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The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Healing & Wellness Branch is arranging virtual “Sharing Circles” for Métis youth in Ontario. These online discussions will provide a platform for Métis youth to share their opinions on vital issues, and contribute to the development of future educational resources and tools.

Program facilitators will provide background information to attendees and lead participants through an open and respectful discussion. The MNO is currently seeking up to 15 youth (ages 16-29) per session to engage in this valuable workshop and share their ideas with the MNO. The sessions will be held over Zoom and attendees will be provided an honorarium as compensation for their participation.

Two upcoming Sharing Circles have been announced:

      • January 28, 2021 | Exploring the Issue of Human Trafficking in our Communities
        This circle is scheduled for January 28, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (EST) to discuss what factors might make youth a higher risk for trafficking, and to discover the best types of educational and support activities to build that will help to protect our youth.
      • February 24, 2021 | Exploring the Impacts of Legalized Cannabis Use in our Communities
        This circle is scheduled for February 24, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (EST) will look at how legalized cannabis use has affected our communities and to find out what Youth feel are healthy cannabis attitudes and behaviours.

“We have found over the past few years that youth-specific perspective has been a gap in our program development and education planning,” says Jason Jamieson, Manager of Program Development. “This year our Anti-Human Trafficking and Healthy Choices Cannabis programs will facilitate youth Sharing Circles as part of their program work plans.”

Youth engagement in these sessions will be critical, as their perspective will inform and shape future program developments, and ensure that available programs and services are holistic, appropriate and culturally sensitive.

“The Métis Youth vision for a healthy future is vital to making sure that we build tools that will stand the test of time and be able to help as many people as possible,” said Jason. “At this point the sky is the limit – we’ll take what we learn and leverage into the future work plans of our programs.”

Registration is limited, so we ask that you kindly respond as soon as possible if you wish to participate in one or both sessions. More information will be provided to registered participants soon.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jason Jamieson jasonj@metisnation.org.

We thank you for sharing your voice to help our Métis communities.