Ginny Gonneau

I was born in Thunder Bay but I grew up in Barrie for most of my life. I am going to school at Carleton University in Ottawa. In September, I will be entering my last year. I am taking Women's Studies and History. I work part-time in between my studies at the Metis Nation of Ontario's head office downtown Ottawa. I am a Youth Projects Assistant and I really love my job. I work for Carey Calder, she is the Provincial Coordinator for the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre. I owe her a lot for everything she has taught me. In the future, I'd like to come on board as a lead coordinator for future Metis Canoe Expeditions. I was lucky enough to go on the last one and I'm really excited for this next one. Ever since the last expedition things have been really great. The experience I gained surpasses anything I've ever done and my involvement with the Metis Nation has been like an ever flowing river of opportunities ever since.

I will be acting as liaison between the Metis Nation of Ontario's head office in Ottawa and our crew on the trip, since I've been involved with working group who has been planning this expedition. When I first heard that the Metis Nation of Ontario was planning to have another expedition, I was extremely happy! Without a doubt I knew I wanted to be involved. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to participate in this experience a second time.

For the past year, I have been heavily involved in researching both my mother's and father's family histories. It means a lot to me and I like sharing the information I find with the rest of my family. I have Ontario Great Lakes Metis ancestry on both sides of my family. I am very proud to be Metis. When I get older, I want to start a family history newsletter to distribute to my relatives.