Canada, the MNO will be
raising the need for additional financial resources to complete this work in future fiscal years. Based on what is heard as a part
of the community information sessions, the
MNO will develop a “way forward” plan for
the Act and submit that to Ontario as well as
Canada for consideration..
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For MNO citizens that would like more
information about the Act or that have
additional questions, please contact your
local, regional or provincial Métis leadership.
In addition, the following MNO staff are
available to answer questions or provide
additional information as well:
Margaret Froh
Joanne Meyer
Telephone: 1-800-263-4889
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 1-416-977-9881
Email: [email protected]
MNO Associate Chief Operating Officer
MNO Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
In addition to this document, the MNO has prepared a clause-by-clause overview of the Act, which provides more detailed information. This document is available
on the MNO’s website at
www.metisnation.org.
Métis Voyageur
An exciting summer employment opportunity for Métis youth
February 2016, Issue no. 89
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10
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
NATION
Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Dr. Carolyn Bennett
(right) meeting with MNO President Lipinski (left) and Associate COO
Margaret Froh (centre) on December 14.
President Lipinski meets with
Indigenous Affairs Minister
by
MNO Staff
O
n December 14, 2015,
Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) President Gary
Lipinski met with the Honourable
Dr. Carolyn Bennett, the recently
appointed Minister of Indigenous
and Northern Affairs in the new
government of Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau.
“It is very encouraging that
Minister Bennett met with us so
quickly after assuming office. She
is a Minister firmly committed
to advancing relationships
which is central to the process
of reconciliation,” commented
President Lipinski. This is the first
time since 2008 that the Minister
of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
(formerly Indian and Northern
Affairs) has met with the MNO
President for bilateral discussions.
President Lipinski requested
the meeting in order to discuss the
commitments made by the Trudeau
Government in the recently published mandate letters to Cabinet
and to establish a formal relationship with the Minister on a number
of Ontario-specific Métis priorities.
Key among those priorities are
the establishment of a federal claims
process that sets out a framework
to address Métis rights protected by
s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982,
recognizing Métis self-government,
and resolving outstanding Métis
claims against the Crown.
“A Métis specific claims process
is a critical concern for the Métis in
Ontario given the outstanding commitments made to Ontario Métis by
previous Canadian governments”,
commented President Lipinski.
The health and well-being of
Métis families and communities,
in particular children and youth,
was discussed including the federal government’s commitment to
undertaking a collaborative review,
in partnership with Métis communities, of existing federal programs
and services available to the Métis
Nation, to identify gaps and areas
where strategic investments are
needed in order to improve Métis
quality of life. The MNO has made
important advancements in quality of life for Ontario Métis through
its work with the Government of
Ontario under the MNO-Ontario
Framework Agreement and through
other collaborative agreements
with institutional partners, which
the MNO seeks to build on in its
engagement with the new federal
government.
Another area discussed with the
Minister is the need for a whole-ofgovernment approach on a range of
issues impacting Métis people, including the need for long term investments in the Aboriginal Skills
Employment and Training Strategy (ASETS), including the continuation of nation-to-nation and
distinctions-based approaches that
respect the unique realities of First
It is very encouraging
that Minister Bennett
met with us so quickly
after assuming office.
She is a Minister firmly
committed to advancing
relationships, which is
central to the process of
reconciliation.”
- President Gary Lipinski
Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in
the delivery of these programs and
services to their communities; and
the enhancement of existing scholarships and bursaries available to
Métis students at various colleges
and universities across Canada, in
partnership with the Métis Nation.
The MNO welcomes the federal
government’s commitment to work
with Métis communities and existing Métis financial institutions to
develop a Métis Economic Development Strategy that identifies strategic federal investments that can be
made to enhance Métis entrepreneurship, as well as Métis participation in business development and
economic growth.
“The Métis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF) has been extremely successful in supporting
Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northen Affairs, Dr. Carolyn
Bennett (centre) meeting with President Lipinski (right) and
Associate COO Froh (centre) on December 14.
Métis entrepreneurs in Ontario,
thanks to the commitments made
by Ontario. Métis businesses accessing MVDF financial support
have generated over 80 new jobs
in Ontario. MVDF has been very
successful with returns on investments and the lowest rate of arrears
on loans made among Aboriginal financial institutions. We are looking
to this new federal government to
come to the table to help support
our people in realizing their dreams
as entrepreneurs”, added President
Lipinski.
After the meeting, President
Lipinski commented, “We are
grateful to Minister Bennett for today’s meeting. It was a very positive
first step in developing a relationship between the MNO and this
new federal government, and we
are confident that we can build the
same kind of positive relationship
with the federal government that
we currently enjoy with the Ontario government. It is only through
working together that we can hope
to achieve reconciliation and working for the betterment of MNO citizens in Ontario.”
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
11
Left to Right - Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer, MNO Chair France Picotte, Premier Kathleen Wynne, MNO President Gary Lipinski and MNO Associate Chief
Operating Officer Margaret Froh.
MNO-Ontario meeting advances Métis issues
by
MNO Staff
O
n December 16 at Queen’s
Park in Toronto, an MNO
delegation led by President
Gary Lipinski and including
MNO Chair France Picotte, MNO
Associate Chief Operating Officer
Margaret Froh, and Joanne Meyer,
Director of Intergovernmental
Relations, met with Ontario Premier
Kathleen Wynne, Aboriginal
Affairs Minister David Zimmer
and Deputy Aboriginal Affairs
Minister Deb Richardson as well as
Assistant Deputy Ministers Alison
Pila, Hillary Thatcher and David
Didluck.
These annual MNO-Ontario
meetings traditionally take place
prior to Christmas and provide
both governments the opportunity
to review past successes, ongoing
cooperation and discuss upcoming
areas of common interest.
“The positive tone of this meeting, like those of the past, underscores the benefits of working to-
MNO citizen takes part
in Youth Panel at CAMA
annual conference
submitted by
Joanne Meyer
MNO Director of
Intergovernmental Relations
efit of Métis people, families and
communities.
“Working together, the MNO
and Ontario have made significant
advancements this year under the
Framework Agreement, including the
recent passage of the Métis Nation
of Ontario Secretariat Act, the first
ever Métis-specific legislation in
Ontario that recognizes the MNO’s
unique governance structure. Major
advancements for Métis and other
Indigenous peoples in Canada were
discussed with the Premier, including the launch of the National In-
quiry into Murdered and Missing
Indigenous Women and Girls, and
the Final Report issued by the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission of
Canada.
“As these meetings take place at
the highest level,” explained President Lipinski, “they provide the direction necessary to ensure continued progress on a whole range
of issues important to Métis in this
province. We are very pleased that
Ontario continues to recognize the
role of the MNO as representing
Métis interests in this province.”
Royal Canadian Legion Branch
82 acknowledged by the
MNO Veterans’ Council
submitted by
Joe Paquette
MNO Veterans’ Council President
O
n November 23, Métis Nation
of Ontario (MNO) citizen
Maria Vandenbrand spoke on the
Youth Panel during the Canadian
Aboriginal Minerals Association’s
(CAMA) 23rd Annual Conference
in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vandenbrand went to college for
heavy equipment technician training and graduated with a diploma
in motive power. After graduation,
she initially went west to southeastern Manitoba but came back
to Ontario, where she enrolled in
the eight-week surface miner operator training program through the
MNO Métis Mining Strategy. She
graduated in November.
During the Youth Panel, Vandenbrand sat with five other Aboriginal youths. All six of them
were invited by CAMA, an Aboriginal, non-profit organization
which seeks to increase the understanding of the minerals industry,
Aboriginal mining and Aboriginal
communities’ paramount interests
in lands and resources.
“[It’s] funny because I swore I
gether,” commented President
Lipinski.
Key discussion points included
the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement, the latest version of which
was signed in 2014 for a five-year
term. The annual meeting provided
an excellent opportunity to evaluate the progress on its objectives.
“The Framework Agreement,” stated
President Lipinski, “continues to
be the foundation of our strong
relationship with Ontario. It outlines clearly where our two governments will collaborate for the ben-
T
MNO citizen Maria
Vandenbrand at the
Canadian Aboriginal
Minerals Association’s 23rd
Annual Conference.
would never go into mining after
hearing all my family’s old mining stories from their time underground 50-some odd years ago,”
Vandenbrand said.
“But here I am! And I’m loving it more than I could have ever
thought.”
he Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Veterans’ Council
presented a certificate of
appreciation to the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch 82 in Port Credit for
their continuous support of Métis
veterans.
For the past five years during Remembrance Day ceremonies, the
Métis flag has been included in the
colour guard. According to the Legion’s website, the flags included
in the colour party are the Canadian Flag, the Red Ensign, the Royal
Union Flag (also known as the
Union Jack), the appropriate provincial or territorial flag, the United Nations flag, the NATO flag, the Legion
banner and flags that represent the
Legion and the principles on which
the Legion is founded.
Including the Métis flag in Branch
82’s colour party is a great honour
for Métis veterans.
This year, Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 82 also donated the first
Métis veterans wreath to be placed
at the Port Credit cenotaph. In ad-
Bob Borre (left), President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch
82, with Joseph Paquette (right), President of the MNO
Veterans’ Council.
dition, Métis veterans are proudly
and publicly acknowledged as the
Métis veterans’ wreath is laid at the
cenotaph.
“Royal Canadian Legion Branch
82 has and continues to welcome
our Métis veterans as part of the
Canadian fabric and their contri-
butions to Canada,” said MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph
Paquette.
The certificate of appreciation
was presented to Branch 82’s President Bob Borre for their continued
support.
12
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
Signatories witnesses to the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MNO and the Ministry of Education. From left: the Honourable Liz Sandals,
Minister of Education; MNO President Gary Lipinski; MNO Chair France Picotte; and MNO Associate COO Margaret Froh.
MNO will continue to work
together with Ministry of Education
New Memorandum of Understanding signed
by
MNO Staff
O
n December 15, 2015, the
Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) signed a new Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with the
Ontario Ministry of Education. The
signatories to the MOU were MNO
President Gary Lipinski, MNO Chair
France Picotte and the Honourable
Liz Sandals, Minister of Education.
The Honourable David Zimmer,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, also
attended the signing ceremony at the
Legislature.
An earlier MOU between the
MNO and the Ministry of Education
was signed during the 2009 MNO
Annual General Assembly and was
a significant step toward achieving
the overall objectives of the 2008
MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement.
The first MOU was an outstanding
success that supported key elements
of the MNO’s K-12 education activities including providing funding for
education staff, the development of
the MNO’s highly demanded Métis
Education Kits and the annual Infinite Reach March Break Camp. “Certainly,” said MNO President Gary
Lipinski, “we have seen a much
higher profile for Métis culture and
heritage in the K-12 school system,
since the signing of the original
MOU in 2009.”
Our government
is committed to
ensuring that all
students learn
about the history
and perspectives
of First Nations,
Métis and
Inuit people in
Ontario. Today,
we celebrate a
wonderful chapter
for the Métis
Nation of Ontario
and for the people
of this province.”
- Minister of Education Liz
Sandals
In 2014, the MNO and Ontario
signed the second MNO-Ontario
Framework Agreement that placed increased emphasis on programming
for youth in order to ensure that
Métis youth have the opportunity to
be all they can be. The new MNO-
Education Ministry MOU reflects the
increased emphasis on youth as well
as other aspects of the new Framework Agreement.”
