Members of the MNO Canoe Expedition with members of
the MNO WEKMC at the Métis Footprints exhibit in the Chimzuk Museum in Windsor. Click here for larger picture.Submitted by MNO WEKMC President Donna Grayer
On June 23, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Windsor-Essex-Kent Métis Council (WEKMC) welcomed the 2017 Canoe Expedition to Windsor. The Expedition set up their camp at Vision Park on Riverside Drive where they provided demonstrations on Métis culture and heritage.
The MNO Canoe Expedition presented the Council a paddle that had been carved by one of the paddlers and autographed by the entire crew.
When the MNO Canoe Expedition later visited the Chimczuk Muesum, the paddle gift was added to the Métis Footprints, a display at the Museum that the MNO WEKMC had helped develop. Métis Footprints was featured in the last issue of the Métis Voyageur and includes local Métis artifacts and a larger Métis history timeline. The gifted paddle was the perfect addition to Métis Footprint, which will be featured at the Museum until January 2018.
The Council held a dinner for the paddlers at the local Legion Hall. Council members and MNO staff gifted the paddlers such essential items as candy, mints and bug repellent. MNO veterans Shelley Claus and Sharlene Lance put together an entertainment bag for the paddlers that included cards, puzzles and books for those rainy days on shore.
There were many good conversations at dinner as everyone got to know one another. The MNO WEKMC is very proud of these young peoples’ accomplishments on their journey.
Posted: October 2, 2017