Submitted by: The MNO Community Relations team, Hank Rowlinson, Glen Lipinski and Beth Honsberger
MNO President Lipinski with Barry Sharpe, Mayor of the City of Welland at the
2013 Canoe Federation Junior and Under-23 Sprint World Championships
opening ceremonies in Welland.
On July 31, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and MNO Niagara Region Métis Council shared Métis culture with the world by participating in the 2013 Canoe Federation Junior and Under-23 Sprint World Championships opening ceremonies at the Welland International Flatwater Centre.
The world championship competition was held from August 1-4 and hosted 63 countries and more than 1,000 participants. Races included kayaking and canoing for youth under the age of 23.
MNO President Lipinski was among invited dignitaries and presented Métis sashes to his fellow guests at the event finale.
MNO Niagara Métis Council President Derrick Pont bringing the torch to the
stage.
MNO Niagara Region Métis Council members, including Council President Derrick Pont, and MNO summer cultural students were honoured to be the torch bearer of the opening ceremony. The group paddle in two MNO canoes across the water to light the torches. A sea of flaming fire pots lit provided a spectacular backdrop to welcome the world.
MNO summer cultural students proudly displayed Métis culture and heritage to the world in their traditional Métis outfits. The students also put on a performance that included traditional Métis dancing.
MNO citizens paddling to light the torch.
Along with participating in the opening ceremony, the MNO displayed a Métis cultural camp that featured Métis voyageur canoes, tents, historical Métis objects and an open fire to cook moose stew the “old-fashioned” way.