(Left-right): MNO CRMC Traditional Knowledge Keeper Jim Tolles, MNO CRMC Treasurer DarleneLent, Métis youth Matilda Morrison and former MNOSenator Bill Morrison. Click here for larger picture.
On June 21, 2017, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Credit River Métis Council (CRMC) had the opportunity to participate in the City of Brampton’s first National Aboriginal Day celebration. Brampton implemented its National Aboriginal Day celebration to educate the local school children on Indigenous issues. In addition to MNO CRMC display other activities included Indigenous drummers, storytellers and dancers. A major portion of the participants were from the local elementary schools, local residents and people who work in the city core where all the National Aboriginal Day events took place.
Traditional Knowledge Keeper Jim Tolles and MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph Paquette contributed to the MNO CRMC display by loaning Métis artifacts and President Paquette also loaned various taxidermy specimens such as skunks, deer, beaver, bear and fox. However, the true highlights for the children were the stick and ring games with the bone or leather rings; and the fire starting instruments such as the fire-wheel.
The MNO CRMC display provided a tactile educational experience and the teachers expressed great appreciation on behalf of the students. Another exciting element of the display was MNO CRMC Treasurer Darlene Lent’s workshop on making birch bark water cups and bowels. Other MNO CRMC members who helped out at the display included MNO CRMC President Karen Derocher, former MNO CRMC Senator Bill Morrison and Métis youth Matilda Morrison.
It was a great day for students, teachers, participants and exhibitors who all enjoyed the opportunity to learn about Métis culture.
Posted: September 15, 2017