MNO Youth Leadership Conference 2024

Evan Accettola
President, MNOYC and Youth Representative, Provisional Council of Métis Nation of Ontario

Evan Accettola (he/him), is deeply rooted in his Métis heritage from the Georgian Bay Métis Community and is a descendant of the Dusome-Clermont Métis family. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Evan was born in Texas and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Evan has lived his life immersed in the traditions and culture of his Métis community. As the current President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council and Youth Representative on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Evan is a dynamic leader committed to advancing the rights and interests of Métis youth in Ontario. Evan’s dedication extends to healthcare, as evidenced by his position on the Canadian Nurses Association Indigenous Relations Circle. Evan is also academically accomplished, diligently completing his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Criminology and Indigenous Studies at Simon Fraser University. Licensed as a Practical Nurse in both British Columbia and Ontario, Evan holds a Practical Nursing Diploma from George Brown College and specialized certificates in Health Studies, Aging & Gerontology, and Indigenous Knowledges from Toronto Metropolitan University. His heart and soul are dedicated to nurturing the Métis culture and supporting the community he calls home.

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Claire Accettola
Chair, MNOYC

Claire Accettola (She/Her) was born in Owen Sound and raised in rural Ontario. Claire is a descendent of the Dusome-Clermont family line, and is the 7th generation great granddaughter of Marguerite Dusome. She grew up in the Grand River Region, planting roots in Guelph in her adolescence. Claire is a recent graduate from the University of Guelph, obtaining a Honours Bachelor’s degree in Canadian History, with a focus in political science. While completing her studies, Claire was a part of the Infinite Reach Student Solidarity Network, and was a prominent member of the University of Guelph History Society. Claire is currently working in Arts and Culture at the City of Guelph, creating and delivering education programming centred in local history and identity at the Guelph Civic Museum. Claire also holds an elected position on the Métis Nation of Ontario 2SLGBTQ+ Interim Council as the Region 9 representative. Claire has had the privilege of representing Ontario youth at a variety of events with topics such as language preservation, climate protection, and early education.

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Timea Enge
Region 1 Youth Representative

Timea (she/her) was born and raised in Fort Frances Ontario, where she spent a lot of her time in and around Rainy Lake where her Métis roots are. She is currently the Region 1 Representative on the MNOYC. Timea is now pursuing a degree in Biomedical science with a goal of later becoming a doctor. With this position she hopes to make more connections with her community.

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Madyson Campbell
Region 2 Youth Representative

Madyson Campbell was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with her Métis roots in the Red River area. She is currently the Region 2 Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and is now completing the MD program at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

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Celeste Bond
Region 4 Youth Representative

Celeste (She/Her) was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a Metis Nation of Ontario citizen and a descendant of the Sayer family line. Celeste is the Region 4 representative of the Metis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. Celeste is currently in her third year at Wilfrid Laurier University studying in the Community Music (BMus) program and minoring in French. Celeste sits on Laurier’s Indigenous Education Council and is the current Peer Academic Coach at the Waterloo Campus Indigenous Student Centre.

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Bennett Woods
Region 7 Youth Representative

Bennett Woods was born and raised in the Tiny Township/Penetanguishene area. He is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and a descendant of the Berger-Beaudoin Family Line. Bennett has been involved in the MNO as a Summer Youth Program Facilitator, an Infinite Reach Facilitator, and is now the Region 7 Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council.  Bennett is currently attending the University of Guelph, where he is enrolled in his 4th year of Biomedical Sciences. He also competes on the University’s Varsity Track and field Team, and in his spare time he enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.

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Gabrielle Moreau
Region 8 Youth Representative

Gabrielle (she/her) is from Toronto and is currently a Bachelor of Arts student in geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and environmental policy at Duke University. Her Métis ancestry comes from the Red River Métis and can be traced back to Louis Riel. She is particularly interested in the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities and ways to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into climate policies in Canada.