“The new MOU strengthens further the existing bilateral processes
between the MNO and the province,” said President Lipinski. “It
will help enhance the capacity of the
MNO and all Métis in the province
because it recognizes the distinct
identity and culture of the Métis
people. The relationship between
the MNO and the province will be
strengthened by this commitment as
gaps in student achievement across
the province are reduced.”
The Ministry of Education promotes a strong, vibrant, publicly
funded education system by focusing on four key goals as part of its renewed vision for education: achieving excellence, ensuring equity,
promoting well-being and enhancing public confidence in our publicly
funded schools.
“I am truly honoured to be a part
of renewing the Memorandum of
Understanding that will support the
learning and achievement of Métis
students and strengthen our relationships with the Métis Nation of
Ontario. Our government is committed to ensuring that all students
learn about the history and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit
people in Ontario. Today, we cel-
This signing
enhances
the Ontario
Government’s
collaborative
relationship with
the MNO by
further promoting
the distinct identity
and culture of
Métis citizens and
the importance
of these for
education,
learning and
success.”
- MNO Chair France Picotte
ebrate a wonderful chapter for the
Métis Nation of Ontario and for the
people of this province,” stated Minister Sandals.
Over the last few years, the Ministry of Education and the MNO have
worked together to find ways of improving Métis educational outcomes
and well-being consistent with the
Ontario First Nation, Métis and Inuit
Education Policy Framework.
“This signing enhances the Ontario Government’s collaborative relationship with the Métis Nation of
Ontario by further promoting the
distinct identity and culture of Métis
citizens and the importance of these
for education, learning and success,”
said MNO Chair France Picotte.
The implementation of the MOU
will be guided by a mutually agreeable work plan which identifies opportunities and partnerships to address the unique educational needs
of Métis people in Ontario, reduces
the gaps in Métis student achievement and student success, and, increases the confidence of Métis parents in the education system. That
work plan will include regular meetings between the Minister of Education and MNO President Gary
Lipinski.
“The signing of this MOU
strengthens the MNO’s long-standing partnerships in education and
further demonstrates the value of
working together. It is still more
evidence of the commitment by
the Government of Ontario to live
up to the promise it made with the
signing of the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement in November 2008
and 2014,” added President Lipinski.
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
13
Veterans’ Council
acknowledges
sponsors
submitted by
Joe Paquette
MNO Veterans’ Council President
D
uring the 2015 Annual General
Assembly (AGA) in Midland,
the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
Veterans’ Council launched the
release of a new book, Fighting For
Canada Before There Was A Canada:
Ontario Métis Veterans Pass the
Torch.
The project that led to the book’s
release began in the spring of 2013
and submissions by MNO veterans,
veteran supporters and Métis youth
were published in the book.
MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph Paquette presented
certificates of appreciation to the
sponsors whose contributions
helped bring the book project into
fruition.
The sponsors--Nuclear Waste
Management Organization, Ontario
Power Generation, Hydro One
Network Inc. and Techno-Metal
Post—were additionally presented
with copies of the book.
Detail of a stained-glass window designed by Métis artis Christi Belcourt depicting the Residential
School system. This window can be found in the Centre Block of Parliament in Ottawa.
Truth and Reconciliation
Commission Report and
the Métis Experience
MNO supports all 94 Calls to Action
by
MNO Staff
O
n December 15, the
Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC)
released its final report into the
history and legacy of Canada’s
Indian Residential School System.
The Commission issued 94 Calls
to Action at its closing ceremonies
in June 2015, urging all levels
of government and society to
work together to repair the harm
caused by residential schools and
move forward with the process
of reconciliation in Canada. The
final report is the culmination of
six years of extraordinary work by
the TRC and includes an entire
volume dedicated to telling the
Métis experience with Canadian
residential schools.
On December 16, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President
Gary Lipinski wrote Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to congratulate
the federal government for its commitment to move forward on fully
implementing the TRC Calls to Action, and in particular for launching
the much awaited National Inquiry
into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“It is refreshing to have a federal
government that recognizes that we
must take action to address the violence that has been done to Métis,
First Nations and Inuit women and
children in this country -- both
historically through government
and church-run institutions as
well as today in the astoundingly
high numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women”, stated
President Lipinski. “The MNO welcomes the TRC final report and all
It is refreshing
to have a federal
government that
recognizes that we
must take action to
address the violence
that has been done to
Métis, First Nations
and Inuit women
and children in this
country.”
- MNO President Gary Lipinski
94 TRC Calls to Action. While
some of those Calls to Action
are specific to our First Nations
brothers and sisters, the majority of
the Calls to Action apply to all Aboriginal Peoples in Canada -- First
Nations, Inuit and Métis. The MNO
commends TRC Chair, Justice Murray Sinclair, IPC, Chief Wilton Littlechild, IPC, and Dr. Marie Wilson
for their commitment and the extraordinary service they have provided to all Canadians through this
important work.”
Volume Three of the TRC Final
Report speaks to the limits of the
mandate provided to the TRC derived from the 2006 Indian Residential Schools (IRS) Settlement
Agreement, and notes that the
Métis experience of residential
schooling has been overlooked for
too long, describing this is an “ongoing shame” that needs to be addressed and rectified.
“The lack of relationship and
recognition of the Métis by Canada
that has existed historically is some-
Members of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization
holding the certificate of appreciation and the Métis veterans’
book. From left: Ross Holden, Senior Engagement Advisor,
Aboriginal Relations; Lisa Frizzell, Director of Corporate
Affairs; Bob Watts, Associate Vice-President, Aboriginal
Relations; MNO Veterans’ Council President Joe Paquette;
and Joe Gaboury, Director, Aboriginal Relations.
Scott Berry (right), Manager Nuclear Issues and Waste at
Ontario Power Generation, and MNO Veterans’ Council
President Joseph Paquette (left).
Cover of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission’s
report on the Métis
experience.
thing that still permeates today, as
you see reflected in an ongoing lack
of federal policy regarding the Métis
which has a huge negative impact
on our citizens and communities.
This is indeed an ongoing shame
that needs to be addressed and rectified,” added President Lipinski.
“The MNO is hopeful given the
commitments made by the Liberal
Party in the recent election which
are now reflected in the mandate
letters provided to Prime Minister
Trudeau’s Cabinet. The lack of relationship with the federal government and the lack of recognition of
the Métis Nation is changing. The
Métis Nation of Ontario looks forward to working with the Trudeau
Government, and the Ontario Government under the leadership of
Premier Kathleen Wynne, to build
that relationship and to move forward, together, on our path of reconciliation.”
Richard Pringle (right), Manager Community Investment at
Hydro One, and MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph
Paquette (left).
President and CEO of Techno Metal Post Roger Lauzon (third
from left) and MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph
Paquette (right).
14
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
Clark Beamish, CD, (left) receiving his Louis Riel certificate.
From left: Belleville Chief of Police Cory MacKay, Deputy Chief Ron Gignac, CD, and MNO
Veterans’ Council President Joseph Paquette.
MNO veterans receive Louis
Riel Medals at CFB Trenton
submitted by
Joe Paquette
MNO Veterans’ Council President
O
n September 25, the
Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Veterans’ Council,
in collaboration with the Belleville
Police Service, presented the Louis
Riel Medal and Certificate to four
MNO veterans.
The presentation ceremony took
place at a fitting location: the National Air Force Museum of Canada, located at Canadian Forces
Base (CFB) Trenton. MNO Veterans’ Council Chair Guy Mandeville, CD, organized the venue for the
ceremony.
Paquette presented each veteran
with the Louis Riel Medal and the
accompanying certificate was presented by Belleville Chief of Police
Cory MacKay.
MNO citizen Clark Beamish, CD,
was the first among those gathered
to receive the Louis Riel Medal. Bel-
leville Deputy Chief Ron Gignac,
CD, was the second recipient of the
Louis Riel Medal. Gignac’s wife Betty
and their daughter Nicholette also
attended the ceremony.
The third and fourth recipients of
the Louis Riel Medal were Yvonne
I.L. Gebhardt and her son Donald
Gebhardt, CD. After Yvonne received her medal, Paquette stepped
aside and Yvonne presented her son
with his Louis Riel Medal. Don’s
wife Linda and his two daughters,
Hannah and Laxi, were present at
the ceremony.
Working together
Following the presentation of the
Louis Riel Medals, the MNO Veterans’ Council acknowledged the Belleville Police Service for their support of MNO veterans. Paquette
presented Chief MacKay with a
Certificate of Appreciation from the
MNO Veterans’ Council.
The Belleville Police Service and
the MNO Veterans’ Council have es-
From left: Belleville Chief of Police Cory MacKay, Donald
Gebhardt, CD, Yvonne I.L. Gebhardt and MNO Veterans’
Council President Joseph Paquette.
tablished a good long-term connection, working together within their
community. “We must contribute towards healthy communities throughout our province,” Paquette said.
A chance to see history
The National Air Force Museum of
Canada has a national reputation for
having the largest number of aircraft
on display.
The presentation platform was
placed in front of the famous, fully
restored Handley Page Halifax aircraft. “It was quite the honour to
display the Métis flag in the Trenton
museum,” says Paquette. Mandeville and Paquette had the opportunity to visit the museum later
in the day.
Belleville Chief of Police Cory MacKay (left) holding a
Certificate of Appreciation presented by MNO Veterans’
Council President Joe Paquette (right).
MNO Veterans’ Council Chair Guy Mandeville, CD (left), and
MNO Veterans’ Council President Joe Paquette at the National
Air Force Museum of Canada.
Veterans’ Council brings
Métis presence to
NCVA meetings
submitted by
Joe Paquette
MNO Veterans Council President
T
From left: MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph Paquette; Derrill Henderson, National Secretary,
Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada; Brian Forbes, B. Comm., LL.B., Chairman, National Council
of Veterans Association in Canada; Paul Baiden, MMM, OStJ, S.C., CD, National Chairman, Canadian
Naval Air Group; MNO Veterans’ Council Senator Dr. Alis Kennedy, O.Ont., CD, OMC.
he Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Veterans’ Council
attended the annual meeting of
the National Council of Veteran
Associations (NCVA) in November
2015, where veteran organizations
are given a chance to put together a
legislative program to be brought to
the federal government’s attention.
The MNO Veterans’ Council has
been a member of good standing
with the NCVA for six years. MNO
Veterans’ Council representatives attend the annual meeting every year
in Toronto to ensure that Métis veterans have a voice at the federal level.
The representatives’ visibility and
input are vital towards keeping a
Métis presence at the meeting.
The NCVA advocates for over 60
different veteran organizations.
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
Métis veterans
profiled in Manitoulin
genealogy book
submitted by
Debra Huron
MNO Citizen
M
étis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) citizens Debra
Huron and Katie Skelton were
proud to learn that Métis veterans
within their families were
included in a book published
in 2015 by the Manitoulin
Genealogy Club.
The book, titled Remember Me:
Manitoulin Military, Vol. 1, shares
the stories of the late Métis veterans Napoleon Jerome “Joe” Pilon
and his older brother Walter
“Shot” Pilon. Their stories were
included among the 175 individuals profiled in the book.
