Submitted by: Darlene Lent, MNO Credit River Métis Council Treasurer
Canning workshop participants showcase the
cranberry-orange jam they made during the canning
workshop. Click here to view a larger version.
On April 26, 2016, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Credit River Métis Council (CRMC) hosted a canning workshop at the Fortinos Community Room Kitchen in Brampton.
Facilitated by Darlene Lent, MNO CRMC Treasurer, participants learned about the boiling method of canning and gained hands-on experience by making cranberry-orange jam. A healthy alternative to store bought variations, cranberries have been used in Métis culture for many years and offer vital health benefits.
Harvesting berries is a big part of Métis heritage and canning is just one of the important methods of preserving food.
“It gives us a chance to enjoy the fruits of our labour at a later date and also gives us the satisfaction of preserving our own food and knowing exactly what we are consuming,” explains Lent.
This workshop engaged all participants as they prepared and canned jam, which they took home with them. Not only did everyone have a lot of fun and form great friendships, but participants learned something new.
MNO citizen Karen Stewart also was of great assistance as was Simon Bain, MNO Community Wellness Coordinator, who supplied MNO aprons and cooler bags.
This canning workshop is one of the many public events intended to promote Métis culture and way of life and was hosted by the MNO CRMC, with the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant.
Published on: May 26, 2016