OUTPOST NEWSAen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtishiyawk - Remembering Our Culture

AUTUMN 2009

Happy Autumn! By Senator Leora Wilson

We, as citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario, are voyageurs in the

21st century, facing new challenges, break-ing new ground and forging new unions. Ride the rapids! Feel the excitement! You will have heard that the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Community is expanding by amalgamating with the Saugeen Community. We welcome new members to our citizenry, and pray that we can fill your needs with ex-panded services in the present office structure. We are indeed fortunate to have hired an of-fice coordinator to take charge of our gathering place. We welcome Melanie Hamilton, who will be the person you meet on the telephone or at the office if you visit in person. Melanie is no stranger to many of you, having been involved in the Métis community at a very young age. Call her at 519-370-0435. (We no-tice the office # is not listed in the phone book, so keep this number for future reference.) A local election in December will bring new faces to our council table. All posi-tions are available for nomination. We en-courage your participation in the organi-zational component of this community. You will have received a letter telling you about the amalgamation and the elec-tion, our new boundaries, as well as a nomi-nation form, so that you may nominate someone (or yourself) for a position with-in the Executive structure of the GOSMC.

We appreciate those volunteers who have served the past 2 years, and thank them for their time and participation in vital com-munity social, business and cultural events. In keeping with the expanded boundaries, our name will also be undergoing a change to reflect the changes. We anticipate sug-gestions for a new community name, and a logo. We are offering a contest with a prize of $50 to the winning name and logo. If you are self employed and have a busi-ness of your own, you are asked to register it for future reference by calling Ray Racicot, our Protocol Committee rep at 519-363-3663. Métis specific companies are being sought to provide aboriginal presence in the workforce. There are many educational stimuli available for youth, education in health care, apprentice-ships, re-entering the workplace, returning to school, those needing to travel a distance to work, those with disabilities, etc. The MNO website keeps you posted on educational opportunities. Please feel free to ask for assistance if you need anything. Your privacy will be respected. We will direct you if we do not have the need-ed assistance available within our structure. We are here to serve the Métis commu-nity and we welcome any and all inquiries.Wishing the Métis Community a happy autumn, we pray that your larder be filled from the plen-tiful harvest that Creator has provided for us all.

~Senator Leora

Another Successful Summer Picnic

The Harrison Park Community Centre buzzed with activity on June 28th, 2009, as the GOS-

MC held their annual Aboriginal Day Picnic.In advance to the picnic, President Dixon held a bannock workshop. The bannock was served at the picnic, along with bison stew, venison stew, rice dishes, baked beans, many salads and desserts provided by community members. The day of the picnic began with a downpour, but by the time we were set up, the rain had let up.People arrived in everything from campers to mo-torcycles to mini scooters. We had seniors in their 90’s, babies under1 year, and many ages between.Guests traveled from New Jersey, USA, St. Catharines, London, Toronto, Mid-land, to join their friends and families.We marched to the hall in our grand entry with flags (Canada, Métis & Union Jack) flying proudly, joined by several invited dignitaries.President Dixon performed a smudge and Senator Wilson delivered prayer.Senator St Germain took a dish of tradi-tional foods to our ancestors at our his-toric Métis community, now Hibou Park.The RCB Band and Rudy and Jean Couture Band performed during the afternoon. We are fortu-nate to have these musicians among our citizens. Our resident jigger began jigging les-sons outside, and gave basic instructions, avoiding the puddles, instilling hope that one day we will have a jigging group who will go further and become more adept. Many thanks to the youth (boys and girls) who sold draw tickets for the numer-ous prizes contributed by the community, and competently manned the sign in table. Our thanks, also, to the kitchen help-ers, who worked to make feast run smoothly. We thank Heritage Canada for their generous contribution, to the youth, and to the community who participated.