Joe Pilon, Debra Huron’s father, was born on Meldrum Bay
on Manitoulin Island. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian
Navy for his tour of duty. Joe
served as a telegraph and radio
operator during the Korean War.
Shot Pilon, Katie Skelton’s
grandfather, was born in Killarney and was a Second World
War veteran. He joined the Royal
Canadian Navy with his brother
Joe. During his tour of duty, Shot
sailed to Russia and was aboard
ship along
the coast of
Normandy
during the
invasion on
D-Day.
It took
two years for
the Manitoulin Genealogy
Club to put
together all
the material
for the book.
They used
reports from
local newspapers, letters
of correspondence, pictures
and military
files to research
the 300-page
book. Remember Me: Manitoulin
Military, Vol. 1 aims to honour
military men and women from
Killarney and Manitoulin Island
and to record their family history for future generations.
The Manitoulin Genealogy
15
MNO Veterans’ Council Sergeant-at-arms Rob Baskey (left)
and MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph Paquette (right).
MNO Veterans’
Council swears in new
Sergeant-at-arms
submitted by
Joe Paquette
MNO Veterans’ Council President
Club is collecting stories for
volume 2 and any MNO citizens wishing to include Métis
veterans for the next book are
encouraged to contact the club
with their information. Copies of
the book can also be ordered by
e-mail or telephone.
To contact the Manitoulin Genealogy Club, e-mail them
at [email protected] or call them at
705-368-3416.
D
uring the 2015 Métis Nation
of Ontario (MNO) Annual
General Assembly (AGA), the
MNO Veterans’ Council held their
annual general meeting where Rob
Baskey was sworn in to his new
position as the MNO Veterans’
Council Sergeant-at-arms.
Baskey, a sergeant with the
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP),
began his career in law enforcement in 1990 with the North
Bay Police Service. In 1995, he
transferred to Mattawa, followed
by working with the Provincial
Violent Crime Linkage System
(ViCLAS) Centre and the Orillia OPP Detachment, where he
is currently the communications
strategist for Community Mobilization and Engagement efforts.
In 2012, Baskey was seconded
by the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police (RCMP) to be deployed
in the United Nations Mission in
South Sudan (UNMISS) to train,
mentor and advise the South Sudanese National Police Service
and the Government of South
Sudan.
The MNO Veterans’ Council is
pleased to have Baskey’s experience added to their ranks.
Welcome aboard, Rob!
The MNO and Barrick Gold Corporation sign a Memorandum
of Understanding for the Williams Gold Mine
by
MNO Staff
O
n October 30, 2015, in
Marathon, the Métis Nation of
Ontario (“MNO”) and Barrick Gold
Corporation (“Barrick”) announced
that they formally signed a
Memorandum of Understanding
(“MOU”) to guide their working
relationship with regards to the
operations of the Williams Mine
Project (the “Project”) in Hemlo,
Ontario.
“This agreement is very important to the Métis people,” explained
MNO Region 2 Chair Cameron
Burgess. “It acknowledges the
exercise of Métis rights and the
Métis way of life in the context of
a currently operating mine in the
Marathon area. We are pleased to
continue working with Barrick.
Agreements like this one are another benefit that we see coming
from the MNO-Ontario Framework
Agreement, which was first signed
in 2008 and renewed [in 2014],”
he added.
Andrew Baumen, General Manager of Williams Operating Corporation, added: “We have been
consulting with the Métis Nation
on the operating and future closure
of the Williams Gold Mine since
2011. This formalized Memorandum of Understanding is a positive
representation of our commitment
to continuing to work with the
Métis Nation.”
The MOU sets out the way in
which the local Métis community,
as represented by the MNO’s Lakehead/Nipigon/Michipicoten Traditional Territory Consultation Committee will be consulted regarding
the operation and future closure of
the Project and details how the parties will work together to address
any potential impacts the Project
may have on Métis rights, interests
and way of life. The MOU demonstrates Barrick’s commitment to
continue to collaborate and consult with the surrounding community to build long-lasting positive
relationships.
MNO Superior North Shore
Métis Council President Trent Desaulniers commented: “Our community is very proud of the relationship that we have built with
Barrick. We see this relationship
as an opportunity to foster ongoing collaborations while working
together to protect our traditional
values and way of life. We look forward to continuing to strengthen
our relationship with Barrick as
their project progresses.”
The Barrick-MNO MOU signing. Back row, from left: Jeremy Dart, Patricia Obie, Debi Bouchie,
Ken Simard, Phil McGuire. Front row, from left: Trent Desaulniers, Andrew Baumen, Cameron
Burgess. The Barrick-MNO MOU signing. Back row, from left: Jeremy Dart, Patricia Obie, Debi
Bouchie, Ken Simard, Phil McGuire. Front row, from left: Trent Desaulniers, Andrew Baumen,
Cameron Burgess.
About Barrick Gold Corporation
Barrick aims to be the world’s leading mining company focused on gold. Based in Toronto,
with operations in 10 countries, our vision is the generation of wealth through responsible
mining — wealth for our owners, our people and the countries and communities with which
we partner. The company has been ranked as a world leader in social and environmental responsibility for eight consecutive years by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Shares are
traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ABX.
16
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
WSMNO announces two new Representatives
submitted by
Sharon McBride
PCMNO Vice-Chair & WSMNO
Spokesperson
T
he two vacancies on the
Women’s Secretariat of the
Métis Nation of Ontario (WSMNO)
have been filled. The new WSMNO
Representatives are Suzanne Jackson
from Region 9 and Sandra GauthierPoelman from Region 1.
Suzanne Jackson joined the
MNO Clear Waters Métis Council
in 2008 and has been Chair since
2013.
She first became aware of her
Métis lineage after she identified
a shared ancestor with Louis Riel.
Born and raised in Alberta, she
was unknowingly steeped in a culture which was never identified by
name. Her grandmother‘s experi-
ences in the Duck Lake Residential
school solidified a great concern
within Suzanne that the past be
remembered.
Women and children’s needs
have always been a primary focus
in her career primarily as a labour
and delivery Doula with training
in healing methods such as the
Bowen technique. She and her husband share seven children and ten
grandchildren.
A teacher at heart, Suzanne often
takes part in outreach activities including school and women’s group
visits to further the knowledge on
Métis history and traditions. Immersion in the Aboriginal arts has
taken her from beadwork, drummaking, moose hair tufting and
porcupine quill jewelry to where
she is now learning the process of
turning leather into useful items.
Moccasin-making came first, fol-
Sandra Gauthier-Poelman,
WSMNO Representative
lowed by learning all about tanning
hides. Her next objective is obtaining a hunting license and participating in her first harvest.
Sandra Gauthier-Poelman
worked for the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
and Quetico Provincial Park for 34
years and has just retired. She was
instrumental in starting the Aboriginal Youth Work Employment
Program for students at the park
and supervised a student every
summer.
During her time with the MNRF,
she volunteered for many committees including Health and Safety,
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention. She was also
an advisor and trainer for staff, the
Ontario Public Service Employees
Union (OPSEU) Union Steward
and Vice-President and Co-Chair
for the local Employee Relations
Committee.
Sandra has been a volunteer for
the Critical Incident Report Team,
a local Atikokan committee, as well
as the Atikokan women’s shelter,
which serves all of northwestern
Ontario.
Her current position with the
MNO Atikokan and Area Métis
Council is Treasurer and she has
been on the council since 2010.
Her fifth great-grandmother
was Marie-Anne Lagimodière, the
grandmother of Louis Riel, and she
is a cousin to the Riel family.
In all she does, Sandra is a strong
advocate for people’s rights in the
workplace, especially on women’s
issues. She is happy for the opportunity and looking forward to serving on the WSMNO as a Women’s
Representative.
Welcome, Sandra and Suzanne!
The WSMNO would like to
thank all the women who took the
time and interest to apply for the
regional positions within the Women’s Secretariat.
MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO
PROBLEM GAMBLING PREVENTION PROGRAM
TOUGH DECISIONS
A real life story of how problem gambling impacted one Métis family
submitted by
Loma Rowlinson
Provincial Coordinator, Problem Gambling Prevention Program
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud of the support MNO
citizens receive as they walk on their healing and wellness journey. Through participating in her community and accessing Healing and Wellness services, one MNO citizen found inspiration and
encouragement. The MNO Problem Gambling Prevention Program
(PGPP) is grateful to share this story, respecting our citizen’s request to remain anonymous. Here is her story:
G
ambling almost destroyed our
family. No. I take that back, it
wasn’t the gambling. It was problem
gambling that did it. I can tell you
for sure that problem gambling really
is a hidden addiction. You can’t
physically see it on a person but it
gradually takes over and destroys
your life. A problem gambler
becomes a great liar and can hide
the addiction for quite a while. But
once you are caught in the addiction,
things spiral out of control with
devastating effects. I know because
this happened in my family.
I grew up in a Métis community
in Ontario. My parents owned a convenience store and a prominent shoe
store located in our largest shopping mall. It seemed that things were
going great. We had a nice home,
lived in a friendly neighbourhood,
and had family vacations every summer. Nothing fancy but a good home
with parents that worked hard to
make an honest living. When I purchased my first home, since I didn’t
have enough credit, my parents cosigned for my mortgage and life was
going great.
If only I knew what was to come.
Nothing seemed amiss until about
a year later. I started to notice things
were not quite right when one day
my mom’s car broke down and she
had to borrow money from me to fix
it. Then dad started working a sec-
in the store. To try to keep the
store afloat, they remortgaged their
home but by this time their gambling was out of control, and that
wasn’t enough. I later discovered
that they had forged my signature
and took out a second mortgage on
my home without my knowledge.
As such, the dreaded bank notice.
My parents had not been making
their own mortgage payments for
months, were in arrears and the bank
The family business went into
foreclosure. They lost the family
home that we grew up in and,
with that, lost the trust of their
own children and family members.
They eventually lost their
marriage as well.
ond job outside of the family businesses, which was strange because
they always made enough money to
pay the bills. Then one day, a ridiculous bank notice was delivered to me.
I was outraged and went straight
to the bank and demanded to see a
manager. I made all of my monthly
payments, never missed one and was
never late, yet here they were threatening to repossess my home! What
the heck was going on? That is when
the world came crashing down.
I soon found out that my parents
had started gambling at the local
casino. They started small, taking
a little money here and there from
the cash register at work to go out
to the casino. Soon, the twenty dollars every other day became a hundred and grew and grew. It came
to a point where they didn’t have
enough money to replace the stock
had my home as collateral and were
going to sell off the assets to get their
money. To say that I was shocked and
outraged is an understatement. I had
three children and a spouse to care
for, was working two jobs to keep us
afloat. How on earth was I going to
explain this one to my spouse?
The family business went into foreclosure. They lost the family home
that we grew up in and, with that,
lost the trust of their own children
and family members. They eventually lost their marriage as well. At
this same time, I was forced to make
a tough decision: to either have my
parents charged with fraud so I could
possibly work harder to make larger
payments for my home or declare
bankruptcy as well. There was no
way that I could ever make the kind
of money to pay off the debt that they
accumulated. I was now also close to
losing my partner and family as
well. The stress was simply unbearable and I had no other option. I took the loss: declared
bankruptcy, cut all ties with
my family, moved away to another city and started over.
