Ornaments that the children made during the Louis Riel
Day celebration in Brampton. Click here for larger photo.On November 19, 2017, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Credit River Métis Council (CRMC) hosted its Louis Riel Day celebrations at the Peel Regional Police Association headquarters in Brampton. The Council received support from the MNO staff in the MNO Brampton office.
The event was hosted by MNO CRMC Senator David Neville, past Senator Bill Morrison, President Karen Derocher, Outreach Coordinator Kyl Morrison, Treasurer Darlene Lent, Councillor Jean-Marc Maheu and Councillor Derek Deluca.
MNO Métis Family Wellbeing Coordinator (MFWB) Catherine Corbett and MNO Community Wellness Coordinator (CWC) Rose Colacci-Fines offered an Angel Ornament Workshop to all guests as well as information on all MNO Healing and Wellness programs and services throughout the day.
Attendees of all ages loved the Angel Ornament activity and the youth really shined with their creativity, making different styles of ornaments with the many items offered by the MNO CWC and MFWB programs.
There were musicians playing fiddle music during the event, hatchet throwing outside the venue, a traditional knowledge display, Nunatuavut “Our Ancient Land Display,” Peel Regional Police Diversity Display, an auction table, vendor booths, face painting and information on Mississauga Museums.
The day began with some light refreshments as guests were encouraged to bring a potluck dish.
Senator Neville started off the event as the Master of Ceremonies. Past Senator Morrison then took the stage to open the event and introduced the MNO CRMC to the many guests in attendance. Outreach Coordinator Morrison gave a presentation on his role with the Council and President Derocher gave a speech on the Council’s impact with the community.
Jodie Williams, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Consultant with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, presented the So they Can Go Home Moccasin Project that the MNO CRMC proudly assisted with. MNO CRMC Councilor Derek Deluca and his daughter Emily presented a community drum to the Council. The drum was awoken by ceremony with the help of Métis Elder Leon Fleury and gifted to the MNO CRMC. Derek then gave a compelling speech about his own spiritual journey and a prayer before inviting guests to enjoy dinner catered by Nish Dish.
Several service providers and MNO citizens came to mingle and take part in the celebration. Some of the service providers in attendance were members of the Peel Regional Police, Peel Aboriginal Network, Peel Children’s Aid Society, Peel District School Board of Mississauga and Mississauga Museums.
Many wonderful connections were made with our fellow service providers that will ensure that any client who is looking for assistance will be taken care of.
MNO staff Colacci-Fines and Corbett were able to greet each individual and offer them information on the new MFWB program as well as the existing CWC program. The MNO staff and MNO CRMC were very pleased that MNO Veterans’ Council President, Joseph Paquette, spent the day with the Council. His great spirit and engaging stories were a treat for each guest who had the pleasure of conversing with him.
The event was a great success with 85 people in attendance. Several long lasting connections were made and fun stories shared. Service providers, citizens and community members all gave positive reviews of the new office space and event.
If you have any questions about the MNO Métis Family Wellbeing Program in the Peel Region, please contact Catherine Corbett at 905-450-4844 ex. 304 or catherinec@metisnation.org
If you have any questions about the MNO Community Wellness Program in the Peel Region, please contact Rose Colacci-Fines at 905-450-4844 ex. 305 or rosec@metisnation.org
Posted: January 9, 2017