~Senator Leora Wilson

Tenders Welcome From Métis Businesses

Hydro ONE has requested a list of Métis businesses, Some examples may be Tree har-vesters/cutters, gravel and trucking businesses etc. If you know of any businesses in the Owen Sound Area please send them to Ray Racicot, knowledge@distributel.com, or call Alden Barty, Consultation Assessment Coordinator, Lands, Resources and Consultation, MNOPhone: 705-526-6335; Fax: 705-526-7537

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September’s Maandigeh (‘The Gathering’) A SuccessBY LINDA BOYLE

The Restoring The Circle Com-mittee was formed in May 2008

in response to the national Truth and Reconciliation process and the call for communities to provide events. This gathering was planned by that commit-tee and was held in Owen Sound at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on September 28, 29, 30, 2009. On Monday there was a look to the past, the history of people, of culture and a keynote address by Susie Jones on the impact of residential schools. Evening entertainment was provided by Murky Waters, a group of singers from Cape Croker. Tuesday was about the present – a time to tell, listen and learn. There was a sunrise ceremony at the sacred fire,

an elder and residential school survivor from Cape Croker shared his story, an Ancestor Ceremony by Diane Long-boat, a presentation on Native Health by Jane McFadden and several work-shop choices. Evening entertainment was by a theatre group of young ab-original actors. Wednesday was about the future and where do we go from here? This included both large and small group events. There was a closing ceremony where all participants at the gathering joined hands in one large circle. The impact of residential schools on our communities and individuals and the loss of aboriginal family, culture and identify and how it effects all of us were shared at this gathering.

Grey Owen Sound & Saugeen Métis Amalgamate

Hank Rowlinson represent-ed the MNO at a general as-

sembly of affiliated area Métis in Owen Sound on October 7th. The key proposal was to amalgamate the former Saugeen charter with Grey Owen Sound, so the territory could seamlessly sustain MNO representation. The proposal received unanimous support and a new charter will be drawn up and signed. The amalgamated re-gion will adopt a new name following the community election on December 6th, in which Saugeen citizens are wel-come and encouraged to participate.

AGA 2009Report(BY SENATOR LEORA WILSON)

At the 2009 AGA, held in Sudbury, GOSMC was well represented

by President Malcolm Dixon, Sena-tor Leora Wilson, Senator Roland St Germain, Consultation Protocol liaison Ray Racicot, Youth rep Bekki Wilson, and AHWS coordinator Kurv Makkap-palil. The MNO’s 5 Year Strategic Plan sets out guidelines to build a stronger nation and is available to read at the GOSMC office. The Framework agreement between the Ontario Government and the MNO is “to promote and facilitate the recog-nition and advancement of Métis peo-ple in Ontario”. Education: A Research Chair in Métis Studies was appointed at the Univer-sity of Ottawa to “develop the research community at the University, through-out the province, across Canada and beyond.” A Memorandum of Understanding, signed with Confederation College at Thunder Bay in partnership with On-tario Power Authority sponsors a Mé-tis Housing Energy Conservation Pilot Project. Harvest: There are no court cases on the docket at this time in Ontario. If you did not receive your harvester’s card, there are reasons. During the Powley Case, a cap was put on the numbers receiving a card each year. A search of credibility, with genealogical proof of descendency from a past Métis Community is strict-ly observed, using an independent re-searcher hired by MNO. Working on raising the cap takes time and much negotiation. Health: MNO’s AHWS is initiating a new diagnostic program to be”on the road” this fall. Designed to help Métis struggling with diabetes, it also details many other health problems. We will inform you when the Electro Interstitial Scan is available to our community. Jobs and Careers: At this time, there are wage subsidy programs, retraining pro-grams, employment support programs, apprenticeship support, self-employ-ment help, job creation partnerships,

New Protocol Rep For GOSMCouncillor Ray Racicot is doing our

community proud as our GOSM protocol rep for MNO Georgian Bay Region and is heavily involved in local ‘Duty To Consult’ issues. It is hoped that as a result of the hard work of Ray and colleagues, the community at large will develop better awareness of our people and our place in the history of this area.

Green Open House A Success

Ray and Lisa Racicot of Desboro district held a very successful

open house on August 1st. On behalf of the GOSM, we thank the Racicots for showing how a modern family can live ‘green’ and in relative comfort off the power grid, through wind and solar energy.

“Name TheCommunity”

Contest

$50.00 GRAND PRIZE?CREATE OUR NEW NAME & LOGO!