It would be ten long years
until I heard from my mother
again. She was sick and the
time spent apart from
her really was tearing me up. I started
to participate with
Gam-Anon, a
local support
group for family members
of gambling
addicts. This
is when
my partner
and I really started
to understand
that gambling is a
real addiction.
Soon the hearts of both me
and my spouse started to open up to
let my parents back into our lives. I
don’t see my father all that often, but
his story is another one unto itself,
perhaps to someday be shared in a
different interview. Although we are
always on our guard and watching,
we eventually introduced my mother
to our youngest children that she
longed to meet.
My mother has started to participate with her Métis community as
a volunteer and works hard to stay
on
her
healing
path. We
give her the
support she
deserves for turning her life around and
I am so grateful and blessed to have
the woman that gave me life back in
my life again.
If you or someone you know is feeling the impacts of problem
gambling, please call our Provincial Coordinator at
705-671-9855 ext. 223
She can connect you to online resources as well as local MNO
Healing and Wellness Coordinators who can provide peer support.
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
17
COMMUNITY
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs visits
MNO Thunder Bay Métis Council
submitted by
Joanne Meyer
MNO Director of
Intergovernmental Relations
O
n January 12, Ontario
Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs David Zimmer met
with the Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Thunder Bay Métis Council
citizens in Thunder Bay.
During his visit, Minister Zimmer toured the MNO Thunder Bay
Métis Council’s office and learned
about the many MNO housing,
health and community projects
being undertaken in that region.
While on a tour of the MNO office in Thunder Bay, the minister received gifts from MNO staff.
Community Wellness Coordinator
Joan Panizza presented the minister
with a shoulder satchel with a Métis
sash design. Regional Employment
and Training Coordinator Paula
Bouchard presented Minister Zimmer with a carved wooden eagle
feather locally crafted from a piece
of cedar.
Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer (left) with MNO Thunder Bay Métis Council President Bryanna Scott (centre) and
MNO Infinite Reach Facilitator Paul Robitaille.
MNO citizens bring
Métis culture to
Georgian College
submitted by
Jade Bourbonnière
MNO Education & Training
Operations Coordinator
O
Representatives of the MNO Georgian Bay Métis Council and recipients of the Helen Bradley
Memorial Bursary. From left: Councillor Jo-Anne Secord, PCMNO Region 7 Representative
Pauline Richardson, Jordyn Playne, Dominic Searles, Caitlin Diver, Secretary Danielle Callander
and Councillor Bernice Paradis.
Third annual Helen Bradley
Memorial Bursaries awarded
submitted by
Danielle Callander
MNO Citizen
O
n Tuesday, December 22, 2015,
the Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Georgian Bay Métis Council
handed out awards for their third
annual Helen Bradley Memorial
Bursary.
Senator Helen Bradley passed
away in 2010. She was a founding
member of the MNO Georgian Bay
Métis Council and deeply respected
within the MNO. She was a recipient of the 2008 Ontario Medal of
Good Citizenship, an honour recog-
nizing individuals who have made
outstanding contributions to their
communities.
The council picked three recipients for the bursary by evaluating
essays the students submitted on
“What it means to be Métis.” The
students also had to provide proof
that they had attended an MNO
Georgian Bay Métis Council event
in the spring or summer of 2015.
The winners of the 2015 Helen
Bradley Memorial Bursary were:
• First place: Caitlin Diver
• Second place: Dominic Searles
• Third place: Jordyn Playne
The MNO Georgian Bay Métis
Council would like to congratu-
n November 10, Provisional
Council of the Métis Nation
(PCMNO) Senator Verna PorterBrunelle and MNO Employment
Developer Rachelle BrunelleMcColl hosted an MNO display
and information booth at the
Georgian College campus in
Midland.
Métis historical items were on
display to promote Louis Riel Day
on November 16 in addition to
information regarding the many
programs offered by the MNO for
students.
Porter-Brunelle and BrunelleMcColl focused especially on the
Métis Student Bursary program, a
bursary dedicated to post-secondary Métis students. Georgian College is one of the 41 different postsecondary institutions that offer
the bursary.
MNO Senator Helen Bradley
late these students and wish them
well in their future endeavours. The
council would also like to thank
Bruce Power for providing the funds
for this wonderful bursary.
PCMNO Senator Verna Porter-Brunelle (left) and Rachelle
Brunelle-McColl (right) at Georgian College.
18
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
MNO High Land
Waters Métis
Council Governance
and Finance Training
submitted by
Glen Lipinski
MNO Community Relatiosns
Coordinator
T
Self-identified Métis Ted Norris (left), Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex (centre) and
MNO TYRMC President Tera Beaulieu (right).
MNO Council President
meets Countess of Wessex
by
MNO Staff
O
n November 12, Métis
Nation of Ontario (MNO)
Toronto and York Region
Métis Council (TYRMC) President
Tera Beaulieu attended a working
lunch with the Honourable
Elizabeth Dowdeswell, LieutenantGovernor of Ontario, and Her Royal
Highness, the Countess of Wessex,
along with other representatives
from Aboriginal agencies and
initiatives across Canada.
Several presentations were delivered that highlighted the unique
needs faced by Aboriginal people
living in urban centres, includ-
ing issues related to child welfare,
health, and education and employment. Several key themes emerged
from the conversations that occurred among the guests in attendance, chief among them the
significance of truth and reconciliation among Aboriginal people and
Canadians, and the importance of
self-governance for Aboriginal people, particularly when discussing
the needs of communities and actions that should be taken.
At the conclusion of the discussions, the Countess of Wessex
expressed thanks to those in attendance and the Indigenous communities of Canada who have included her in their meetings in the
past. She articulated her commit-
ment to continuing to provide support and convening conversations
and meetings to address the needs
of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
For the Countess’s ongoing commitment to learning about and
supporting the work of Aboriginal people in Canada, self-identified Métis Ted Norris and MNO
TYRMC President Tera Beaulieu
presented her with a Métis sash.
Her Royal Highness was very grateful to receive the sash and appeared
honoured to receive such a gift.
The Countess of Wessex was in
North America on a working visit
in her new role as Global Ambassador of 100 Women in Hedge Funds
Next Generation Initiatives.
he Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) High Land Waters
Métis Council participated in the
two-day Governance and Finance
Training session in Kingston from
November 21 to 22.
The training was facilitated by
Glen Lipinski, MNO Community
Relations Coordinator, and Hank
Rowlinson, MNO Manager of
Community Relations.
The two-day training focused on
Governance and began with Métis
101. Additional topics covered included visioning, challenges, opportunities and planning for Councils. Lipinski also concentrated on
Finance and the New Relationship
Fund. They delivered sessions fo-
cusing on policies, procedures,
aspects of budgeting and general
reporting.
In attendance from the MNO
High Land Waters Métis Council region were Candace Lloyd,
Gwendalyn Lloyd-Gomez, Trudy
Conner and her husband Jim, Robert Lloyd, Marlon Lloyd and Scott
Lloyd.
While MNO Governance and Finance Training sessions are offered
to specific community councils,
there are occasions when there are
openings to allow additional MNO
representatives or citizens to participate and bring the knowledge
to their regions. At this training,
Pearl Gabona, the MNO Women’s
Secretariat Representative for Region 5 and 8, and MNO citizen
Ralph Wolf Thistle both travelled
to Kingston at their own expense
to attend the training session.
Participants of the MNO High Land Waters Governance and
Finance Training session. Front row, from left: Pearl Gabona,
Candace Lloyd, Gwendalyn Lloyd-Gomez, Trudy Conner. Back
row, from left: Robert Lloyd, Ralph Wolf Thistle, Marlon Lloyd,
Scott Lloyd, Jim Conner.
Renkont Michif
soumis par
France Picotte
Vice-présidente de la Nation
Métisse de l’Ontario
L
e 28 pi 29 novenb, 2015, le
kawmité michif yétè ensenb a
Timmins pour parlé dnot lawng
pi dévlawpé dot resours ki von
édé lé zot a aprend not bèl lawng.
Sé bin ninpawrtan d’kontinué a
parlé lmichif. Pi denkouragé lé
zot pi surtou lé jeun dèt fièr de
kontinué a partajé ste rich éritaj
ke nou zon doné no zansèt.
Ona eu une prézentation de
COPA pi ona ékouté lé zenrejistremen en michif ke toul mond
peuv ékouté sur le DVD fransè pi
anglè.
La resours «En cercle ensemble» pren soin dé bezouin dé
famyl Métis éki rèspèkt not kultzur en édan a awouèr dé zékol
plus sékur pi prend soin du bienèt dla famyl.
Les participants présents au lancement de «En cercle, ensemble.»
La NMO célèbre le lancement de
la ressource version françaisemichif « En cercle, ensemble »
soumis par
France Picotte
Vice-présidente de la Nation
Metisse de l’Ontario
L
En avan: Nicole Charron, Louise Cloutier, Juliette Denis,
Pauline Richardson. 2e rangé: Chantal Côté, Linda Krause,
France Picotte, Lynne Picotte. En ariér: Eillen Sellam (COPA),
Joseph Paquette, Richard Meilleur.
es gens sont venus en grand
nombre lors du lancement
officiel de la ressource multimédia
«En cercle, ensemble» du
Centre Ontarien de Prévention
d’Agressions (COPA).
Plus d’une quarantaine de gens
sont réunis le samedi 28 novembre
au Holiday Inn de Timmins. Les
gens étaient invités à un souper et
une présentation de la ressource
produite en collaboration avec la
Nation Métisse de l’Ontario, une
ressource ayant une perspective
métisse, qui est culturellement pertinente, qui satisfait les besoins et
qui est appropriée pour les Métis.
De plus cette ressource supporte la diversité des familles de
l’Ontario. Depuis 2013 la collaboration entre COPA et la Nation
Métisse se poursuit afin de créer
cette ressource qui vise à favoriser
l’établissement de milieux scolaires
où règnent la sécurité, la force et
la liberté!
Le groupe Michif a fait la traduction pour la narration en Michif et
les voix de la narration en Michif
furent enregistrées à Timmins par
Richard Aubin et Nicole Charron.
Chaque famille a reçu une boîte
à outils multimédias «En cercle,
ensemble! »
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
Proud Métis
shares his
granddaughter’s
success story
submitted by
Ken Simard
MNO Region 2 Captain of the Hunt
M
Photo by Kat Slepian
Heidi Reinikka helping to cultivate a community garden.
étis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) citizen Ken
Simard feels very proud of
his granddaughter Heidi Reinikka.
Reinikka is currently situated in
British Columbia, working for the
government as a practices forester.
In an old newspaper clip Simard
has kept, Reinikka’s aspirations
were quite different than where she
currently finds herself.
The newspaper clip, taken from
19
the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal,
shows 13-year-old Reinikka holding up a poster warning against the
dangers of street gangs. The article
shares that Reinikka won $100 for
her poster in a contest.
At the time, Reinikka’s aspirations leaned towards architecture
or medicine. Now she has a successful career as a Forest Technologist for BC Timber Sales, a semiautonomous program within the
British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources
Operations.
Congratulations, Heidi!
Métis youth
attend annual
camping trip to
Beausoleil Island
submitted by
Larry Ferris
MNO Georgian Bay Métis
Council Chair
M
embers of the Métis Nation of
Ontario (MNO) Georgian Bay
Métis Council were joined by many
Métis youth during their 2015
annual trip to Beausoleil Island at
Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
The youth went to the park as
part of an Aboriginal camping
group and made up over half of the
campers; there were 23 Métis youth
and two councillors.
