Doris Evans (fifth from the left) with other members of the MNO North Bay Métis Council
during the Louis Riel Day flag raising ceremony
Member of Parliament Malcolm Allen presents Stephen Quesnelle (left) with a
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
Derrick Pont (left) receives Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
Three members of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) chartered Community Councils were recognized recently for their contributions to their community councils and to the Métis Nation. These were both outgoing Niagara Region Métis Council President Stephen Quesnelle, incoming President Derrick Pont as well as Doris Evans, the Secretary-Treasurer of the MNO North Bay Métis Council.
Doris Evans received a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from Nipissing Member of the Provincial Parliament Vic Fedeli.
Doris is the Secretary-Treasurer of the MNO North Bay Métis Council and a local Métis Elder. She was nominated for her work to forge ties between local Métis and area communities, and her active promotion of Métis culture and heritage.
She was surprised with the medal presentation at the Métis flag-raising at North Bay City Hall marking Louis Riel Day.
“Since relocating to North Bay 15 years ago after a lifelong career serving others in nursing, Doris has truly made a difference in many lives here,” said Fedeli, “it’s wonderful that Doris was nominated for this recognition by the community.”
Stephen Quesnelle was presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by Malcolm Allen, the Member of Parliament for Welland, at a ceremony held at the Welland Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Stephen was one of 30 recipients from the area and the ceremony was attended by over 200 people.
The medal recognizes his over 13 years of volunteer work promoting Métis culture and serving in various capacities on the MNO Niagara Region Métis Council and its predecessor the MNO Welland Métis Council. As President of the MNO Niagara Region Métis Council between 2010 and 2012, Stephen raised the profile of the Métis community in the district through Louis Riel Day flag raising events in several Niagara Region cities, participation in Canada Day event, Remembrance Day ceremonies and local parades. He formed a very successful partnership with the Welland Historical Museum and served on Aboriginal Housing and Education committees.
Stephen has actively and enthusiastically represented the MNO Niagara Region Métis Council at school and college presentations. He also recently spoke at the Ontario Museum Association Annual Conference and initiated discussions with Niagara College that led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the College and the MNO.
Derrick Pont was presented with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal by Niagara West Member of the Provincial Parliament Dean Allison on November 13. He was recognized for his over 25 years of volunteering, which began with a long and successful association with the Scouting movement.
Derrick joined the MNO Niagara Region Métis Council in 2008 and prior to being elected President this year, served as Chair and as a member of the Consultation. He is passionate about Métis education and has presented to many schools in the Niagara region, teaching students and teachers about Métis history, culture and way-of-life. He believes it is very important to educate the public on the misconceptions about Métis people and his dedication to Métis rights has enlightened and inspired many.
Doris, Stephen and Derrick are all worthy recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and their dedication and service make them excellent role models for Métis youth.