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Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell
Region 9 Youth Representative

Taanishi! My name is Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell, and I am the Region Nine Youth Representative on the Metis Nation of Ontario Youth Council.  I am a proud Metis woman descended from the Desmarais, Bercier, Anderson, and Erasmus families.  My family comes from the Red River Settlement and Northern Manitoba, although I have lived in Region Nine all my life.  I am a student at Huron University College at Western University in London, and I am majoring in religious studies.  I am an avid beader, and I enjoy horseback riding, sewing, and reading.  I previously served as the Youth Representative on the Thames Bluewater Metis Council for six years.

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Ryan Lafleur
Post-Secondary Representative on the PCMNO

Ryan Lafleur is the newly acclaimed Post-Secondary Representative to the PCMNO and plays a collaborative role with the MNOYC. Ryan is completing their undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Ottawa and works in public service alongside their role at PCMNO. They plan on pursuing a part-time master’s degree in 2025. Ryan was born and raised in Northern Ontario as a proud French speaker, his family line hailing from Red River where his mother was born. Until recently, Ryan was the Youth Representative on the Ottawa Region Métis Council and had worked in the secretariat’s Summer Youth Program for four consecutive summers; Ryan also found the time to serve as Infinite Reach Facilitator in the 2023-2024 academic year. Ryan looks forward to acting as the voice of Métis students on the PCMNO. They hope to play a positive role in upcoming nation-to-nation dialogue to ensure our students are supported. As an openly queer and Indigenous student, Ryan understands how our intersecting identities make for unique experiences and struggles. They believe education is a right, not a privilege, and are committed to upholding that right.

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TUESDAY,  AUGUST 13, 2024 – Hampton Inn, Midland

Download a printable version of the Agenda HERE

All Day
Travel Day

• Participants travelling from outside of Midland are to check in at the Hampton Inn.
• MNO Staff will be in the lobby from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. to greet you

WEDNESDAY,  AUGUST 14, 2024 – Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Download a printable version of the Agenda HERE

• MNOYC President, Evan Accettola
• MNOYC Chair, Claire Accettola
• Region 7 Youth Rep, Bennett Woods

9:30 – 9:40 AM
Remarks from MNO President Margaret Froh

• Paul Robitaille

• Claire Accettola

• Workshop 1: Canoeing – Wye Marsh
• Workshop 2: Storytelling as Land Defence: The Power of Our Stories with Cree Nomad (Britney Supernault) – Wye Marsh fire pit
• Workshop 3: Clay Sculpting with George Simard – Brebéuf Event Centre

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 – Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

• Workshop 1: Microgreens with Tonya Pinkney – Brébeuf Event Centre
• Workshop 2: Guided Trail Walk on Plant Identification and Harvesting with Connor McNamara – Wye Marsh trail
• Workshop 3: Métis Games with Hank & Dakota Rowlinson – Wye Marsh open space

• Workshop 1: Weaving with Tracey-Mae Chambers – Wye Marsh open space
• Workshop 2: Plant Medicines with Shane Forrest – Brébeuf Event Centre
• Workshop 3: Fireside Chat: Hunting & Trapping with Peter Coture and Victor Brunelle – Wye Marsh fire pit

11:45 – 11:55 AM
2024 Youth Leadership Award Presentation

• Participants staying for the AGA will take a shuttle from Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons to Discovery Harbour for an afternoon event with the Great Lakes Advisory Group.

Keynote: Knowing Your Stories with Paul Robitaille

Our stories ground us as Métis people. They connect us as Métis families and communities—and as a broader Métis Nation. This short keynote will explore the Métis stories that ground and connect us as a people of the lands and waters, and share helpful resources that can help you discover and learn your own Métis stories.

Paul Robitaille is a Métis Nation citizen from Penetanguishene, ON who carries a wealth of professional and lived experience in advancing Métis rights recognition, relationship building, socioeconomic development, and distinctions-based awareness within a diverse array of sectors and contexts. He has worked extensively within community and with leading Canadian organizations, earning a strong reputation for advancing collaborative community development solutions. Drawing on his professional community development background and service as a former elected official within the Métis Nation, Paul has become a sought-after speaker, trainer, and awareness-builder on a range of distinctions-based Métis topics.

