MNO Georgian Bay Métis Council youth group hosts Aboriginal night

By: Larry J. Ferris

GeorgianBayAboriginalNightMNO Georgian Bay youth group and Midland 1st Wye Marsh scouts take part in drumming during
Aboriginal night.

On February 5, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Georgian Bay Council youth group hosted the Midland 1st Wye Marsh Scouts for an Aboriginal night.

Previously the Midland 1st Wye Marsh scouts would receive their Aboriginal badge through contact with the First Nations but this year we were able to teach them about Métis culture.

The scouts were shown beaver and coyote pelts, as well as a stretched moose hide, traps, sashes and different animal horns. Guest speaker, Ken Frazer, also shared some enjoyable Aboriginal stories.

Meals of venison, moose, beaver and duck were served. Scout Leader Ralph Charlesbois commented later, “I can’t believe how much they ate.”

Later in the evening the Midland 1st Wye Marsh scouts joined the Métis youth in some drumming. It was a good night for all made possible by volunteers like John Bernice and Trish Pardis and Janice Ferris.

The Midland 1st Wye Marsh Scouts have since invited the MNO Georgian Bay Métis Council youth group to join them in the activities of safe knife handling and fire starting.