The first of three ceremonial canoes during the opening of the MNO
Annual General Assembly in Kenora. Visible in the front are Acting MNO
Chair Sharon Cadeau (centre), Acting MNO President France Picotte (left),
federal Minister of Indigenous Affairs Dr. Carolyn Bennett (right) and
behind Dr. Bennett, PCMNO Region 1 Councilor Theresa Stenlund and to
Theresa’s left, MNO Kenora Métis Council President Joel Henley.
Click here for larger picture.
During the evening of Friday, August 18, an excited crowd met Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Acting President France Picotte and other MNO leaders as they landed a traditional Voyageur canoe at Anicinabe Park in Kenora. Their arrival kicked off the 24th MNO Annual General Assembly. Acting President Picotte was joined by a number of dignitaries and supporters of the MNO including federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Dr. Carolyn Bennett and provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation David Zimmer.
Over 400 MNO citizens and guests from across Ontario are expected to attend the three day meeting that will include discussions on Métis rights and self-government as well as Métis cultural events and celebrations. “The AGA is Métis self-government in action,” commented Acting President Picotte, “decisions made at the AGA make a difference in the lives of Métis across the province for generations to come.”
Kenora is one of the MNO communities in Region 1, which is represented by Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Region 1 Councilor Theresa Stenlund. “We are very pleased to welcome MNO citizens from across the province to beautiful Kenora,” commented Coucilor Stenlund, “and are looking forward to a productive and exciting AGA.”
Shortly after the arrival of the dignitaries another canoe arrived; this time containing the members of the 2017 MNO Canoe Expedition. Kenora was the final stop in their 2200 kilometre trek across Ontario that started in Ottawa on May 23. “It was a tremendous effort for our young voyageurs,” stated Acting President Picotte, “they paddled and portaged the historic fur trade routes of their Métis ancestors and made stops in communities all along the way to talk about and teach Métis culture and heritage.” The MNO Canoe Expedition members will be part of a group of over 50 Métis youth who will be participating in the AGA.
MNO citizens unable to attend the 2017 MNO Annual General Assembly will be able to view the entire AGA business sessions on-line in real time. To access the web broadcast go to the link below; please note that except during the business meeting; there will only be a static image on this site.
Posted: August 18, 2017