(Left-right) MNO CRMC Treasurer Darlene Lent and
Jim Tolles. Click here for larger picture.
On March 11-19,2017, the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) held its annual Sugar bush Maple Syrup Festival at Island Lake in Orangeville and extended an invitation to the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Credit River Métis Council (CRMC) to be involved.
Jim Tolles and Darlene Lent, both licensed trappers, offered a display which included furs, traps, snow shoes, an assortment of fur and leather mitts, coats and hats, and an RCMP muskrat hat. Visitors were educated about the Métis way-of-life, harvesting and how trapping is an integral part of the Métis culture and tradition. Taxidermy beaver mounts; skull specimens, beaver teeth and an interactive display board engaged and educated both children and adults.
The CVC Maple Syrup Festival offered tours of their maple bush which included the process of collecting sap and making maple syrup, also a deep rooted tradition in the Métis way-of-life. Included at the event was a chainsaw wood carver, many outdoor games, face painting and a display on spinning wool.
Over the years, the MNO CRMC has developed a positive relationship with the CVC and they welcome what the Métis community offers to the education of the CVC visitors. This was the fifth year the MNO CRMC has participated in the Festival. The popular event attracted over 2000 visitors this year.
Posted: May 9, 2017