| AGA Livestream: The 2019 MNO Annual General Assembly is almost here! If you can’t be with us in Sault Ste Marie, we encourage you to tune into the AGA livestream. The livestream link will be up throughout the AGA. AGA Livestream can be accessed by clicking here |
Every year, the citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) hold our Annual General Assembly (AGA) where we gather together to conduct the business of the MNO, to celebrate our rich history, culture and way of life, pass on traditions to younger generations and future leaders and share our stories.
As the home of the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision on Métis rights in R. v. Powley, the Sault Ste. Marie region holds a special historical significance, not just for the Métis Nation in Ontario, but for Métis across Canada. As the MNO continues to advance the Statement of Prime Purpose and longstanding mandate of rights, self-determination and self-government it is difficult to imagine the political landscape for today’s Métis without the contributions of the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community. This celebrated site is considered a “hidden gem” in Ontario, offering scenic views, vast wilderness and friendly locals eager to introduce you to the “Soo”.
The MNO will coordinate accommodations and travel for MNO citizens designated to attend, which will include: Community Council Presidents; Senators; and Youth represenatives, as well as the members of the MNO Youth Council, MNO Veterans’ Council, MNO Women’s Councils and Captians of the Hunt. Designated citizens will be contacted by the MNO directly for registration purposes.
AGA IS OPEN TO ALL CITIZENS
MNO Citizens can register for the AGA by clicking which will direct you to the Eventbrite registration form. Please fill out the information in full in order to allow the event organizers to process your registration for this event.
Registration deadline is: July 30, 2019.
The MNO AGA is open to all citizens, whether or not they have been designated by a local Community Council to attend. Citizens are encouraged to complete the online registration in advance so that we have an idea of numbers of citizens to expect for meals, meeting space, etc.
The venue for the AGA will be the Quattro Hotel, located in uptown Sault Ste. Marie, steps away from downtown attractions. For those interested in camping options, please email aga2019@metisnation.org and information on available camping sites will be emailed to you.
VOYAGEUR CANOE ARRIVAL
As has been the MNO’s tradition, prior to the start of the AGA, delegates will gather to cheer on the arrival of Voyageur canoes, which will be paddled by MNO leadership, special guests and other dignitaries. This year, the canoes arrive on Thursday, August 22 at approximately 6:30 p.m., at Bellevue Park on the north shore of the St. Mary’s River.
AGA BUSINESS MEETINGS
The AGA 2019 will begin its business agenda on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The business agenda for Saturday August 24, 2019 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 and on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m.
TRADE SHOW, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND MORE
A trade show will be held at the Quattro Hotel, starting on Friday, August 23, 2019 through to the end of the AGA on Sunday, August 25, 2019. Adult-supervised children’s activities will be available for the delegates’ children starting on Friday, August 23, 2019 through to the end of the AGA on Sunday, August 25, 2019. As well, a special “optional” excursion to Drummond Island, Michigan, USA has been planned for Monday, August 26, 2019. Citizens intending to participate in this optional event should indicate that when completing their online registration for the AGA 2019. The optional excursion will be at the cost of the citizens attending.
If you have any questions about the AGA, please email aga2019@metisnation.org
Optional Drummond Island Visit
Monday, August 26, 2019
After the AGA 2019, citizens are invited to join a visit to Bootaagani-minis – Drummond Island in Michigan, USA.
A short two-hour drive from Sault Ste. Marie, Drummond Island was home to a large Métis community, which was connected through trade, kinship, and political ties to other Métis communities in the upper Great Lakes and west to the Red River.
The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council, with the support of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), is arranging a bus tour of Drummond Island on Monday, August 26, 2019 following the AGA 2019. The tour will include a visit to Drummond Island Museum and the remains of Fort Drummond. This will be the first organized return to Drummond Island since the forced relocation of the Métis in 1828. For many of us this will be an emotional experience, returning to a place of such importance for us as a people.
**As Drummond Island is now located in the United States, all visitors will require a valid Passport to cross the border.**
Tickets for this visit will be required. Ticket sales will be handled through the MNO. Please note, that the cost of this visit will be at citizen’s own expense. The MNO will not pay per diem, accommodation costs, or offer reimbursements for any expenses.
More information will be provided at a later date for those who indicate an interest in attending when they register for the AGA 2019 online, or by request via an email to aga2019@metisnation.org
Posted: June 11, 2019