The Metis Nation of Ontario’s Veteran’s Council (MNOVC) held its first in-person meeting in several years on March 19 and 20, 2022 in Ottawa. At the meeting, MNOVC members deliberated the future of the Veteran’s Council, as well as celebrating new, returning and former members.
“On behalf of the Métis Nation of Ontario, I am so pleased to see this gathering of Métis veteran’s and express our gratitude for their service,” said MNO President Margaret Froh.
“Gatherings like this are so important — for not only for our veteran’s — but for the MNO as a whole.”
The gathered veterans shared their stories, their concerns and their goals going forward. Including increased awareness of the MNOVC.
22 veterans were in Ottawa for the gathering, though MNOVC President Brian Prairie says that number could easily grow exponentially.
“Conservatively I believe this council should number 500 Métis Veterans in Ontario,” said Prairie.
“One of our most important jobs going forward is to grow the council to meet that number and make sure our Métis veteran are fully represented.”
While in Ottawa, the council toured the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
At dinner the first night, the newest members of the council were awarded Louis Riel medals, given to Métis who served in the military.
The final day ended with a ceremonial smudging of the Indigenous Veteran’s Memorial in Ottawa. The ceremony was performed by MNOVC eagle staff carrier Paul E. Pirie and was done to cleanse the statue after it was allegedly profaned during the occupation in February.
BACKGROUND:
Established in 2001 at the direction of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assembly, the MNO Veterans’ Council represents the interests of Métis veterans within the MNO’s governance structure. MNOVC’s concerns and issues are brought to the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) by Regional Councillors and Senators who sit on the PCMNO.
FOR VETERANS
To apply for membership in the Métis Veteran’s Council, MNO citizens can complete and sign the application for Métis Veterans Council Membership and send it and substantiating documents verifying military service to the council at MNOVC@metisnation.org. Once reviewed and approved, the Council will inform the applicant, and alert the MNO Registry so that the applicant’s citizenship record can be updated to reflect MNO Veteran Status.