Submitted by: Richard Cuddy, MNO Credit River Métis Council President and Rochelle Ethier
MNO Credit River Métis Council
President Richard Cuddy (left) and
Neil Switzer, Project Manager,
Planning & Infrastructure
Conservation Lands Services in front
of the Deer Clan Longhouse.
On September 14, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Credit River Métis Council President Richard Cuddy was invited to Crawford Lake Conservation area to celebrate the grand opening of the Deer Clan Longhouse.
A brief ceremony was held followed by a viewing of the premiere exhibit Exchange and Changes: Comprehensive Narratives by artists Alexandre Nahdee and Reagan Kennedy.
Sounds of music and dance filled the Iroquois Village throughout the rest of the day. This included performances by flutist and composer Barbara Croall; White Pine Dancers (Gonrah Desgowah); and The Six Nations Young Women’s Singers to sing the traditional Haudenosaunee.
Tastings of traditional foods were served by Chef Janace Henry, and followed up with Kevin Sandy from Iroquois Lacrosse to help the guests try out this exciting sport!
The day would not have been complete without Chief Top Leaf who welcomed all to “look, listen, and learn” and shared the traditional wisdom of the Haudenosaunee people through props and storytelling. With the addition of kids’ crafts, a lakeside visit from the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and a fire starting demonstrations, it was a full day of celebration!