Remarks from Jordyn Garner: Jordyn (she/her) was born and raised along the shores of Georgian Bay. Jordyn is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and a descendent of the Dusome-Clermont family line. Jordyn previously served as the President of the MNO Youth Council and Youth Representative on PCMNO between 2020-2024 as well as the Region 7 Youth Representative on the MNOYC from 2016-2020. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work within the Indigenous field of study program from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Arts Honors in Sociology and Canadian Studies.

Canoeing the Wye Marsh

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a not-for-profit, charitable organization spanning 3,000 acres of National Wildlife Area and Provincially Significant Wetlands and woodlands in Tay, Ontario in the Heart of Georgian Bay. These wetlands are home to a number of diverse species, including listed species such as Blanding’s Turtles and Trumpeter Swans. Visitors, groups, and students take part in exciting seasonal based programming from canoeing through the cattail channels to snowshoeing the forest trails. Wye Marsh’s Outdoor Educators facilitate programs for students of all ages both on and offsite. The Captive Wildlife Care department at Wye Marsh hosts 12 birds of prey, 6 turtles, and 2 snakes who cannot be released into the wild and require specialized care. Species monitoring, developing pollinator friendly spaces, and invasive species control are among the stewardship initiatives undertaken by Wye Marsh staff and volunteers. Wye Marsh also hosts major events seasonally, as well as workshops monthly to encourage learning and excitement about the natural world around us. It is through all of this that Wye Marsh strives to insight a wonderment of the environment in each visitor, and foster environmental stewardship.

Wye Marsh offers one-hour guided voyageur-style canoe tours. Experience the unique opportunity to head off the beaten path and onto the secluded marsh channels that are home to the midland painted turtle, bullfrogs, red winged blackbirds and river otters!  While on tour, visitors can expect to learn about the Wye Marsh's ecological, cultural and historical significance while enjoying a relaxing and breath-taking paddle.

Please Note: No experience necessary

Includes all equipment (PFD, paddle, bailer/toe rope/whistle).

Storytelling as Land Defense: The Power of Our Stories with Cree Nomad (Britney Supernault)

The Cree Nomad (a.k.a Britney) (She/They) is a Métis-Cree, two-spirit, Treaty 6-based author, artist, activist, and social media personality. Born in Amiskwaciwâskahikan but raised between East Prairie Métis Settlement and various other towns, Britney has embraced their nomadic ancestral traits since childhood. Cree Nomad published their debut novel ‘Hey, June’ in 2024 and has many other projects ongoing. When they’re not perfecting their writing craft, they champion Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty at the forefront of Climate Change. Britney works in International Climate Action as an activist with several organizations and serves as the North American Youth Delegate Knowledge Holder for LCIPP under UNFCCC.

Britney also works as a content creator on various social media platforms, where they discuss Indigenous issues, share Native humor, and dance for fun.

In this interactive workshop, attendees will not only learn how to write stories that others will connect with but also discover how storytelling can be an act of land defense in climate change mitigation. Attendees will practice writing in fun writing exercises and learn keys to effective storytelling. Storytelling is how the Métis pass down knowledge, and we can use this skill to advocate for and give a voice to our relatives—the land and animals. 

Clay Sculpting with George Simard

George Simard was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and now resides in Simcoe.  George studied sculpting at Toronto School of A and is a figuitive clay sculpture. He is also a Judo instructor of 30 years, President of Kooshkopayiw Métis Art’s Council, and a co-curator of this year’s MNO AGA Kooshkopayiw art exhibit.

Brought back by popular demand, George will be hosting a sculpting workshop where participants will have the opportunity to learn the techniques of clay sculpting.

