The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, LieutenantGovernor of Ontario, autographs copies of the book150 stories for MNO Atikokan and Area Métis Council Senator Brian Gouliquer and PresidentMarlene Davidson. Click here for larger picture.
Submitted by MNO Atikokan and Area Métis Council President Marlene Davidson
On July 26, 2017, Her Honour, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario participated in a round table with municipal officials in the Atikokan area. Among the officials present was Marlene Davidson who sits on the local council but who is also the President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Atikokan and Area Métis Council.
President Davidson received permission from the Mayor of Atikokan to officially welcome Her Honour to the area. She also presented Her Honour with a Friendship Ball created by local Métis Artist , Kristy Cameron.
At a reception that followed the round table, MNO Atikokan and Area Métis Council Senator Brian Gouliquer and President Davidson spoke with Her Honour and provided background on Métis history including the Métis role in the fur trade and the importance of Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate with rights-bearing Métis communities.
Her Honour also graciously signed copies of the book 150 Stories, which her office produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Ontario. One of the stories in the book was written by past MNO President Gary Lipinski.
Her Honour also visited the local Atikokan Museum and then made a trip out to Quetico Park where she saw the Paul Kane exhibit. Her Honour is very much all about the people and their stories.
The MNO Atikokan and Area Métis Council is grateful to Chief Operating Officer Joanne Meyer for her help in making this all happen.
Posted: September 20, 2017