MNO and Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy Announce New Regional Tourism Project

Quotes:

“We began this discussion with LSWC five years ago, and over time have built this partnership. This project is part of our broader economic development initiative in the Huron-Superior Métis Community. Our goal is to tell our story, educate Canadians about our history, and employ our young people. By telling our stories, we create safer spaces for Métis people in this community to be who they are.”
– Mitch Case, MNO Region 4 Councillor

“Our organization’s conservation and water care mission is perfectly suited to this wonderful partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community. The Métis way of life, unique traditions, and cultural practices all demonstrate a respectful and caring relationship with the natural world that we must all aspire to.”
– Joanie McGuffin, Executive Director at Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy

Members of the media are welcome to attend an announcement ceremony at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront at 208 St. Mary’s River Drive in Sault Ste. Marie on June 26 at 2pm ET. The event will include brief speeches, media interviews, and a Q&A.

Officials attending the ceremony include MNO President, Margaret Froh, Region 4 Councillor, Mitch Case, President of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council, Kim Powley and MNO North Channel Métis Council President, Roland Blanchette.

About the MNO

In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific, democratic, province-wide governance structure. The MNO represents and advocates on behalf of its citizens who are rights-bearing members of Métis communities that collectively hold rights, interests, and outstanding claims protected by Sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including, but not limited to, the right of self-government. Ontario is home to the 2003 Powley decision, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the existence of the Métis right to harvest for food that is protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Powley was—and remains—the only Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) decision affirming Métis rights protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

About The Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy

The Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy was founded on a vision to protect the whole health of the greatest expanse of freshwater on Earth. Despite the relatively small human population and the seemingly abundant freshwater surrounded by a forested landscape, the Lake Superior Watershed faces enormous challenges in the 21st century.

We are dedicated to the health and care of the Lake Superior watershed because it is our extended Home, and the Spirit of the Land is part of that Home. It is a Home we are privileged to share with trees, plants, mosses, fungi, wolves, caribou, moose, lynx, bears, eagles and a myriad of Beings great and small. All have a birthright to inherit this Home, rich with its complex diversity; a place where all of Nature’s voices from wind to birdsong can be clearly heard. All have a right to a Home where air, water and soil are free of toxins.