Guided Trail Walk on Plant Identification and Harvesting with Connor McNamara

Connor McNamara is a harvester and MNO citizen from Region 7 who currently resides in Penetanguishene area. He is a licensed trapper, bee keeper, gardener, hunter, fisherman and harvester who has been working to reconnect and re-establish a healthy connection with the land and especially our food systems.

The workshop will be a walk focused on identifying local plants, herbs, and trees that hold medicinal, spiritual, or practical significance in Metis culture. Participants learn about the uses of these plants in traditional healing practices, as well as their ecological roles and significance in the local ecosystem.

During the walk, mindfulness, respect for nature, and gratitude for the land's gifts are stressed. Participants also have an opportunity for reflection as they consider their own relationship with nature and how they can integrate these teachings into their daily lives.

Build a Birch Bark Canoe Ornament with Alicia Brink

Alicia Brink is a Métis multidisciplinary artist and educator living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her family names are Morsette, and Flett.

As a youth she spent her formative years playing and exploring the boreal forest on the shores of Lake Superior.  Alicia received her masters in English, and a teaching degree in 2013, and spent over ten years working in Indigenous education at both the university and college level. She designed a STEAM college program, built a birch bark canoe, and even got to collaborate with the Canadian Space Agency to run a community event.

Alicia is the artist behind Raven Craft Designs, where she designs enamel pins, cards, custom bead work, and original carvings. She can be found on Instagram @raven_craft_designs

The birch bark canoe (Kano dékawrs) is made entirely of materials harvested from the boreal forest. Rock art in Ontario show many depictions of canoes, dating them hundreds if not thousands of years ago. This technology is said to have been a gift to the First Nations peoples from Nanabijou. And that gift was shared with the Métis.

In this workshop you will make your own tiny bark canoe ornament. I will also share pictures, tangible examples and resources on a full-size canoe build, as well as how and when to harvest materials. Connect your hands and your heart as you learn the basics of bending and sewing birch bark.

Fireside Chat: Connection & Ceremony with Senator Donna Grenier and Steve Gjos

Senator Donna Grenier is a Drummond Island descendant from the family line Gendron-Hallio, Laramee-Cloutier, Bouchier, Giroux, and Grisdale. Donna is a retired Child & Youth Councillor who worked in outpatient mental health clinics in hospital settings. She is also the Senator on the North Channel Métis Council. Donna is passionate about Métis history and carrying on the journey and sacrifices of her ancestors to ensure the future for our Métis Nation and to also ensure Métis people are acknowledged and take our rightful place in Canada.

Steve Gjos is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. He is the Captain of the Hunt for MNO Region 4. Steve is an avid outdoorsman and is happiest when in the woods or out fishing in his canoe. He is a traditional pipe carrier and very connected to Mother Earth. 

In this workshop you will have the opportunity to sit around the fire to learn how we are all connected -- highlighting our strength in diversity as well as the importance of accepting our uniqueness.

Dot Art with Evan Accettola

Dot art is a contemporary art form inspired by Métis beadwork where beads are replaced with small dots of colourful paint. In this workshop you will learn this technique while creating your own piece of dot art to take home.

Microgreens with Tonya Pinkney

Tonya is a Metis woman, who has spent her entire life living along the shores of Georgian Bay. Her 4-acre farm holds community at heart and grows extra crops to donate to local foodbanks and community fridges. In her spare time, you will find Tonya connecting with the land and water, spending time in her garden with her honey bees, and having fun on the water up in Pointe Au Baril with her family.

There is nothing like growing your own food to connect with nature. Join us for an intriguing workshop examining the wonderful ways you can grow and use microgreens at home. Learn about the amazing health benefits these nutritional power greens can pack, plus a few fun recipes. Then make and take a tray of seeds home to sprout in your kitchen! Participants will receive a booklet on how to grow microgreens from home, including a shopping list of items that can be purchased online and shipped right to your doorstep for future growing.

FnS Microgreens is a family run local business operating in Tiny Township; offering year-round weekly subscriptions of microgreens delivered right to your doorstep!

