Images from the First New PCMNO Meeting on June 15-17, 2012
The recently elected and re-elected members of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) wasted no time getting back to work after the May 7 provincial election. The new PCMNO held its first meeting the weekend of June 15-17 in Ottawa. The Meeting included extensive orientation sessions to prepare the PCMNO for their responsibilities and detailed briefings from all the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Branch Directors to bring the PCMNO up to speed in all aspects of the MNO operations.
“We are here to solve problems for our citizens and our communities” stated MNO President Gary Lipinski, as he spoke passionately about the role of the PCMNO. He stressed the importance of its role in ensuring that the MNO is properly recognized as the government of Métis people in Ontario and in protecting Métis rights. He reminded the PCMNO that the founding document of the MNO, The Statement of Prime Purpose outlines clearly the objectives of the MNO as pursuing Métis rights, improving social conditions for MNO citizens and promoting Métis culture. “we are at wonderful time to make sure these things happen,” he added.
The theme of unity also emerged strongly from the meeting. “Our communities are part of the MNO,” explained President Lipinski, “as are women, veterans, youth and senators. Our community council charters and regional protocols bind us together. We are not separate entities, we all here and we are all part of the MNO.”
It was a great way to start the new PCMNO off and to go into the summer.