What would YOU do with our

Enter the Saugeen/Grey Owen

Sound Métis

Drop off your hardcopy entry to 390 - 9th Street E. Owen Sound, or email in JPEG/BMP format to

MELANIE HAMILTON: osareametis council@live.ca

(continued on pg 3)

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Métis youth programs, bursaries, mo-bility and disability programs, culture based economic development, training strategy, summer career placements for students. Check MNO‘s website. The AGA combined business with music, games, feasts, and good times shared with friends.

GOSM Council Questionnaire Ongoing Results as of Spring 2009Are you concerned about climate change?Yes 90%No 0%Unsure 10%

With the down turn in the economy are you feeling any effects?Yes 50%No 40%Unsure 10% Are you concerned about the hydro trans-mission corridor?Yes 70%No 20%Unsure 10%

Do you have a housing issue?Yes 20%No 70%Unsure 10% Are you concerned about burying of nuclear waste?Yes 70%No 30%Unsure 0%

Are you suffering job loss at this time?Yes 0%No 100%Unsure 0% Are you concerned about wind farms? Yes 60% No 40%Unsure 0%

Would you like to see a shift toward a more sustainable economic model?Yes 100%No 0%Unsure 0%

Flags Flying

The United Way Building was re-cently adorned with three flags,

hung by the Grey-Owen Sound Mé-tis Council. President Malcolm Dixon and Councillor Tony Couture are shown with the flag of Canada, the Métis flag and the United Way flag.

AGA (continued from pg 2)

Are you concerned about gravel pits?Yes 60%No 20%Unsure 20%

Do you want less government in your life?Yes 80%No 10%Unsure 10% Are you aware of the content of Bill C-51?Yes 40%No 40%Unsure 10%

Do you support trading/bartering of goods?Yes 90%No 0%Unsure 10% Are you aware of Dumpsite 41?Yes 60% No 40%Unsure 0%

Are you concerned about deeper integration with the US ?Yes 70%No 10%Unsure 20% Are you concerned about shipping waste to outlying sites?Yes 80% No 10%Unsure 10% Would you like to see more nuclear plants?Yes 0% No 90% Unsure 10% Would you like to see more renewable en-ergy? Yes 90%No 0% Unsure 10% Is it important for you to remain on the power “grid”?Yes 50% No 30%Unsure 10% Are you concerned about bulk water export? Yes 100% No 0% Unsure 0% Are you aware of GMOs (Genetically Modi-fied Organisms)?Yes 40%No 30%Unsure 30%

Data is being collected to help Council represent your concerns as they relate to the Duty to Consult. We are here to represent your concerns. If you have any concerns about any proj-ects going on within the Georgian Bay Traditional Harvesting Area please contact Ray Racicot: 519-363-3663; (email: knowledge@distributel.net), or any mem-ber of council.

Coming Events CalendarOffice. 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound (downstairs).

Christmas Cheer- Dec. 4th, 1-4:30 pm, Midland Métis Office at 355 Cr-

anston Crescent, Midland. Tel: 705-527-1228, or 705-526-6335 for info.

LOCAL ELECTION of Executive Council. Sunday, Dec. 13th, 2009

from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Polling station is Grey-Owen Sound Métis Office. 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound (downstairs).

Nutritional Lunch (Soup) Dec. 16th at 11:00 am. Grey-Owen Sound Mé-

tis Office. 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound (downstairs).

Weekly Workout Sessions. Every Thursday at 10:00am. Grey-Owen

Sound Métis Office. 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound (downstairs).

Canning Workshop Bean Salad & Friendship Bread. Nov. 25th at

12:00noon. Grey-Owen Sound Métis Office. 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound (downstairs).

CHRISTMAS General Meeting & Pot-luck Gathering. Sunday, Nov. 29th,

2009, 1:00pm. Grey-Owen Sound Métis Office. 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound (downstairs).

