MNO President Margaret Froh arrives at the MNO AGA with other dignitaries
in a traditional Voyageur canoe.
During the evening of Friday, August 26, an excited crowd met Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Margaret Froh and other MNO leaders as they landed traditional Voyageur canoes at Champlain Park in North Bay. Their arrival kicked off the 23rd MNO Annual General Assembly. President Froh was joined by a number of dignitaries and supporters of the MNO including Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation David Zimmer.
“I think the high energy we can feel here tonight has a lot to do with Métis people feeling that the stars are indeed aligning for the Métis Nation,” stated President Froh. She cited the positive decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in Daniels v Canada in April, as well as the highly favourable recommendations in the recent Isaac Report “A Matter of National and Constitutional Import” as reasons for feelings of great hope and optimism among Métis in Ontario and across the Métis Nation Homeland.
“Both the Ontario and Canadian governments have given us strong indications that they are looking for reconciliation with the Métis on a nation-to-nation basis,” explained President Froh, “and so these are critical times for our Nation as we chart our way forward on a path of self-government. All Métis citizens have a part to play in moving our Nation forward.”
The formal AGA begins Saturday morning and continues Sunday and Monday. During the AGA, MNO citizens will discuss a wide range of issues impacting Métis in Ontario including potential claims, resource matters, harvesting as well as education, health and youth concerns. In addition to a packed business agenda, MNO citizens will also spend time showcasing their rich heritage, tradition and culture. This will include a concert Friday night by Juno-nominated Métis singer/songwriter Amanda Rheaume.
Over 400 MNO citizens and guests will be attending the AGA. “The true strength of our Nation comes from our people and our communities,” stated President Froh. “Our citizens have given so much of themselves over the past year to continue building strong, healthy and thriving Métis communities and we will see the results of all their excellent work here at the AGA,” she added.
For the first time, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens unable to attend the 2016 MNO Annual General Assembly will be able to view the AGA business sessions on-line in real time. To access the web broadcast go to the link below; please note that except during the business meeting there will only be a static image and music when you go to this site.
http://admin.can-stream.com/iframe/producerembed.php?ch=livecdn675