There were lots of new faces and
some old friends within the group
and the weather was outstanding and made for an enjoyable
experience.
Parks Canada organized presentations on the history of Beausoleil
Island, including replicas of arti-
facts used 5,000 years ago in addition to Métis artifacts.
The young campers also learned
first-hand about endangered,
threatened and rare animal species
within the Georgian Bay area, including the Massasauga rattlesnake,
an animal known to live along the
eastern side of Georgian Bay and on
the Bruce Peninsula. Some campers
even had the chance to handle Pineapple, an Eastern Foxsnake also included on the threatened species
list in the Georgian Bay area.
Other activities the youth enjoyed were canoeing, kayaking,
hiking and a new activity they were
able to experience was archery.
With the excellent weather, some
brave campers climbed up a high
tower in order to leap about 20 feet
down into the water.
The youth went home with new
knowledge on conservation, teamwork and leadership skills.
Young campers get acquainted with Pineapple, an Eastern Foxsnake.
Citizens take part in
heritage trees project
submitted by
Larry Ferris
MNO Georgian Bay Métis
Council Chair
R
Volunteers planting rare trees at the Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
ecently, Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) citizens, including
youth with the MNO Georgian Bay
Métis Council, worked with the
North Simcoe Anglers and Hunters
Conservation Club to reintroduce
several heritage species trees to
their area. The trees included three
large butternut, one elm and one
Ohio buckeye chestnut, each of
which was two to three metres tall.
The trees were planted at the
Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
While the park usually doesn’t involve itself in volunteer efforts, the
planting of the trees was well received and encouraged by Brian
Charles, the park’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer. Charles recognized
that the cultural and historical
importance of the trees would be
important within the Aboriginal
communities.
Park staff will be maintaining the
trees in order to ensure they will be
a good seed source for future plantings as well as educational value for
visitors interested in the cultural
history of the area.
20
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
Métis youth bring
home gold and
silver from NWO
Cadet Biathlon
submitted by
Marlene Davidson
MNO Citizen
M
From the left: Councillor Reg Bennett, PCMNO Region 4 Councillor Ernie Gatien, MNO
Employment Coordinator Fran Scheepmaker, President Yvonne Jensen, MNO Employment
Councillor Patti Moreau, Region 4 Captain of the Hunt Art Bennett and Chair Mike Laderoute.
Region 4 MNO citizens
spread some holiday cheer
submitted by
Yvonne Jensen
MNO North Channel Métis
Council President
O
n December 13, Métis Nation
of Ontario (MNO) citizens
from Region 4 held a meeting in
Iron Bridge to view a presentation
from MNO staff from the Sault Ste.
Marie office.
MNO Employment Councillor
Patti Moreau and MNO Employment Developer Fran Scheepmaker
gave a presentation on employment
and training and how Métis in On-
tario can apply for bursaries for
educational purposes. The presentation lasted an hour and council
members asked many good questions about MNO education and
training programs.
During the presentation, those
who attended were tempted with
delicious Christmas snacks to celebrate the Holidays. Citizens were
grateful that the MNO staff took
time to join them at their meeting
and inform them of changes taking
place to MNO education and training programs.
Present at the meeting were
MNO North Channel Métis Council President Yvonne Jensen, Chair
Mike Laderoute, Region 4 Captain of the Hunt Art Bennett, Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Region 4
Councillor Ernie Gatien, Councillor Reg Bennett, Councillor Jason
Rydall, Councillor Gary Foster,
Secretary-Treasurer Jennifer Jensen
and Youth Representative Taylor
McNally.
The MNO North Channel Métis
Council hopes everyone had a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year!
étis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
citizen Marlene Davidson’s
two granddaughters, Emlyn and
Keira Cameron, recently competed
in the Northwestern Ontario
(NWO) Cadet Biathlon with the
Atikokan Cadet Unit’s team.
The two Métis youth are firstyear cadets and participated in the
Stage 1 competition during the
weekend of January 10.
There were over 100 cadets participating in the competition; Air,
Sea and Army cadets from 16 units
across Northwestern Ontario travelled from Marathon to Kenora
in order to take part in the Cadet
Biathlon.
The biathlon was very similar
to the same event held during the
Olympics except that cadets did
not carry rifles on their backs. Instead, the rifles remained on the
firing range and were placed in the
shooting lane by the coaches as
the cadets skied up to the shooting ramp.
Emlyn and Keira made their
family very proud by winning gold
and silver medals in the Junior category. They will advance to the
next level of competition in Sault
Ste. Marie at the end of January
for the Northern Ontario Stage 2
Competition.
First year cadets Emlyn Cameron and Keira Cameron won
silver and gold medals at the NWO Biathalon.
MNO North Channel Métis Council Youth Representative Taylor McNally (right) helps students
with a healing blanket.
Sue Beaulne works on a mitt during a workshop.
Workshop helps
preserve Métis skills
submitted by
Jackie Courville
MNO Citizen
T
he Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Northern Lights Métis
Council hosted an Aboriginal Mitts
Workshop on December 10, 2015,
at their office in Cochrane.
MNO citizen Jackie Courville
facilitated the workshop with the
assistance of MNO-Timmins staff
member Richard Aubin. This was
Courville’s first time hosting a crafting workshop at the MNO Northern Lights Métis Council office.
“She did very well,” Aubin
shared in an e-mail. “What I love
the most is seeing someone learning a skill our ancestors practiced
and passing it on to others.”
While this workshop focused
on creating a pair of warm mitts,
Courville hopes to host other
workshops to make moccasins,
mukluks and Métis beadwork.
MNO Council Youth Representative
stays active in her community
submitted by
Yvonne Jensen
MNO North Channel Métis
Council President
T
aylor McNally has been very
busy within her community.
As the Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) North Channel Métis
Council Youth Representative, she
has been hosting events at local
schools in Blind River.
On November 16, McNally went
to École secondaire catholique Jeunesse-Nord to assist in their celebration of Rock Your Mocs Day, a
worldwide event where Aborigi-
nal people wear their moccasins
at work, at school or anywhere.
Students and school staff were encouraged to wear their moccasins
to school to show their pride and
solidarity with Aboriginal peoples.
McNally held a Métis 101 event,
teaching the students about Métis
heritage and helping them make
healing blankets using the four
sacred medicines of Aboriginal
people.
On December 17, McNally organized a mittens, scarves and hats
campaign for local schools, taking
donations and presenting them to
the schools in the area for any children who forget, lose or don’t have
mittens, hats or scarves. Thanks
to McNally’s efforts, local children
will be able to stay warm for winter recess.
The following message was
posted on École St-Joseph’s Facebook page: “Taylor McNally, ancienne élève de l’école St-Joseph, a
eu la brillante idée de ramasser des
mitaines, tuques et foulards afin de
les remettre aux écoles de la communauté. Ainsi les enfants, qui auraient oublié leurs mitaines, tuques
ou foulard, auront la possibilité d’être
bien au chaud durant les récréations. Merci Taylor et bravo pour ton
implication!”
Good job, Taylor!
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
21
MNO Grand River
Senator Gordon meets Prime
Métis Council marks Minister Trudeau
Louis Riel Day in
three cities
D
submitted by
Reta Gordon
PCMNO Executive Senator
submitted by
Paul Smith
MNO Grand River Métis
Councillor
T
he Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Grand River Métis
Council (GMRC) commemorated
Louis Riel Day 2015 in ceremonies
within three cities: Guelph,
Kitchener and Cambridge, on
November 14, 16 and 20. The
events were featured in local
newspapers and on local CBC
Radio.
On November 14, the MNO
GRMC joined Guelph’s Mayor Cam
Guthrie and city councillors James
Gordon and Leeanne Piper for the
Sixth Annual Louis Riel Day event.
Local Métis musicians Kim and
Rajan Anderson played Métis fiddle
music for the crowd.
On November 16 in Cambridge,
Mayor Doug Craig and numerous
city councillors joined the MNO
GRMC to share stories about Louis
Riel and raise the Métis flag over
Cambridge City Hall for the first
time. The MNO GRMC were invited back for 2016.
Finally, on November 20 in
Kitchener, about 90 Grade 7 and 8
students joined the celebration at
Kitchener City Hall. Other guests
and participants included Councillor Sarah Marsh, many local Métis
citizens and university students.
The students from the Waterloo Catholic District School Board
learned about Louis Riel and Métis
history and culture, which ties into
the intermediate school curriculum.
Local CBC personality Craig Norris
joined the festivities as well.
uring a meeting with the leaders
of five national Aboriginal
organizations, Provisional Council
of the Métis Nation of Ontario
(PCMNO) Executive Senator Reta
Gordon met Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau and caught the moment on
camera.
On December 16, Trudeau met
with Clément Chartier, President of
the Métis National Council; Perry
Bellegarde, National Chief of the
Assembly of First Nations; Dawn
Harvard, President of the Native
Women’s Association of Canada;
Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; and Dwight Dorey,
National Chief of the Congress of
Aboriginal Peoples. Their meeting
focused on the best ways to implement the 94 recommendations
found in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report.
Senator Gordon had been asked
to read the closing prayer for the
meeting. Afterward, Trudeau approached her and thanked her for
the prayer and posed for a picture.
“I thought how proud his father
would be,” Senator Gordon shared
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) and PCMNO Executive
Senator Reta Gordon (right).
in an interview. “I felt that finally,
good things will happen for Indigenous people…I remember the
past and now I look forward to the
future.”
In their picture, Trudeau and
Senator Gordon both wore beaded
garments. The beading on Senator Gordon’s jacket was done by
PCMNO Youth Representative
Mitch Case.
Participants of the MNO Kenora Métis Council Governance and Training session. From left: Karen
Cederwall, Jordan Benoit, Martin Camire, Liz Boucha, Nina Henley, Joel Henley and Sandy Triskle.
MNO Kenora Métis Council Training
submitted by
Glen Lipinski
MNO Community Relations
Coordinator
T
he Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Kenora Métis Council
participated in the two-day
Governance and Finance Training
session in Kenora from January 16
to 17.
The training was facilitated by
Glen Lipinski and Beth Honsberger, MNO Community Relations
Coordinators.
The two-day training focused on
governance and began with Métis
101. Additional topics covered included visioning, challenges, opportunities and planning for councils. Lipinski also concentrated on
Finance and the New Relationship
Fund. They delivered sessions focusing on policies, procedures, aspects of budgeting and general
reporting.
In attendance from the MNO
Kenora Métis Council were Karen
Cederwall, Jordan Benoit, Martin
Camire, Liz Boucha, Nina Henley,
Joel Henley and Sandy Triskle.
MNO council unveils new logo
submitted by
Jerry Clarke
MNO Clear Waters Métis
Council President
T
Pictures of Louis Riel Day celebrations with the MNO GRMC.
Top Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie (left) and MNO GRMC
President Jennifer Parkinson (right). Centre: MNO GRMC
President Jennifer Parkinson (left) raises the Métis flag with
Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig (right). Bottom: Grade 7 and 8
students in Kitchener learn about Louis Riel.
he MNO Clear Waters Métis
Council was pleased to have
Tobias Clarke unveil the new brand
mark at their annual Christmas
Feast in Hamilton on Saturday
December 5.
