Rendezvous
2007
Saturday, September 29th, 2007,
10am to 2am
The Southern Georgian Bay Métis
Community is pleased to be hosting the third annual
Métis Rendezvous at its’
new location, the Lafontaine Parks and Recreation
Centre, on Saturday September 29th, 2007. The
Métis Rendezvous is a community gathering
that is held every year to celebrate the history
and culture of the Métis people that have
resided in the area for many generations since
the arrival of their ancestors in and around 1828.
The activities begin at 10:00 a.m. and the music
won’t stop until 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
This year’s event will also be celebrating
the Métis victory on June 12, 2007 in the
Ontario Court of Justice. The Court ruled that
the historic harvesting agreement entered into
by the Métis Nation of Ontario and the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is legally
binding on the Government of Ontario and that
the laying of charges by the MNR against three
Métis harvesters violated the terms of
that agreement. In light of this decision, charges
against local Métis harvesters have subsequently
been dropped.
There will also be plenty of hands-on activities
for children and adults alike. The cultural activities
and demonstrations will be taking place at scheduled
times throughout the day. Jeannette Brunelle,
one of the many Métis demonstrators, will
be providing beading sessions where participants
can purchase a beading kit at a reasonable cost
and bead along with her. Ruth Quesnelle will show
how to finger-weave a bookmark. Finger-weaving
is a Métis art that is used to make the
famous ceinture fléchée or arrow
sash that is one of the most recognizable Métis
symbols. Think you can fillet a fish fast? Put
your fish filleting skills to the test against
the LePage Fisheries team. There are many other
cultural activities including the Métis
Voyageur Games (hatchet throw, air rifle, sling
shot, etc.), Corn Husk Dolls, Skinning & Stretching
Pelts, Dressing the Game, Snowshoe Making, Gourd
Art, Michif , Traditional Tobacco and Smudging,
Quilting, and a variety of activities for children
and youth.
Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments
of choice to participate in the afternoon and
evening Jam Sessions. The Métis market
“Vendor’s Village” features
a wide array of Métis wares, including
unique hand made arts and crafts.
A Métis event can’t take place without
food. Bring your own picnic lunch or participate
in the fundraising BBQ (hamburgers, hotdogs &
sausages) from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For the fish
fry supper (at 5 p.m.), the plates are $10.00
each or 2 for $15 in advance. Plates at the door
are $10 each but you may miss out as there are
a limited number available. So get your plates
ahead to ensure you get a taste of fresh Georgian
Bay fish.
Admission to the event is free. Come out for the
day so you don’t miss out on anything!
CONTACT:
Scott Carpenter, Regional Employment & Training
Coordinator, Métis Nation of Ontario, scottc@metisnation.org,
(705) 527-1228
Unit 301, 9170 County Road 93 W
Midland, Ontario L4R 4K
Ph (705) 527-1228 Fx (705) 527-9363
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