Métis Games with Hank and Dakota Rowlinson

A Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen from Region 5, Dakota Rowlinson has been immersed with the MNO since birth, having attended over 15 MNO Annual General Assemblies, his firstone in Kenora at 6 weeks old.  His family has facilitated the traditional Métis Voyageur Games for over 20 years at local, provincial and national events.  As a pre-teen, Dakota started demonstrating and co-facilitating the air rifles, slingshots and archery stations and over recent years has become a lead Traditional Métis Voyageur Game facilitator.  He has participated in multiple sporting activities with focus and strengths in football, parkour, and wrestling. Dakota is engaged with computer graphics, animation modification and design. A self-taught artist he also plays the piano, harmonica, ukulele, and guitar and creates soundtracks using music production software, and in his spare time, he enjoys charcoal drawing, boxing, and longboarding.

Hank Rowlinson who serves as Chair of the MNO. Hank has 23 years of full-time experience working various roles within the MNO. Hank has chaired numerous local, provincial and national commissions, boards, and committees. Proficient in conflict resolution, mediation and negotiations, Hank is an effective communicator, knowledge holder who encourages compromise and consensus building. 

He also brings expertise with governance, policy development, business management, contract negotiations, partnership and inter-governmental relationship building.

Hank has in-depth knowledge of past and current issues concerning MNO citizens, families, and communities. He has built strong and respectful relationships assisting and working with Métis community councils and citizens for over 25 years. Throughout his tenure he held senior management portfolios at the MNO including Senior Policy Analyst, Economic Development Officer, Manager of Lands and Resources, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer and Manager of Community Relations and has contributed to developing internal and external policies, securing government and partnership funding, and has built a solid reputation engaging politicians.

A steadfast advocate for the Métis, Hank brings commitment, experience and determination that is needed as we enter this new era of self-government. Respecting our Statement of Prime Purpose Hank believes that the way forward needs to be one of hope, optimism and vigilance and that we must be united to overcome barriers that may stand in our way. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Hank is a dedicated husband and father of eight (ages 16-36). He and his wife Loma reside in Sudbury. They have also been foster-parents to many First Nations youth.

With the assistance of Ivon Dumont from Manitoba, Hank reintroduce the Métis Voyageur Games to Ontario Métis in 2002, and has continued to facilitate Voyageur Games workshops across the province to youth of all ages regardless of cultural background.

Weaving with Tracey-Mae Chambers

Tracey-Mae Chambers grew up as a stranger to her own story; adopted and re-named, grafted into a new family tree. The discovery in adulthood of her Métis heritage was a revelation that set her on a path of discovery. Tracey-Mae often works in the powerful tradition of the vessel as metaphor for individuals; we fill and re-fill ourselves throughout life to create our own story. Tracey-Mae is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Her ancestors are from the Drummond Island community as well as Mackinac Island.

Since July 2021 she has created over 150 installations at residential school historical sites, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. Many of these spaces serve to present a colonial viewpoint and primarily speak about the settlers who arrived and lived here, but not the Indigenous people that were displaced along the way. The installations are constructed with red wool, silk, cotton yarn that has been crocheted, knit or woven. Red is the colour of blood. Red is the slur against Indigenous people. Red is the colour of passion and anger, danger and power, courage, and love. Tracey-Mae hopes to bridge the gap between settlers and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by creating art that is approachable and non-confrontational.

Weaving is a skill across all cultures and one of the many threads that bind us as a species. Learn how to create your own weaving while reflecting on how the craft of weaving is akin to the complex connections between settler and Indigenous communities. The theme of this workshop extends from Tracey-Mae's artistic practice, in which she creates art installations made of woven, knitted and crocheted red to begin conversations around decolonizing public spaces.

Plant Medicines with Shane Forrest 

Shane (they/them) is an Anishinaabe-Métis Two-Spirit and Non-Binary helper living in nogojiwanong, Ontario. They completed a Master's Degree in Social Work (Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency) at the University of Toronto. They also hold an Honours Bachelor degree in Celtic Studies and Indigenous Studies as well as a Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Studies. Their practice is rooted in community with over 10 years of experience in peer support, group facilitation, front line crisis intervention, and grassroots community organizing. They have primarily worked with young people, 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks, and Indigenous communities.

