MNO Kenora Métis Council President Joel Henleyand Secretary Nina Henley were the BBQ pitmasters during the Meet, Greet and Eat. Click herefor larger picture.
Submitted by: Métis Family Wellbeing Coordinator Leanne Rush
On June 29, 2017, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Kenora office staff and the MNO Kenora Métis Council invited the community for a Meet, Greet and Eat event at the new MNO office in Kenora. The new MNO office is a lovely space that now includes the MNO Métis Wellbeing program, which is allowing the MNO to grow in the community and improve access to its family friendly programming. The new location also permits staff to offer workshops and activities that will raise awareness of the MNO’s presence and services. The Meet, Greet and Eat event introduced the community to the new office and 225 MNO citizens and community members attended.
Participants enjoyed a free BBQ lunch as well as popcorn, snow cones and bannock shortcake, which was served up by Métis youth volunteers. The MNO Kenora Council President Joel Henley and Secretary Nina Henley worked hard and served up more than 180 burgers. Senator Karen Cederwall and Councilor Martin Camire along with Métis youth volunteers also assisted MNO staff with cultural activities.
Senator Cederwall blessed the new office with a Métis prayer circle and gifted the staff with cedar. The staff provided tours and information on the programs offered. It was a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the MNO and the services provided in the community. The turnout was great and the feedback was extremely positive.
Local MNO partners, Women’s Place Kenora, Ontario Native Women’s Association and the Sexual Assault Centre, joined with MNO staff in offering cultural games, finger weaving and making of medicine bags, which demonstrated how partnerships are extremely important in the community.
The MNO staff and local citizens cannot wait for their next community event!
To learn more about programming at the MNO office in Kenora please contact Leanne Rush at 807-468-3596 or email at leanner@metisnation.org.
Posted: September 11, 2017