Submitted by: Jerry Clarke, MNO Clear Waters Métis Council, President
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Clear Waters Métis Council (CWMC) had a busy year, which included a name change, several outreach meetings across the council area, workshops and events. The council also received Governance and Finance training from the MNO Community Relations staff at the beginning of February in Hamilton. A few highlights from 2014 included:
February
Participants display the Faceless Dolls they
created at the workshop.
On February 16, 2014, 18 participants took part in a moccasin workshop at the MNO Hamilton office. The workshop was organized by Tobias Clarke, MNO CWMC Women’s Representative, and included a potluck lunch, which was enjoyed by all! The MNO CWMC was pleased to have instructor Sarah Doolittle from the local First Nations reserve to lead the group in hands-on training. At the end of the workshop, participants left with a personalized pair of moccasins and a full belly! The MNO CWMC would like to thank all of those who attended the workshop and for the superb food shared at the potluck.
March
Métis youth take part in the Tilsonburg
Christmas parade.
On March 22, 2014 at the annual Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Brantford, citizens had the opportunity to gather for a vote, presentations, music and entertainment as well as a potluck. The event began with an official vote by citizens concerning the councils’ name change to the MNO Clear Waters Métis Council. The council had formally been called the MNO Hamilton-Wentworth Métis Council. Sharon McBride, PCMNO Vice-Chair, assisted in overseeing the counting of the ballots. During the AGM, Métis Veteran Lorna Burke was presented with the Louis Riel Medal and the Batoche Medal.
May
Participants unveil the quilt donated by Métis
Veteran Lorna Burke.
In May, Tobias Clarke, MNO CWMC Women’s Representative, organized a Faceless Dolls workshop and potluck at the Burford local library. The MNO CWMC was pleased with their efforts in making 68 dolls. In memory of missing and murdered Aboriginal women, the dolls were then donated to MNO citizen Starr Kennedy who brought them to the Haldimand and Norfolk Women’s Services.
November
Participants learn how to hoop dance. On November 15, 2014, the MNO CWMC created a float for the Tillsonburg Christmas Parade. The float was created with the goal of increasing awareness of Métis culture and Louis Riel. It was the first time a Métis float has been in the parade and was very well received. The float stood out with a Métis encampment, furs, drums, music, hand painted canoes and Métis citizens dressed in period regalia.
December
On December 6, 2014, the MNO CWMC organized a traditional feast at the Ministry of Agriculture/University of Guelph research centre hall in Simcoe. MNO staff provided a few of the gifts for draws as well as the meat for the occasion. Nikki Shawanna was dressed in First Nations regalia and entertained participants with Hoop Dancing. Métis Veteran Lorna Burke, donated a large quilt made with Métis colours for a future fundraising event. Participants had the opportunity to meet their MNO CWMC members and were informed about past and present council events. Participants also learned about the upcoming Rendezvous event, which is a joint effort between the MNO CWMC and the MNO Grand River Métis Council. The Rendezvous will be held in Tillsonburg on September 12, 2015.
The MNO CWMC would like to thank everyone that has helped to make this year such a success!