(left to right) Robert Pellerin (President of the Ottawa Métis
Council), Gary Lipinski (President of the Métis Nation of
Ontario), Tom Thompson Jr. (President of Seven Rivers
Métis Council) and JoAnne Wass (Region 6 Councillor)October 18, 2010 – Ottawa, ON – The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) signed the seventh of its Regional Consultation Protocols. The Protocol was signed between the MNO and the Ottawa Regional and Seven Rivers Métis Councils to help ensure Métis in the region are effectively engaged and consulted.
Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) joined Robert Pellerin, President of the Ottawa Métis Council, Tom Thompson Junior, President of the Seven Rivers Métis Council and JoAnne Wass, Region Six Councillor on the Provisional Council of the MNO at the signing ceremony in Ottawa, the evening of October 18. The event formalized the traditional working relationship that exists among the Métis in the region.
“The signing of this Protocol is an important part of the MNO’s Consultation Framework, which was developed based on province-wide consultations on the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate back in 2008,” President Lipinski said. “It demonstrates the commitment of Ontario Métis to work together to ensure all citizens have input when projects related to land use planning, energy, mining and forestry on Métis traditional lands are proposed,” he added.
The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage who played an instrumental role in shaping Canada, and who work tirelessly to share their culture, traditions and knowledge of the environment with fellow Canadians.
Contact:
Hank Rowlinson
Manger of Community Relations
Métis Nation of Ontario
1-613-263-4889