By: Joseph Paquette, Secretary of the MNO Veterans Council
The Métis Veterans Wreath created by members of the
Credit River Métis Council
Honouring our veterans is something that was instilled in me at a very young age. My father was a World War II Veteran and my grandfather served with the Merchant Marines. All of mother’s brothers also served overseas. I remember as a Boy Scout, participating in Remembrance Day parades back in the 1950s and 60s.
As 2011, is the year during the Decade of the Métis that recognizes Métis Veterans, timing is perfect to introduce a Remembrance Day wreath to honour our Métis Veterans. I humbly present the result of what came together with the participation and help of several people in Credit River Métis Council area.
Joyce Tolles, Secretary-Treasurer for the Credit River Métis Council beaded seven beautiful poppies. These poppies represent the fact that the Métis were known as the beadwork people. The centre of each poppy is both green and black, showing the transition over the years by the Royal Canadian Legion from the green to black centre. The seven poppies also represent the First Nations Seven Grandfather Teachings of Respect, Love, Honesty, Humility, Bravery, Wisdom and Truth. Thanks go out to our First Nations relatives and extended families for those important teachings.
The Métis sash, embroidered by Joyce, was incorporated into the wreath to show who we are as a people. Thank you, Joyce, for supporting our Métis Veterans.
The wreath itself, represents the European side of our tree, so, the wreath represents all aspects or our culture. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 82, from Port Credit, provided the wreath which was modified to its present state. Many thanks go out to Julie Morris, Norm Lacasse and Ron Knappett, from the Royal Canadian Legion Brach 82.
Without all these people, there time and donations, this would not have been possible. A very heartfelt Thank You…. Miigwetch….Marcee,
Standing Side by Side during times of conflict