In honour of the 20th anniversary of the Powley decision, the Early Learning and Child Care team hosted an early learning illustration contest. We put a call out to Early Learning Métis artists to create a masterpiece in honour of this historic decision. We also asked the artists to provide a write-up answering the question, “What does harvesting mean to you?” Artists had the chance to win one of three prizes and to have their illustration and write-up displayed at the annual general assembly.
We had many masterpieces submitted and reviewed by our team, and the three winners were selected:
0-4 Age Group:
- Matilda Kelly, MNO Region 6
5- 8 Age Group:
- Halladay Paterson, MNO Region 6
9-12 Age Group:
- Benjamin Marcil, MNO Region 1

Matilda Kelly, MNO Region 6 Illustration

Halladay Paterson, MNO Region 6

Benjamin Marcil, MNO Region 1
We would also like to honourably mention the runners-ups!:
- Brooklyn B.
- Aurora F.
- Harper B.
- Jada B.
- Isabella M.
- Beatrix P.
- Delia C-K.
- Desmond K.
- Oliver L.
- Grace K.
- Harper B.
- Malcolm S.

Jada B. - Harvesting is important to me… As a Metis girl, hunting is providing me an opportunity to learn a new skill. Being able to hunt and provide my own food to be self sufficient is empowering.

Aurora F -Harvesting is important to me because I get to spend time with my family. It is also a way to gather and store berries. I like getting outside and enjoying nature.

Aurora F - Illustration

Beatrix P -Why is harvesting important to me? Harvesting is important to me because it helps me stay connected to my culture, mother earth and the creator. It teaches me respect, strength, sharing, balance and courage. Happy Powley Day!

Beatrix P - Illustration

Brooklyn B - Illustration

Delia C-K - Illustration

Desmond K - Illustration

Desmond K - Why is harvesting important to me? Harvesting is fun! Harvesting is helpful so we do not need to buy food. I drew a picture of me harvesting fruits and vegetables and a pond for fishing.

Grace K - Illustration

Harper B - Illustration

Isabella M - Illustration

Malcolm S - Illustration
