Submitted by: Jon Rochon, Vice President of Windsor-Essex Métis Council
MNO Windsor-Essex Council members (left to right) Vice-
President Jon Rochon, Senator Bob LeBoeuf, Women’s
Representative Donna Grayer and Councillor Wilfred
Rochon.
On July 14, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Windsor-Essex Métis Council welcomed local MNO citizens to enjoy a light luncheon, share their thoughts with the Council, and share their Métis heritage and culture.
The Rochon family was represented at the event by four generations while other council members’ had three generations attending. The intergenerational crowd made for good conversations and great teaching moments for the youth.
A finger weaving demonstration and lesson was provided by exceptional weaver, Brynn Goegebuer. The younger generations enjoyed different types of activities with crayons and imaginations. The live exhibits of snakes were a hit with all ages.
Finger weaving lesson by Brynn Goegebuer.
Guests included council members, MNO staff as well as a representative from a local newspaper who is Métis, and offered help in the future with advertising for local events. MNO Windsor-Essex Council members in attendance were Vice-President Jon Rochon, Councillor Wilfred Rochon, Senator Bob LeBoeuf, Women’s Representative Donna Grayer as well as MNO staff members October and Steve Fostey.
The luncheon was held at the Ojibway Nature Centre which featured informative and interesting displays on the ecology of the Ojibway Prairie Complex. A live exhibit area with an Eastern Foxsnake and an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is always a crowd favourite. A wall of windows provides a breathtaking view of the forest. Brochures on the birds, mammals, herps, butterflies, trees and wildflowers of the Ojibway as well as trail guides, maps and other informative handouts were available.
Pull apart cake.
The group enjoyed a nature hike, “hunted” for animals, reptiles, insects and birds with their cameras and enjoyed the company of a family of deer.
There were quite a few laughs and a good time was had by all, especially concerning the pull apart cake with the Métis infinity symbol on it.
It was a warm day and perfect way to come together as a MNO council and citizens in order to grow and move ahead together.