With the council’s name change
from the MNO Hamilton-Wentworth Métis Council to the MNO
Clear Waters Métis Council, it was
evident that a new logo was needed.
Therefore, the council decided to
entertain a distinct new look.
Tobias was instrumental
in the design of the council logo and worked in
cooperation with all
of the council for its
completion. The inspiration of the council’s ancestors was the
instrumental force
that brought forth
vivid color, heritage and
culture in the new council’s visual identity.
The logo was well received
by many of the MNO citizens
that attended the feast and received
praise by many others on the MNO
Clear Waters Métis Council’s Facebook page.
Chi-Miigwech, merci, thank
you.
22
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
A drum before having its rawhide laces threaded through.
MNO citizens attend drummaking workshop in Toronto
submitted by
Jocelyn Couture
MNO Citizen
O
n December 6, 2015, the Métis
Nation of Ontario (MNO)
Toronto and York Métis Council
(TYRMC) held their annual business
meeting and offered MNO citizens
and friends a drum-making workshop
following the meeting.
The drum-making workshop featured First Nations instructor Steve
Teekens. Situated at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, the
workshop focused on making the
drums as well as the importance of
drums and drumming in Aboriginal
culture.
For the workshop, participants
used the following materials and tools:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rawhide (they used
white-tail deer), soaked
overnight
Rawhide laces, soaked
overnight
A circular wooden frame
A leather hole punch
A “can-do” attitude
Participants quickly learned that
making a drum was not for the
faint of heart. Teekens explained
how each individual wooden frame
is handmade by assembling blocks
of identically shaped white pine to
form the sturdy circular frame and
carefully sanded down by hand to
ensure the soaked rawhide can be
stretched across without tearing.
Next, the pre-cut and pre-punched
rawhide piece is stretched over the
frame.
Luckily for participants, the
frames and rawhide had already been prepared by Teekens
beforehand.
Next came the tricky part of sewing the fettucini-like rawhide laces
through the pre-made holes to secure the drum cover to the frame.
Attention to detail is crucial at this
point as it’s easy to get the laces
mixed up.
The last step was to create the
drum’s handle on the back. Teekens made certain that any mistakes were corrected and everyone
was able to bring home their very
own beautiful and functional hand
drum, complete with a drumstick,
to ensure maximum merry-making.
Just in time to bring a musical addition home for the holidays!
From left: Shawn Sadler, General Manager of the Elk Lake
Eco Centre; Tina Nichol, Secretary-Treasurer of the MNO
Temiskaming Métis Council; and Liliane Ethier, President of the
MNO Temiskaming Métis Council.
MNO citizen
launches Métis
clothing line
submitted by
Liliane Ethier
MNO Temiskaming Métis
Council President
M
étis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) citizen Liliane Ethier,
owner of Natural Thredz Designs,
launched her new clothing
venture during the Second Annual
Temiskaming Village Noël held on
November 26-27.
Ethier received funding through
MNO training initiatives and has
been successfully managing her
new venture since November
2015.
Throughout the event, Natural
Thredz Designs featured unique
and authentic Métis clothing. Ethier’s business produces handmade
clothing, including Métis leather
garments, historical costumes, oneof-a-kind designs and apparel.
MNO communities
meet with KGHM
to learn about the
Victoria Mine
by
MNO Staff
O
Top - Robert Nowak, Deputy Project Manager (left); Berni Picco, Women’s
Representative of the MNO Sudbury Métis Council (centre); Mark Frayne, Project
Support Risk Manager and Project Services (right). Bottom - President of the MNO
North Bay Métis Council (left); Richard Sarrazin, President of the MNO Sudbury Métis
Council (centre); Len Huper, Councillor of the MNO Sudbury Métis Council (right).
n October 22, 2015, the Métis Nation
of Ontario (MNO) hosted a community
information session for MNO citizens about
the KGHM Victoria Mine Project in Sudbury,
Ontario. The community information
session provided the opportunity for the
Region 5 communities to learn more about
the KGHM – Victoria Mine project and to
ask questions about the project.
During the evening, Mark Frayne, Project
Support, Risk Manager and Project Services
with KGHM, and Robert Nowak, Deputy
Project Manager from KGHM, delivered a
presentation and answered questions about
the Victoria Mine project.
After dinner, the MNO Lands, Resources
and Consultation (LRC) staff facilitated a di-
alogue with the Region 5 communities, allowing citizens to ask additional questions
about the project as well as a chance to share
their comments and concerns about the
Victoria Mine project and how it may affect
their Métis rights and way of life.
Currently in advanced exploration, the
Victoria Mine is located approximately
40 kilometers west of Sudbury in Denison Township. The project is estimated to
contain 10.3 million tonnes of minable ore
with an expected mine life of 10 years. If the
project obtains all regulatory approvals and
is determined to be feasible, KGHM anticipates that the Victoria Mine will commence
production sometime in 2022 and will employ approximately 200 people.
The event was funded through a Memorandum of Understanding executed between the MNO and KGHM on April 29,
2015.
For any questions about the KGHM – Victoria Mine project, please contact
the responsible MNO Consultation Coordinator via email at:
[email protected]
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
23
ACHIEVEMENTS
Métis author publishes new collection
of short stories
by
MNO Staff
M
étis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) citizen Cherie
Dimaline recently
released her latest
collection of stories through
Kegedonce Press. Dimaline is an
author and editor born within the
Georgian Bay Métis community.
Her new novel, A Gentle Habit,
contains six stories focusing on a
diverse group of characters, addiction, and attempting normalcy in
an unnatural world.
Dimaline’s first book, Red Rooms,
won Fiction Book of the Year from
the Anskohk Aboriginal Book
Awards. Her novel The Girl Who
Grew a Galaxy was shortlisted for
the 2014 Burt Award.
She has edited numerous publications, including Spirt, FNH and
Muskrat magazines. Her fiction has
been anthologized internationally
and she was named the first Writer
in Residence – Aboriginal Literature
for the Toronto Public Library.
A Gentle Habit can be purchased
on the Kegedonce Press website,
on AllLitUp.ca or by ordering it
through local bookstores.
A Gentle
Habit by
Cherie
Dimaline.
MNO citizen, author and
editor Cherie Dimaline.
MNO citizen living her
dream on Parliament Hill
submitted by
Bryanna Scott
MNO Thunder Bay Métis
Council President
D
MNO citizen Darby Starratt in the House of Commons.
arby Starratt, Secretary for
the Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) Thunder Bay Métis Council,
recently accepted a position in
Ottawa working for newly elected
Thunder Bay-Rainy River Member
of Parliament (MP) Don Rusnak.
Starratt was born and raised in
Hudson and left northwestern Ontario to pursue her studies at Carleton University, where she obtained an Honours Bachelor of
Arts degree. After graduating, she
enrolled at Lakehead University
in Thunder Bay, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education
degree.
As a teacher, Starratt worked for
a number of years within Aboriginal
communities, teaching at various
First Nations schools in northwestern Ontario. When she accepted a
position as Aboriginal Student Navigator at Confederation College, she
became actively involved with the
MNO Thunder Bay Métis Council.
During the recent federal election, Starratt volunteered on Don
Rusnak’s campaign. Afterward, Rusnak offered her the position of his
Executive Assistant in Ottawa. The
MNO Thunder Bay Métis Council
is very proud and wishes her all the
best in her new position!
Métis singer
Leah Belle
MNO Citizen Paul Montsion
MNO citizen
Young MNO citizen rising receives Honours
Law degree
towards stardom
submitted by
Richard Gravelle
MNO Citizen
M
étis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
citizen Leah Gravelle won first
place in the 12 and under category
in the Café Music Festival held in
Azilda on September 18 to 20.
In March 2015, Leah, whose stage
name is Leah Belle, and many other
performers auditioned to compete
in the festival. She and nine other
finalists were selected and went on
to the final round at the September festival. The young Métis singer
won $500 thanks to her talent.
Leah has already won several
prestigious awards, including first
place in the 2014 N’Swakamok Aboriginal Idol competition, and taken
part in festivals, such as the 2015
annual Concert for a Cure, a cancer awareness event sponsored by
the Six Nations Community Youth
Organization.
She will be releasing an album in
2016, sponsored by award-winning
Aboriginal artist Jace Martin.
submitted by
Linda Montsion
MNO Citizen
M
étis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen Garry Montsion and his wife
Linda wish to share their pride and announce the graduation of
their son, MNO citizen Paul Montsion.
Paul graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts in
Honours Law with a concentration in Business Law. He also holds a Master of Arts, Legal Studies degree.
Congratulations, Paul!
24
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
FAMILY & MILESTONES
Staff Sergeant Paul Gilpin of the London Police Service.
From left: Adam Dunk, MNO citizen Marya Dunk and their son, William (Liam)
Floyd Dunk.
MNO citizen successfully
balances motherhood
and education
submitted by
Bill Morrison
MNO Credit River Métis Council Senator
F
or Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
citizen Marya Dunk, 2015 was a very
exciting year!
Marya and her husband Adam welcomed
the arrival of their firstborn, William (Liam)
Floyd Dunk on April 18, 2015. With the
birth of her son, Marya went on maternity
leave, taking time away from her clinic,
Basic Motion Therapy, in Guelph.
While on maternity leave, Marya balanced
her time with her growing baby with the
task of completing her thesis in osteopathy,
titled “Native American Influences On Andrew
Taylor Still’s Views of Life, Death and Osteopathy”. Marya successfully completed her thesis and graduated from the Canadian College of Osteopathy in November.
Congratulations to the growing family!
MNO citizen retires after
30-year career in law
enforcement
by
MNO Staff
A
fter 30 years with the London Police
Service, Métis Nation of Ontario
(MNO) citizen Paul Gilpin is easing into a
well-earned retirement. Gilpin started with
the London Police Force back in 1986 after
graduating with a degree from the University
of Guelph. He retires with the rank of Staff
Sergeant.
Over the course of his career, Gilpin has
worked in many different areas of the law
enforcement, ranging from Patrol Operations, Recruiting and Training, the Criminal Investigation Division as a detective with
the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section
and Community Services. He also worked
Obituaries
Jessie Couture
J
essie Annabell Couture (née Garvie)
passed away peacefully at the Grey
Bruce Regional Health Services in Owen
Sound on Tuesday, January 12. She was 98.
Jessie was the beloved wife of the late
Rudy Couture. Loving mother of Leora
(Keith) Wilson and Rudy (Jean) Couture
and the late Bob Couture and Marilyn
Couture. Cherished grandmother to 16
as a Patrol Sergeant followed by Patrol Staff
Sergeant and finally completing his tenure
as Staff Sergeant in charge of the Court and
Offenders section at the London Middlesex
Court House.
A proud Métis, Gilpin often taught the
younger officers about the rich culture and
history of the Métis.
Gilpin enjoyed his career and feels fortunate that he worked in so many areas of law
enforcement. His two daughters, Erynne and
Emilee, are very excited to have their dad at
home, safe and sound and working in the
garden.
He looks forward to spending more time
with his wife Michelle and riding on his
motorcycle.
Congratulations, Paul!
grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and
12 great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased
by her parents, Arthur and Jennie Garvie
(née Wrigley), her sister Muriel Gray and
her brothers Harry, William and Robert.
