About 30 people from the MNO Georgian Bay Métis
Council area travelled to Beausoleil Island on July 30 to
learn more about the Métis history of the island. Click here
to view a larger version of this image.
Submitted by Larry Ferris, Chair MNO Georgian Bay Métis Council
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Georgian Bay Métis Council (GBMC) teamed up with the Midland office MNO staff to organize a day trip to Beausoleil Island for about 30 Métis people.
Georgian Bay Island National Park provided a wonderful boat ride from Honey Harbour to Beausoleil Island on July 30. Parks Canada staff, some of whom are Métis, volunteered to work that day to meet our citizens. The staff was wonderful and looked after every need so that everyone had an amazing day. They provided rides for our citizens with mobility issues and made everyone feel important and welcome.
Parks Canada staff members led nature walks and explained the rich Indigenous history of the island and the area. The group also hiked to the Cemetery of the Oaks where MNO GBMC Chair Larry Ferris provided a history of the cemetery and explained its importance to Indigenous peoples.
Several MNO citizens were able find the resting place of ancestors and saw a sign written in Michif honoring their descendants.
The MNO GBMC would like to thank MNO Community Wellness Coordinator Tera-Lynn Moreau-Vivian and MNO Personal Support WorkerDebbie Ferris Giammattolla for doing a wonderful job of organizing a fun family day for everyone to visit and enjoy the island.
Posted: Sept. 10, 2018