Métis Families Gather for South West Region Powley Day Rendezvous
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) South West Region hosted its second Powley Day Rendezvous on September 19, 2026, at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area.
The gathering brought together Métis families from across the South West Region to mark Powley Day, and take part in cultural activities, entertainment and community programming.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from South West Region PCMNO Councillor Kathleen Anderson, who greeted attendees and provided an overview of the day’s events.
MNO President Margaret Froh also addressed the gathering, sharing remarks to mark the occasion. Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community (Region 4) PCMNO Councillor Mitch Case spoke about the significance of the Powley family and their lasting impact on Métis history.
“We are honoured to welcome Métis families and friends from across the South West Region to Guelph Lake to celebrate our Métis heritage on such an important day of the year,” said Kathleen Anderson. “We are gathering today on Powley Day to commemorate the determination and sacrifices of the Powley family and all those who helped advance Métis rights.”
The event’s agenda kept guests busy throughout the day, offering a wide range of activities.
The bandshell featured performances throughout the day from Nicolas Delbaere-Sawchuk, Adam Houle and Jordan Smith, Sophie, Owen, Liam and Everett of SOLE 46, Jack, Alexa and Braxton Wiens, and Zamion.
Visitors could also stop by the Niagara Region Métis Council encampment for bannock cooked over the fire, take part in harvesting activities with South West Region Captain of the Hunt Liaison Jim Tolles, and learn about traditional beaver pelt preparation with South West Region Métis harvester Brian Moore.
Other activities included archery with Barefoot Bushcraft, spoon playing with Senator Nancy Bouchier, and fur pompom making with Councillor Philip Beauvais. New this year was the Historic Community Connection & Fire, which gave attendees an opportunity to learn more about their historic Métis community.
The event also featured 27 vendors showcasing products, artwork and the work of Métis entrepreneurs.
Attendees could also connect with a range of MNO programs and services. At the Self-Government booth, visitors learned more about MNO’s self-government journey and the ongoing development of the MNO Constitution.
Throughout the day, attendees also enjoyed lunch from Pig Out Catering and coffee, tea and baked goods from Kanoo Coffee.
The event was made possible through our sponsors (the London and St. Catharines Catholic Diocese, the Great Lakes Advisory Group, and Enbridge), the South West Regional Leadership Team (Regional Council Kathleen Anderson and Council Presidents Derrick Pont, Dana Robbins, and Pat St. John), council members, volunteers, community partners and the work of Regional Manager Lisa Boivin.
Maarsii to everyone who contributed their time and energy to help bring the day together.