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Federal minister paddles into North Bay by canoe for Metis conference

One year later and a change in government, an aura of positive change at The Métis Nation of Ontario General Assembly as friends and family greet and embrace.

The Ontario Métis Nation Annual General Assembly is underway in North Bay with the opening ceremonies at Champlain Park Friday night.

Federal Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Carolyn Bennett arrived by freighter canoe on the La Vase River where it flows into Lake Nipissing. Other dignitaries included Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation David Zimmer and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.  

Hundreds of members of the Métis Nation waited on shore and then followed the flag bearers and dignitaries to the tented area. Everyone clapped with the bright fiddling playing to the procession.  

At the podium, Bennett brought a message of congratulations from Prime Minister Trudeau and the whole of parliament. Bennett said she was fond of canoeing, but had it easy, compared to the voyageurs who travelled the 8km of the historic La Vase Portages. “It’s like being in the same canoe and paddling in the same direction. It’s about collaboration and comradery of which this country was built.”

Bennett also stated it was an honour to watch the swearing-in of the new senators. Minister Bennett will be speaking at the general assembly Saturday morning at the Best Western. Afterwards, Métis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh will deliver her State of the Nation Address.

President of the North Bay Métis Council, Marc Laurin is proud to be hosting the 23rd Annual General Meeting. Laurin says about 880 people identify as Métis in the North Bay area, often speaking French and/or Michif. “About 500 people are registered for the Annual General Assembly and we are expecting more over the weekend. This is our yearly event to conduct our business."

Many of the female participants at Champlain Park were wearing what looked like a mini Métis Sash pinned to their blouses or to their Métis Sashes. The brooch type sash was designed by the Métis Nation of Ontario for a campaign featuring strength and culture to start conversations of honouring and respecting women. Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Jennifer Lord explains.

“This is an honouring sash. We are passing these brooches out at the Annual General Assembly for the wearers to be champions of change.”

The descendants of people born of relations between Indigenous women and European men make up the Métis Nation. Distinct Métis settlements were established with the fur trade.

In April, Canada's Supreme Court ruled in the Daniels case that the federal government has jurisdiction over Métis people and that members of the Métis Nation and Non-Status Indians are “Indians” as defined by the Constitution Act.

The following times will have a live webcast of the MNO Annual General Assembly on this link.                                                                                             8:15 am – 4:15 pm, Saturday, August 27, 2016
8:30 am – 12:15 pm, Sunday, August 28, 2016
8:30 am – 12:15 pm, Monday, August 29, 2016    


KA Smith

About the Author: KA Smith

Kelly Anne Smith was born in North Bay but wasn’t a resident until she was thirty. Ms.Smith attended Broadcast Journalism at Canadore College and earned a History degree at Nipissing University.
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