In this workshop, we will explore different teachings and knowledge related to plant medicines. Participants will learn about plant relatives, as well as how to make salves. Space will be created to ask questions and engage in shared dialogue and learning together.

Fireside Chat: Hunting and Trapping with Peter Coture and Victor Brunelle

Victor Brunelle was born and raised in Lafontaine, Ontario, a small community west of Midland. Vic Brunelle is a proud MNO citizen and descendant of the historic Drummond Island Métis community. Multilingual, Vic speaks French, English and some Michif. Married with three adult children and now many wonderful grandchildren, Vic worked for over 20 years in the construction business, eventually owning and operating his own business. Vic presently serves as Vice-President of Rendezvous Lafontaine Complex—an adult retirement complex for people 55 years and over. Vic also has experience working with organizations such as local Credit Union and Parks and Recreation. Vic is an active volunteer and community member, having served for 15 years as a volunteer fireman. He greatly enjoys the outdoors and the traditional Métis way of life. A keen and active MNO harvester, Vic takes great pride in his Métis heritage.

Peter Coture is a respected leader and dedicated volunteer within the MNO. Known for his exceptional skills as a fish cleaner and his steadfast commitment to preserving Métis heritage, Peter has been a key figure in the Owen Sound grassroots Métis movement for over 20 years. As past President of the MNO Great Lakes Métis Council, Peter played a crucial role in representing local Métis citizens and advocating for their rights during consultations with local industry and government. His leadership extends beyond formal roles, as he is deeply involved in community activities, offering his time and energy to support both elders and the younger generation. Peter is renowned for his selfless dedication to traditional Métis practices, including hunting, forest management, and the preservation of Métis history. He was instrumental in the creation of the Mudtown plaque in Owen Sound, which honors the Métis community’s historical contributions.

In this workshop you will have the opportunity to sit with Peter and Victor as they share their vast knowledge on harvesting, trapping, and hunting. Learn about how Métis people, sustainably live off of the land, and the significance of passing this knowledge to the next generation. Engage in conversation on the importance of respect for the land that we take from and how we give back.

Participants staying for this year’s AGA will have the opportunity to take a field trip to Discovery Harbour – North Gate on Thursday afternoon. Discovery Harbour is a 17-minute drive from Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons at 93 Jury Dr, Penetanguishene, ON, L9M 1G1.

Following the trip to Discovery Harbour, participants will attend the MNO’s Annual General Assembly Canoe Arrival, which will also be taking place at Discovery Harbour at the waterfront.

Meals will be provided to Métis citizens in the Main Stage tent at the Annual General Assembly.

Parking is free and available at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, located at 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene, ON, L9M 1G3. Signage and directional staff will be available onsite to help attendees who wish to drive themselves to the event. Shuttles to and from the event will be provided for those who are staying at the MNO accommodations.

Friendly reminder: The AGA is taking place in a large outdoor tent this year, close to a body of water. Don’t forget to pack your bug spray, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and refillable water bottle.

CLICK HERE for map to Discovery Harbour

• Please contact conference coordinator Sydney Hannusch if you have any questions or concerns during the conference. Text or call Sydney at: 249-525-6846 or email: SydneyH@metisnation.org.
• If you cannot reach Sydney, you can also contact Patricia Messenger. Text or call Patricia at: 613-852-6238 or email: PatriciaM@metisnation.org
• If you have an emergency please call 911. The closest hospital to the Hampton Inn is Georgian Bay General Hospital located at 1112 St. Andrew's Drive, Midland, ON L4R 4P4.

Taxi Services
Central Taxi at 705-526-2626
Busy Bee Taxi Service at 705-526-2424

For MNO AGA information and agenda see: MNOAGA2024