She will be fondly remembered by her
daughter-in-law Sharon Couture, her
nieces and nephews as well as many other
relatives and dear friends.
As an expression of sympathy,
donations to the Residential Hospice Grey
Bruce or the charity of your choice would
be appreciated by the family.
grandchildren. He is survived by his
siblings Shirley Grisdale (late Phillip),
Betty Buchanan (late Buck), William
(Eileen), Donelda Errington (late Vinny)
and Marie and brother-in-law of Eddy
Kukkola (Mert); and numerous nieces and
nephews.
He is predeceased by his father Octave
and mother Edith, his son Timothy Belisle
(Karen), his mother-in-law Hanna Kukkola
and his brother Wilfred (Eunice).
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society
or the Canadian Cancer Society would be
gratefully accepted.
– Submitted by Pauline Richardson,
PCMNO Regional Councillor
Octave Belisle
O
ctave Belisle, former Senator for the
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
North Channel Métis Council, passed
away on January 5 at the Thessalon
Hospital. He was 85.
Loving father of Darlene Clavet
(Keenan), Daniel Belisle (Marylou),
Christian Belisle (Patty) and Lori Witty
(Cliff), he will be fondly remembered
by several grandchildren and great-
– Submitted by Yvonne Jensen, MNO North
Channel Métis Council President
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
25
Building the MNO Team
The MNO is excited to welcome four new staff members and congratulations a fifth staff member who has taken on a new role.
MNO Healing and Wellness
MNO Registry
MNO Education and Training
Manager of Health and Addictions, Ottawa
Administrative Assistant, Ottawa
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is pleased to welcome Wendy Stewart to the Ottawa office. Wendy is joining the MNO in the position of Manager of Health and Addictions with the MNO Healing and Wellness Branch.
Wendy has her Masters in Social Work and has been working in the field
of mental health and addictions for over 17 years in various capacities: community and hospital clinician, hospital and correctional administration, advocacy and teaching.
She has extensive experience in program design and has been part of several quality mental
health and addiction initiatives during her career to date, including developing tele-psychiatry
clinics.
She is delighted to be here and is looking forward to working with and learning from staff,
citizens and partners of the MNO.
Region 8 Employment Developer,
Toronto
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is
pleased to welcome
Callie Weaver to
the Ottawa office.
Callie is joining the
MNO in the position
of Administrative
Assistant with the
MNO Registry.
Callie is a highly motivated individual, dedicated to bridging cultural, social, and economic divides to strengthen
communities. Her passion for social
equality led her to obtain an Honours
Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies
from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Her area of interest focused on Conflict and Identity Politics.
Callie has work and volunteer experience with community outreach programs, political campaigning, and civil
rights and social action organizations.
She is thrilled to be a part of the MNO
team and is looking forward to assisting
applicants and citizens within the Métis
Nation.
The Métis Nation of
Ontario (MNO) is
pleased to announce
that Devon Martin,
who held the position
of Consultation Intake
Clerk in the Lands,
Resources and Consultation (LRC) Branch, has moved to the
Education and Training Branch where he
now holds the position of Employment
Developer for Region 8. Devon continues to work out of the MNO office in
Toronto.
Working with various directors and
citizens, Devon’s organizational skills,
attention to detail and accuracy have
proven to be assets. Within his new position, Devon will be working closely
with clients and employers throughout
Region 8 to find and secure employment, and develop and strengthen relationships in the Greater Toronto and
surrounding areas.
Wendy Stewart
Callie Weaver
Submitted by Wenda Watteyne, Director of Healing and Wellness
MNO Healing and Wellness
Cody Carmody
Policy Analyst/Project Coordinator, Ottawa
Born and raised in Fort Frances, Ontario, Cody Carmody is an MNO
citizen who moved to Ottawa to study at the University of Ottawa, where
he received an Honours Bachelor of Social Science Degree with Majors in
Political Science and Psychology.
He has experience working in government affairs, public relations,
and the natural nutritional supplement industry, and is eager to apply his
knowledge and experience towards improving the well-being of current
and future generations.
Submitted by Wenda Watteyne,
Director of Healing and Wellness
Devon Martin
Submitted by Jennifer St. Germain,
Director of Education and Training
Submitted by Wenda Watteyne, Director of Healing and Wellness
MNO Lands, Resources & Consultations
Russell Ott
Intake Clerk and Office Receptionist,
Toronto
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is pleased to
welcome Russell Ott to
the Toronto office. Russell
is joining the MNO in the
position Consultation In-
Letter to
the editor:
This letter represents the opinions of
the writer only and does not necessarily
reflect the views of the Métis Nation of
Ontario.
T
here has been a lot of talk these
past months about the Syrian
refugees and the plan to take 25,000
here in Canada. It is amazing how
many people are disagreeing with
our Prime Minister Trudeau?
These people had to flee their
country and leave all their possessions behind not only to save their
lives but for their children. Any parent would do anything to save and
protect their children.
We as Métis understand this more
than most. There was a time when nobody wanted us.
Canada is truly the greatest country in the world and we as Canadians are known for being big
hearted, kind, and a friendly nation.
Let us now open our arms, homes
and hearts for these less fortunate
people. The creator did make us
all equal so let us make this happen and pray for these people to
find some peace and happiness.
– Senator Larry Duval
MNO Moon River Metis Council.
take Clerk and Toronto office Receptionist.
Russell has an Honours Bachelor of Arts
in Environmental Geography from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor
of Arts in Visual Arts (Studio and Art History) from Brock University. From 2010 to
2014, Russell was a Committee Member
with the Heritage Guelph Advisory Committee of the City of Guelph and previously served as Co-Chair of the Grassroots
Guelph Executive Committee from 2012 to
2014.
From 2011 to 2012, Russell was a Curling Club Committee member with the
Guelph Country Club and worked as an
Administrative Assistant and in Sign Production for Loblaws in 2009. He also has
experience working as a line cook, a shop
labourer, a resource centre instructor,
housekeeper and houseman, customer services roles and as a teaching assistant.
Submitted by Aly N. Alibhai, Director of Lands,
Resources and Consultations
Welcome to
the team Cody,
Wendy, Callie,
Devon and
Russell!
Recently moved or moving soon?
To stay in touch with its citizens, the Métis
Nation of Ontario depends on its Registry
mailing list. This list is used to send citizens
important notices as well as each issue of the
Métis Voyageur.
If we don’t have your current address then this
important information will not reach you.
If you are moving or have moved, please don’t
forget to change your address with the Registry
so that you will continue to receive MNO notices
and the Métis Voyageur.
To get your address updated please either call
1-855-798-1006 ext. 2
or send an e-mail to:
[email protected]
26
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
ACROSS THE HOMELAND
We call those lands the Métis Homelands. The Homelands stretch from the lakes and rivers of Ontario; cross the wide prairies,
traverse the mountains into British Columbia and into the northern reaches of the Northwest Territories. They include the hills
and valleys of the north-central American States.” — from the Métis Nation of Ontario Statement of Prime Purpose
PHOTO:
SFU News
PHOTO:
Simon Fraser University Graduate
Aboriginal Entrance Scholarship
recipient Monique Auger.
Alberta
n December 22, Simon Fraser University announced that Monique Auger, a
Métis woman from Vancouver Island, was one
of the two recipients of the 2015 Graduate
Aboriginal Entrance Scholarship.
Divided into two categories, the scholarship provides funds towards Aboriginal graduate students who are pursuing a master’s degree and a PhD.
“There is a problem with mental health
in the Métis community,” Auger said. “The
epidemiological data show that Métis people
suffer from mental health disparities such as
depression and anxiety disorders. But there’s
not a lot of contextual information as to why
this is the case. That’s a gap I would like to
address.”
Currently a consultant with Reciprocal
Consulting, Auger holds a BA in First Nations
Studies from the University of Northern B.C.
and plans to use the scholarship to pursue a
master’s degree of science in the Faculty of
Health Sciences.
Source: SFU News
PHOTO:
The northern lights above Willow
Lake, Alberta.
British Columbia
O
Stan Novotny Photography
M
étis entrepreneur Ron Sturgess Sr. and
his partner Jordan Hoppie recently
launched Adventure Borealis, a tourism enterprise inspired by the northern lights near
Fort McMurray.
The company is situated in the heart of
oilsands country but instead of focusing on
what’s below the surface, tourists are encouraged to turn their gazes skyward.
“We have some specular views of the
northern lights,” Sturgess stated in an interview with CBC News.
“People just think it’s devastated by the
oilsands and when I take you out 15 minutes
east up the river, you lose cellphone coverage
and you wouldn’t know you’re anywhere near
the oilsands developments and you’re out in
the bush.”
Guests are given more than just a view.
They can look forward to traditional Aboriginal meals and invigorating experiences such
as snowshoeing, ice fishing and trapping
around Willow Lake.
PHOTO:
Gabriel Dumont Institute
Art from the children’s book Road
Allowance Kitten by Wilfred Burton
Métis youth Brayden Anderson, 13,
accompanies the Grey Cup in a Red
River Cart.
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
S
askatoon author Wilfred Burton found inspiration from the stories of Métis elders
when he wrote Road Allowance Kitten, a children’s book about a dark time in Métis history.
After the North West Rebellion of 1885,
the Métis people were forced from their
homes to live on Crown land, leading to them
being called the Road Allowance People.
While speaking with Métis elders, Burton often found that many of their stories included a kitten.
“Maybe that’s how children can access the
story is through an animal, because children
like animals,” Burton shared in an interview
with CBC News.
Road Allowance Kitten is based on a true
story and gives readers a glimpse of the past
through the eyes of the children involved in
the story.
O
n November 25, the Grey Cup, the official trophy of the Canadian Football
League (CFL), was brought to Winnipeg for
the championship game between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Ottawa Redblacks. The
trophy travelled from Upper Fort Garry all
the way to the legislative building in a traditional Red River Cart.
The Red River Cart had an entourage
of both Métis and First Nations escorts as
it travelled through Winnipeg towards its
destination.
“[The procession] represents the historic
journey between two important places and
two important periods of the province,” the
Manitoba Métis Federation shared in a news
release. Historic Métis leader Louis Riel’s provisional government sat in Upper Fort Garry
while the Legislature houses the current
government.
The Eskimos defeated the Redblacks with
a score of 26-20.
