Ottawa, ON (February 17, 2011) – Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) released a documentary film that was produced as part of a first-of-its-kind traditional knowledge study on Métis plant and vegetation use in southern Ontario. The documentary, entitled, “Southern Ontario Métis Traditional Plant Use Study”, highlights some of the unique traditional and medicinal practices of Métis in relation to plants and vegetation in southern Ontario, which differ from First Nations. The study also documents notable changes to the environment in southern Ontario over the past few decades and how these have impacted Métis plant and vegetation use, as identified by Métis Elders and traditional resource users.
The documentary film was premiered at a Métis community feast held in Whitby on June 5th, 2010, and is now available to the general public for educational purposes on the MNO website. Click here to view the documentary.
MNO President Gary Lipinski commented, “Through studies like this, Ontario Métis are finally being able to tell our story in the province and share our traditional knowledge in order to protect Métis rights, interests and way of life for generations to come.”
“I want to thank all of the Elders, Métis traditional resource users and MNO Community Councils who had a role in making this study a reality. I know this study will be an important resource for our people today and generations to come,” concluded President Lipinski.