On the evening of Friday, August 22, eight modern Métis voyageurs completed an amazing 2000+ kilometer journey from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. Their trek ended on the beach in Chippewa Park where they were greeted by Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski, the Honourable David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and a large group of MNO citizens who enthusiastically greeted the dynamic young Métis as they completed their 90 day trek.
This summer, these Métis youth from across Ontario participated in an once-in-a-lifetime adventure that was also one of the most unique and rewarding summer job experiences that any student could ever have!
In the course of their trip they followed the historic fur trade routes of their voyageur ancestors by canoe and portage. The great outdoors was their classroom and their work place where they learned skills that they will use to secure future jobs and advance their future careers. Also on this amazing journey, they stopped at many communities where they delivered presentations about Métis culture and heritage, were interviewed by the media and acted as ambassadors of the MNO. The MNO Canoe Expedition was an interdisciplinary model of experiential learning that challenges and rewards students as they gain important employment values and skills.