Dear MNO Citizens,
The Métis Nation of Ontario held its 31st Annual General Assembly in Penetanguishene this past August, we reflected on a year filled with challenges and triumphs. The AGA was a powerful reminder of our strength and resilience, as it brought together Métis citizens, leaders, and allies to celebrate our heritage, acknowledge our progress, and discuss our path forward.
At the AGA, we welcomed new leadership with the election of four Senators to the PCMNO and celebrated outstanding dedication as Kim Powley was named Volunteer of the Year. The work began even before the traditional delegates’ canoe reached the shores of Penetang Harbour. The MNO Women’s Council held their Annual General Meeting, the MNO Youth Council hosted a successful Youth Leadership Conference, and our Métis Veterans, Two-Spirit Interim Council, and Captains of the Hunt gathered to review the past year and plan for the year ahead.
We also celebrated the ongoing work of the MNO branches, which have the most dedicated staff working to provide programs and services to Métis families and communities across our province.
We are incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made this year in preserving and revitalizing the rich history of Métis communities in Ontario. From launching the Ontario Métis Facts website to the ongoing work to realize the Powley Institute, we are taking significant steps to educate and inspire future generations. Together, we celebrated our collective achievements in advancing Métis rights and the Métis Nation.
As we look ahead, two significant days are ahead of us this month: Powley Day on September 19th and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
Powley Day marks the 21st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in R. v. Powley, serving as a reminder of the rights our ancestors fought for and the freedoms we continue to protect. It is a day to reflect on our progress, particularly our Harvesting Agreement with Ontario, which has allowed our people to openly pass down Métis traditions for two decades.
On September 30th we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to recognize and reflect on the legacy of Residential Schools and the intergenerational trauma these institutions inflicted upon survivors, their families and communities. Since its grassroots beginnings in 2013, September 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story. Wearing orange honors survivors and remembers those who did not come home.
We encourage Métis Nation of Ontario citizens and all Canadians to wear orange on this day. It’s a symbol of solidarity with Residential School survivors and their families, and a small way to honour the survivors, reflect on our shared history, and recommit to reconciliation.
In addition, we are proud to highlight the upcoming event Reconciliation Through Art, organized by MNO’s founding President Tony Belcourt. This free, day-long event on September 30, in commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, will take place at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte. The gathering will bring together Indigenous artists, performers, and knowledge keepers from across Ontario to create an unforgettable experience.
As we approach these important days, we will continue the hard work to advance Métis rights in the province and across the Nation. The future is bright for the Métis Nation of Ontario.
Marsii