Statement in Support of the Sault Ste. Marie Community

In the wake of the tragic events that unfolded earlier this week, we, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Margaret Froh, Region 4 Councillor Mitch Case, Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council President Kim Powley and Senator Brenda Powley extend our deepest condolences to the Sault Ste. Marie community on behalf of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council and entire MNO.

The loss of four lives, including three young children, is a devastating and heartbreaking tragedy that has left us all in shock and mourning. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the families and community members affected by this senseless act of violence. There are no words that can fully capture the depth of pain and loss that the entire Sault Ste. Marie community is feeling right now.

During this extremely difficult time, it is imperative that we come together to support one another, offer comfort and seek healing. We commend the strength and resilience of the Sault Ste. Marie community and offer our unwavering support to those affected.

This tragedy underscores the reality that domestic violence continues to have devastating impacts in our communities. The MNO offers resources and supports for Métis community members experiencing violence. If you or someone you know is in danger, please see below for resources available to you and know that you are not alone.

Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano is organizing a candlelight vigil on Friday evening, providing a space for us to stand together in mourning and solidarity. The vigil will take place in the courtyard at the Machine Shop, 83 Huron St., from 6-8 p.m. Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community will be attending in support.

 


SUPPORT LINES

Support is available for people experiencing violence. In an emergency, call 911.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511

Fem’aide Helpline: 1-877-336-2433

Talk4Healing for Indigenous women: 1-855-554-4325

Please find a link to other resources available in Ontario here.


MNO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS SERVICES

24HR Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line:
1-877-767-7572

Let Us Help. The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud to offer a 24HR Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Crisis Line. For culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario (available in English and French) please call: 1-877-767-7572. Once connected services can be delivered in person, over the phone, or by video conference.

For non-urgent matters, referrals to the MHA programs, or for help navigating mental health and addictions services in your community please contact our confidential support services at:

Toll Free Number: 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 7 

Email: MHA@metisnation.org


MNO VICTIMS SERVICES PROGRAM

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud to offer the Victim Services Program which offers culturally relevant victim services within all of its Healing and Wellness programs to address, deter, and end violence against Métis women and children. The MNO operates this Program through funding it receives from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

These services address the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual impacts of victimization. The Program provides culturally grounded supports to prevent, deter, and end violence against Indigenous women, children, youth, older adults, two-spirit folk, and people living with disabilities and help victims heal.

The Program provides direct service throughout the province of Ontario to those who need it. Victim Services Program Staff work with MNO Staff from other branches as well as community based service providers to support those who are the survivors of violence in their home communities and elsewhere.

The Program is offered in MNO communities throughout the province. The Program is currently available in the following Métis communities within Ontario:

Bancroft
Thunder Bay
Barrie
Brantford
Sudbury
Kenora

If you are a victim of violence contact us today to begin your healing journey.

CONTACT: To access the Program’s services or if you’d like to know more information please contact our One MNO Navigators at 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 7 or at contactus@metisnation.org.


MÉTIS FAMILY WELLBEING PROGRAM

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is pleased to offer the Métis Family Wellbeing (MFWB) Program. The Program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and aims to prevent and disrupt the cycle of violence in Métis families though supportive, preventative, and educational activities for children and youth ages 0 – 18 and their families.

The Program is there to provide a variety of family specific programming to help address the needs of Métis families who are working to heal from violence, have children who are in the care of family services, or have youth who are involved in the justice system. Through the Program, MFWB Coordinators work to develop individual and family wellness plans which are specific to the unique needs of each person. From there MFWB Coordinators can facilitate access to peer counselling, provide advocacy and referral services, help clients navigate the system, and help to connect them with traditional knowledge and practices.

These activities are offered in both one on one and group settings. The activities are designed to help divert children and youth away from high risk behaviours. The Program also offers educational gatherings which are open to the community and provided within culturally safe spaces which are developed and provided by the Program.

The Métis Family Wellbeing Program is offered in the following Métis communities across Ontario:

  • Fort Frances
  • Atikokan
  • Dryden
  • Thunder Bay
  • Geraldton
  • Gravenhurst
  • Kitchener
  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • Blind River
  • Sudbury
  • Timmins
  • North Bay
  • Haileybury
  • Chapleau
  • Cochrane
  • Midland
  • Mattawa
  • Ottawa
  • Northbrook
  • Peterborough
  • Kenora
  • Owen Sound
  • Windsor
  • Toronto
  • Oshawa
  • Thorold
  • Brantford
  • Brampton

CONTACT: To access the Program’s services or if you’d like to know more information please contact the MNO’s Manager of Program Development Jason Jamieson at jasonj@metisnation.org or by phone at 705-474-2767 Ext. 308.