by Dr. Brian Tucker, MNO Manager of Métis Traditional Knowledge and Land Use
Scenes from the MNO Advanced Traditional Knowledge Training Event
On March 23rd and 24th, Métis youth from across Ontario participated in immersive “Advanced Traditional Knowledge Collection Training” near Thunder Bay. Hosted by the MNO Lands, Resources and Consultations Branch, the session was intended to further train youth in the collection of traditional knowledge.
Working in challenging outdoor conditions, the youth documented and participated in “way of life” activities throughout the day. This training specifically introduced the use of video to document the Métis way of life, and the youth questioned the facilitators and each other as the session unfolded to augment the video record. They also recorded their own thoughts on the Métis way of life by interviewing each other in small groups.
The importance of land use mapping was also discussed. During the day, the youth worked in teams to build fires, experienced spring ice conditions, and observed and took part in cleaning fish. They also experienced a trapping demonstration from a Métis trapper. The session was concluded in the evening as the youth shared their thoughts on the day during a fireside meal of whitefish.