Source: CBC News-Saskatoon
Source: CBC News – Edmonton
Sources: CBC News – Manitoba
The financer of Choice for
Métis
Entrepreneurs in Ontario
Financing up to
$ 1,000,000
for resources and
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mvdf.ca
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1-855-798-0133
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
27
POLLING STATIONS & MAIL-IN BALLOTS
Métis Nation of Ontario Election 2016
REGION 1
FORT FRANCES POLL STATION
Sunset Country Métis Council
426 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Barwick
Emo
Fort Frances
Pinewood
Rainy River
Sleeman
THUNDER BAY POLL STATION
Thunder Bay Métis Council
226 May Street South, Thunder Bay,
Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
Kakabeka Falls
Murillo
Nolalu
South Gillies
Northwest Métis Nation of Ontario
Council
34B King Street, Dryden, Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
• Vermillion Bay
• Minnitaki
• Oxdrift
• Dinorwic
REGION 2
•
•
•
•
DRYDEN POLL STATION
•
•
•
•
Rosslyn Village
Neebing
Shuniah
Thunder Bay
REGION 4
SAULT STE. MARIE POLL STATION
Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council
26 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie,
Ontario
• Wabigoon
• Dryden
• Waldhof
MAIL IN BALLOTS
Greenstone Métis Council
Superior North Shore Métis Council
Armstrong, Gorham, Rossport, Nipigon,
Dorion, Red Rock, Shebandowan,
Kaministquia, Gull Bay, Pickle Lake, Red
Rock, Savant Lake, Upsala
REGION 5
NORTH BAY POLL STATION
North Bay Métis Council
101 Worthington St. East, Unit 243,
North Bay, Ontario
May 2, 2016
KENORA POLL STATION
Kenora Métis Community Council
Unit 4 - 621 Lakeview Drive, Kenora, Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
• Kejick
• Clearwater Bay
• Sioux Narrows
• Keewatin
• Redditt
3
TIMMINS POLL STATION
Timmins Métis Council
347 Spruce Street South, Timmins,
Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
• Porcupine
SUDBURY POLL STATION
Sudbury Métis Council
260 Alder Street - Upstairs, Sudbury,
Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
• Echo Bay
• Garden River
• Thorne
• Eldee
• Tilden Lake
• Sturgeon Falls
• Callander
• Nipissing
• Restoule
• Commanda
• Trout Creek
• Powassan
• Astorville
• Azilda
• Cartier
• Lively
• Sudbury
• Hagar
• Garson
• Wahanapitae
• Val Caron
• Chelmsford
• Capreol
• Coniston
• Sault Ste. Marie
MAIL IN BALLOTS
North Channel Métis Council
Batchewana Bay, Dubreuilville, Goulias
River, Hawk Junction, Hornepayne,
Massey, Searchmont, Serpent River,
Spanish, Walford, Wawa, White River,
Thessalon, Montreal River Harbour,
Prince Township, Aweres Township
REGION 6
OTTAWA POLL STATION
500 Old St. Patrick Street, Unit D,
Ottawa, Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kanata
Stitsville
Richmond
Manotick
Metcalfe
Greely
Gloucester
Carlsbad Springs
Casselman
Navan
Orleans
Crysler
Dunrobin
Embrun
Limoges
Nepean
Rockland
Russell
Vanier
Winchester
Ottawa
Cumberland
•
•
•
•
•
•
Carp
Kars
Osgoode
Vars
Winchester
Clarence Creek
• Corbeil
• Redbridge
• Field
• South River
• North Bay
• Cache Bay
• Chisholm
• East Ferris
MAIL IN BALLOTS
High Land Waters Métis Council
Ashton, Petawawa, Westmeath, Belleville,
Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, Carleton
Place, Cornwall, Brockville, Clayton, Lefaivre,
Wendover, Woodlawn, Almonte, Balderson,
Chesterville, Clayton, Fitzroy, Harbour,
Kemptville, Kinburn, Lanark, Long Sault,
Merrickville, Oxford Station, Pendleton,
Prescott, St. Albert, Alexandria, Bancroft,
Barry’s Bay, Beachburg, Bloomfield, Brockville,
Cardiff, Cloyne, Cornwall, Denbigh,
Douglas, Eganville, Gananoque, Golden
Lake, Haley Station, Hawkesbury, Highland
Grove, Ingleside, Kilalloe, Lake St. Peter,
L’Amable, Long Sault, Lyndhurst, Madawaska,
Mallorytown, Maple Leaf, Martintown,
Maxville, Maynooth, McArthurs Mills, Moose
Creek, Morrisburg, Mountain, North Gower,
Norwood, Oxford Mills, Palmer Rapids,
Pembroke, Plantagenet, Plevna, Prescott,
Renfrew, Round Lake, Spencerville, St. Isadore,
Trenton, Westmeath, Whitney, Williamstown,
Wilno, Yarker, Maynooth
Atikokan and Area Métis Council
Balmertown, Cochenour, Ear Falls, Red
Lake, Devlin, Morson, Nestor Falls,
Stratton, Eagle River, Ignace, Sioux
Lookout, Madsen, Hudson
• Longbow Lake
• Kenora
REGION
• Timmins
• Schumacher
• Gold Centre
• South Porcupine
MAIL IN BALLOTS
• Copper Cliff
• Hammer
• Val Therese
• Falconbridge
• Blezard Valley
• Dowling
• Levack
• Naughton
• Skead
• Whitefish
MAIL IN BALLOTS
Chapleau Métis Council
Temiskaming Métis Council
Northern Lights Métis Council
Chaput Hughes, Matheson, Mattice,
Monteith, Moose Factory, Moosonee,
Ramore, Hallebourg, West Tree, Shining
Tree, Connaught, Val Gagné, Hearst,
Jogues, Val Cote
MAIL IN BALLOTS
Mattawa Métis Council
Alban, Killarney, Markstay, McKerrow,
Monetville, Noelville, Onaping, River
Valley, St. Charles, Verner, Warren,
Webbwood, Worthington, Crystal Falls,
Birch Island, Britt, Burk’s Falls, Byng Inlet,
Dunchurch, Emsdale, Espanola, Gore
Bay, Kearney, Lavigne, Little Current,
Manitowaning, Mindemoya, Nairn Centre,
Sheguiandah, South Baymouth, Spring
Bay, Sunridge, Tehkummah, Worthington,
Thorne
REGION 7
MIDLAND POLL STATION
Georgian Bay Métis Council
355 Cranston Crescent (off of King
Street), Midland, Ontario
MNO Citizens residing in the communities listed below shall cast their ballots at
the polling station identified above.
• Honey Harbour
• Cedar Point
• Port Severn
• Penetanguishene
• Victoria Harbour
• Waubaushene
• Midland
• Perkinsfield
• Wyebridge
• Coldwater
• Vasey
• Moonstone
• Elmvale
• Hilsdale
• Balm Beach
• Port McNicoll
• Tiny
• Wyevale
• Midhurst
• Minesing
• Oro-Mendonte
• Phelpston
• Severn
• Wasaga Beach
MAIL IN BALLOTS
Moon River Métis Council,
Peterborough & District Wapiti Métis
Council, Great Lakes Métis Council
Stayner, Alliston, Barrie, Bradford,
Egbert, Hawkstone, Innisfil, Lisle, New
Lowell, Orillia, Stroud, Angus, Beeton,
Borden, Cumberland Beach, Everett,
Glencairn, Leaskdale, Longford Mills,
New Lowell, Queensville, Ramara,
Schomberg, Thornton, Tottenham,
Utopia, Cookstown, Loretto
REGION 8
MAIL IN BALLOTS
Credit River Métis Council
Toronto & York Region Métis Council
Oshawa & Durham Region Métis Council
REGION 9
MAIL IN BALLOTS
Niagara Region Métis Council. Clear Waters Métis Council, Windsor/Essex Métis Council, Grand River Métis Council
NOTE: all mail ballots must be returned to the chief electoral officer and postmarked no later than May 2nd 2016.
28
Métis Voyageur
February 2016, Issue no. 89
ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO
ELECTION NOTICE 2016
Hours of Polling:
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST (Region One)
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST (Regions Two-Nine)
Advance Poll:
April 23, 2016
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
DATE OF ELECTION:
MAY 2, 2016
POSITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR NOMINATIONS
(in each relevant time zone)
Polling Stations:
Locations to be posted by April 1, 2016
Nominations Close:
April 1, 2016 5:00PM ET
All candidates must submit a written acceptance of the
Nomination and a statement that the candidate has read the
MNO Electoral Code and MNO Bylaws and is eligible to be
nominated as a candidate in the MNO election (see Article 6 of
the Electoral Code).
POSITIONS FOR ELECTION TO THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO (PCMNO)
EXECUTIVE POSITIONS (PCMNO)
OTHER PCMNO POSITIONS:
•
•
•
•
• 9 Regional Councillors
President
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary-Treasurer
∞ Candidates require a minimum of seven
signatures of electors in seven of the nine
regions
∞ $200.00 non-refundable deposit (Certified
cheque or money order only. Make payable
to The Métis Nation of Ontario)
MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO YOUTH COUNCIL (MNOYC):
• Regional Youth
Representative *
* Must include a statement that the
candidate on the date of election
will be between the ages of 16
and 25 years of age.
∞ Candidates must be between the ages of 16
and 25 years on date of election
∞ Candidates require a minimum of four
signatures of electors who are over the age
of 16 but under 30 years of age as of the
date of the election. Signatures must be from
electors who reside in the region from which
the candidate is nominated.
MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO VETERANS’ COUNCIL (MNOVC)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
President
Chair
Senator for Veterans
Secretary
Treasurer
Women’s Representative
Sergeant-at-Arms
∞ $200.00 non-refundable deposit (Certified
cheque or money order only. Make payable
to The Métis Nation of Ontario)
• Post-Secondary
Representative
(PCMNO)**
** Must include a statement that
the candidate intends to be a
student at a post-secondary
institution in Ontario for at least
2/3 of the term of office.
• Youth Representative
(PCMNO) *
∞ Candidates require a minimum of four
signatures of electors who are veterans
∞ A signed Veteran’s Affirmation (statement
that the candidate is a veteran)
NOMINATIONS:
NOMINATION FORMS:
Will be accepted by the Chief
Electoral Officer up to end of the
nominations closing date of
April 1, 2016, either in person,
by mail, email or facsimile.
Deposits, where required, must be
received by end of closing date. If
nomination forms are submitted
by facsimile or email, the original
forms must be received by mail
or in person before the posting of
candidates April 11, 2016.
Made available through the MNO
website: www.metisnation.org/
governance/2016-election or by
email from the Chief Electoral
Officer.
REMINDER:
All MNO electors should ensure
that the MNO Registry has their
current addresses.
* Must include a statement that
the candidate on the date of
election will be between the
ages of 16 and 25 years of age.
∞ Candidates require a minimum of four
signatures of electors from each of the nine
regions
∞ Any registered voter can nominate PostSecondary Representative
∞ Candidates must be between the ages of 16
and 25 years on date of election
∞ Candidates require a minimum of four
signatures of electors who are over the age of
16 but under 30 years of age as of the date of
the election, from seven of the nine regions.
POSTING OF
CANDIDATES:
PRELIMINARY
ELECTORS’ LISTS:
April 11, 2016.
February 15, 2016 - made
available at all MNO Council
Offices.
Upon completing a review of all
filed nominations to ensure they
meet the necessary requirements,
the MNO Chief Electoral Officer
will issue an official candidates’
listing. The listing will also be
posted on the website.
For further information or for a copy
of the MNO Electoral Code
please contact:
Paul DeVillers
Chief Electoral Officer
John Graham
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer
∞ Candidates require a minimum of 21
signatures of electors from within their
respective region
Upon provision of evidence
satisfactory to the Chief Electoral
Officer of legitimate errors and
omissions, names can be added
or removed from the list at any
time on or before March 9, 2016.
Métis Nation of Ontario
500 Old St. Patrick Street, Unit D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 9G4
Tel: 613-295-3346
Fax: 613-722-4225
Email: [email protected]
FINAL ELECTORS’ LISTS:
March 10, 2016 - posted in
Council Offices.
MNO ELECTORAL CODE:
The procedures and rules governing
these elections are contained
in the Métis Nation of Ontario
Electoral Code: Part A, and
will be available through MNO
Community Councils and on the
MNO website