Anne-Marie Armstrong is the 2023 MNO Volunteer of the Year
Sunset Country Métis Council Secretary
Anne-Marie Armstrong has been selected as this year’s Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Volunteer of the Year!
Anne-Marie Armstrong is a longtime member of the Sunset Country Métis Council (SCMC) in the Northwest Ontario Métis Community (MNO Region One) and a past staff member of the MNO Healing and Wellness branch.
Each year, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional Individual who consistently contributes to the MNO community year-round. This award recipient is traditionally announced at the MNO Annual General Assembly, which took place in Ottawa this past August.
“The individuals nominated will have given generously of their time and effort; have been strong advocates of the Métis Nation; have a firmly established record of selfless commitment and are seen as caring, giving individuals that others look up to and admire,” commented MNO President Margaret Froh, during the award presentation ceremony.
Anne-Marie truly embodies these traits and is well recognized for her accomplishments within her community. In addition to her roles as the SCMC Secretary and dedicated volunteer, Anne-Marie is considered an elder and an educator, working tirelessly within schools to promote Métis culture and history for children. From organizing Michif classes, teaching bannock on a stick, and significantly, organizing healthy living food boxes, Anne-Marie has truly made an inspiring impact in her community, and has helped over 400 families afford healthy food for their children.
As one nominator commented, “Anne-Marie Is kind. Probably the only thing that would make her mad, would be if she knew I called her an elder; but an elder is someone with knowledge who carried themselves with kindness, that’s Anne-Marie. Everything Anne-Marie does, she does with a smile.”
Due to other commitments, Anne-Marie was unable to attend this year’s ceremony in person. The award was therefore accepted on her behalf by Brady Hupet, SCMC President.
“I know Anne-Marie would be so proud to receive this award, she’s very dedicated to her work and we love her on council we can’t give her enough credit,” says Brady. “This is a great award and a great achievement on her behalf.”
The MNO expresses its sincere congratulations and appreciation for Anne-Marie and all her contributions to the Métis community! Marsii, Anne-Marie!
Every year, the MNO Volunteer of the Year receives many outstanding candidates, each reviewed by a designated selection committee. If you know of an outstanding volunteer of your community, or have submitted on their behalf before, we encourage you to apply again!