The Metis Nipissing Families Play An Active Role In Our Community
Chili Dinner
On April 30th, the community of St. Charles was invited to join the MNF/FMN for a chili dinner. The place was packed with MNF/FMN members and community members enjoying great food and karaoke music. Many thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this event a resounding success.
Annual General Assembly
This year’s AGA was held in Azilda on September 16th. Although attendance is always less than we hope for, many members were present either in person or virtually. Some important resolutions were adopted and essential discussions helped move the organization forward in the right direction. We offered a great appreciation and miigwetch to the 3 members of the Fire Keepers Council who are moving on, Samuel Hébert, Carole Cloutier, Luc Prevost and we welcome Yvon Prevost (Elder) and Mathieu Simon (Youth Rep) to the council.
Voyageur Canoe
Mike Gauthier donated the 32 foot birch bark voyageur canoe he build in 2007 to his good friend Rick Meilleur, President of the MNF/FMN . With Mike’s approval, Rick has donated the canoe to the Indigenous Centre at Collège Boréal (Centre Louis Riel) who will display it in prominent place. The display will be an powerful tool to share the stories of the voyageurs, the strong relationships they built with First Nations and the continued respect we have for both our European and First Nations ancestors.
Garage Sale
Not-for-profit organizations like the MNF/FMN are always trying to find funding to make the organization function for our Metis community. Rick Mallette and Viv Roy stepped up and organized a 2 day garage sale in June, with a little help from some friends as well (Rick, Pauline, Diane, Marc and Gaetanne). Many thanks to all of you for offering your space and time to help the MNF/FMN.
Rendez-vous 2023
The MNF/FMN annual Metis Rendez-vous was held on August 19th at Joe Chartrand Park in Noelville again this year. Over 500 people attended this year doubling the amount of people who came out to share the Metis culture. Everyone enjoyed the drumming, guitar, fiddle music along with the exceptional signing talent within our community. Maarsi to the many volunteers who work so hard to make this important annual event such a great success.
Louis Riel Day Proclamation
November 16th, is a day for all Metis to remember the struggles, sacrifices, achievements and life of Louis Riel. On behalf of the MNF/FMN the mayor of Sudbury read a proclamation declaring November 16th, Louis Riel Day . Members of the MNF/FMN Rodney Meilleur, Rick Meilleur and Marc Hébert also entertained a good crowd at Collège Boréal in Sudbury with traditional music and songs. Rick and Rod are always willing to share their talents to keep the Metis musical traditions alive.
Preparing Moose Hide
Making a Deer Hide Rattle
Teachings and Workshops
MNF/FMN members and non members alike shared their knowledge by teaching others how to render bear fat to be used for many different things including traditional medicines, as bug repellant, for cooking, to preserve a hand drum or to keep your tools rust free. Hide preparation was an important skill as a first step before tanning to make leather for clothing. However, raw hide is also be used to make hand drums, grandfather drums, rattles and many other products. The MNF/FMN will be increasing teaching and learning opportunities in the coming year so stay tuned for upcoming workshops.
Rememberance Day
The MNF/FMN are thankful for the sacrifices of all the indigenous men and women in all the wars and conflicts on behalf of our people. From the wars and conflicts after colonization to the world wars and conflicts still taking place to this day. The MNF/FMN were present on both November 8th (Indigenous Veteran’s Day) and November 11th (Memorial Day). We honored our veterans by laying wreaths at the cenotaphs in St. Charles on behalf of the families of all indigenous people, and in Chelmsford on behalf of the MNF/FMN for Laurier Sabourin a veteran of the second world war. Lest we forget.
Rendering Bear Fat
Orange Shirt Day
The Metis Nipissing Families were in Dowling sharing the Metis culture while honoring indigenous children who suffered through residential school. We offer our thanks to the Meilleur family (Rodney, Elizabeth and Rick), Marc Hébert and Gary Mitchalak for taking the time to share our culture at the Onaping Falls Calvalcade of Colours in Dowling on September 23rd.