Self-identified Métis Ted Norris (left), Her Royal Highness, the Countess of
Wessex (centre) and MNO TYRMC President Tera Beaulieu (right).On November 12, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Toronto and York Region Métis Council (TYRMC) President Tera Beaulieu attended a working lunch with the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex, along with other representatives from Aboriginal agencies and initiatives across Canada.
Several presentations were delivered that highlighted the unique needs faced by Aboriginal people living in urban centres, including issues related to child welfare, health, and education and employment. Several key themes emerged from the conversations that occurred among the guests in attendance, chief among them the significance of truth and reconciliation among Aboriginal people and Canadians, and the importance of self-governance for Aboriginal people, particularly when discussing the needs of communities and actions that should be taken.
At the conclusion of the discussions, the Countess of Wessex expressed thanks to those in attendance and the Indigenous communities of Canada who have included her in their meetings in the past. She articulated her commitment to continuing to provide support and convening conversations and meetings to address the needs of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
For the Countess’s ongoing commitment to learning about and supporting the work of Aboriginal people in Canada, self-identified Métis Ted Norris and MNO TYRMC President Tera Beaulieu presented her with a Métis sash. Her Royal Highness was very grateful to receive the sash and appeared honoured to receive such a gift.
The Countess of Wessex was in North America on a working visit in her new role as Global Ambassador of 100 Women in Hedge Funds Next Generation Initiatives.
Pubished on: December 23, 2015