Submitted by: Andrea Jibb, MNO Credit River Métis Council Community Outreach Coordinator

Credit River Métis Council_Garden Awakening and Preparation Workshop
Members of the MNO Credit River Métis Council, family
and friends. Click here to view a larger version.

On Saturday, May 14, 2016, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Credit River Métis Council (CRMC) hosted its second annual Garden Awakening and Preparation Workshop at its community garden with the City of Brampton, where the Council currently has six plots. This annual event provides the MNO CRMC with an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of spring and gave everyone an opportunity to spend time outdoors among other MNO CRMC members, family and friends. This workshop is one of many public events hosted by the MNO CRMC with the help of a Trillium grant to promote Métis culture and way of life.

Despite the rainy forecast and high winds, a number of people came out to help clear the garden plots. To begin the day, workshop facilitator and MNO CRMC Treasurer Darlene Lent led participants in an opening prayer and tobacco offering. What made this year’s event truly special was the presence of children and youth, some as young as three years old. MNO CRMC citizens were delighted to be joined by a new youth volunteer; Connor Cozens, grandson of Ed Hass who is the former Senator of the MNO Grand River Métis Council.

Once all of the hard work was done, participants took a break to enjoy some delicious traditional food prepared by Treasurer Lent. Rababo (homemade blueberry sauce) and bannock was among the spread of scrumptious food.

Published on: June 27, 2016