Beadwork Workshop. Dec. 1st at 10:00am. Grey-Owen Sound Métis

Page 4

Region 7 Councillor ReportOUTPOST NEWSNext Publishing Deadline is FEB. 27, 2010

Publisher: Leora Wilson (leoraw@everus.ca)519-986-2746

Editor: Jeff Wilson (jeffwiI@rocketmail.com)1-705-446-2535

Online Archive: http://issuu.com/toonguy85

GREY-OWEN SOUND MÉTIS COMMUNITY

COUNCILCo-ordinator: MELANIE HAMILTONemail: osareametiscouncil@live.ca

ABORIGINAL HEALING AND WELLNESS OFFICE

380—9th St. E., Owen Sound, ON. N4K 1P1. 519-370-0435

Co-ordinator Kuruvilla MakkappalilEmail: kuruvillam@metisnation.org

GREY-OWEN SOUNDMÉTIS COUNCIL

is a chartered member ofTHE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO

www.metisnation.org

Thanksgiving is over and I truly hope that we all took the time to enjoy our

families and friends. We are truly blessed to have clean water to drink, seeing the leaves change colour, making such a picturesque background, and breathing the brisk fresh fall air without fear of toxins and other harmful contaminants. The Métis Nation of Ontario has been busy building the new Department of Land and Resources. More staff has been hired to deal with capacity issues and to help overworked volunteers from the Georgian Bay Traditional Consultation commit-tee set up facts and information-finding meetings to let components, government and private industry know that the Métis citizens of this region do have a right to be consulted and that the Métis Way of Life should never be impacted without our knowledge or without consultation. Our region is an active one. We have already had consultation with compo-nents such as Hydro One, Port Elgin Nuclear facility, AIMs, Oak Bay , OPA, Ministry of Northern Development and Mine on Forest Tenure. We have many more components that require consulta-tion. This region is taking these things seriously and we are all reading docu-ments to assure our Rights are upheld in the best interest of all our citizens. Despite a huge win in the fight against Dumpsite 41, which threatens to con-taminate our region’s drinking water, we continue to struggle to make com-ponents (such as Simcoe County) real-ize that Métis people do have the right to consultation and that it is the Crown’s responsibility to ensure that this is done. Dumpsite 41 has been stopped for the time being, but until the certificate is no longer valid, this remains a threat to us. The MNO has been requested to give more information about who we are, what we know about our way of life and just how we want to be reflected in our region. A call was put out to Métis citi-zens to assist in an Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and Environment Study within the Georgian Bay Traditional Ter-ritories. These studies will be beneficial to learning more about what kind of ho-listic and medicinal plants and animals the Métis use for their own well being. With the help of the New Relation-ship fund, as your regional councilor, I took the month of March 2009, to meet

with all the council members from all 4 community councils, Grey Owen Sound Métis Council, Moon River Métis Council, Georgian Bay Métis council and Northumberland Métis Council. The common thread linking most of our councils is seeking a build-ing to call home, where they can know it is truly their own. We are searching for more tools, such as better educa-tion, incentives for youth to become more involved and health programs embellishing the existing programs. Minister Brad Duguid attended the 5th Annual Rendezvous in Lafontaine, and was impressed by the talented citizens displaying their goods at the Rendezvous Market. The whole event, the sunny weather, the presence of tal-ented Métis vendors and the fabulous fish fry made this year’s Rendezvous another success. I take this opportunity to recognize the hard work of the Ren-dezvous committee who have donated time, ideas and their own selves to en-sure that this year’s event is as success-ful as those in the past. Thank you Lou-ise Goulding, Scott Carpenter, Joanne Parent, Bill Lacroix, Tracy Bald, Vic-tor Brunelle, Rachelle Brunelle, Sena-tor Audrey Vallee, Tera Lynn Copegog, Ruth Quesnelle and the many volun-teers who offer their help each year. This would not be possible without you. We also signed a Memo of Un-derstanding between the Métis Na-tion of Ontario and Georgian Col-lege. The relationship can only be a positive one for all involved. The implementation of many various departments, the Métis Nation of Ontar-io and many community council mem-bers are being kept real busy. Please take the time to look at the website www.metisnation.org to keep you updated. On November 13, 14 and 15 2009, there will be more consultation from the Nuclear with many of the Mé-tis Nation of Ontario citizens for a second session, including myself. Since this may be the last chance I have to update you, I hope to see many of you in Toronto at the Louis Riel Celebration on November 16th 2009 at Queens Park in Toronto. ~Pauline Saulnier Region 7 PCMNO councillor.

Please join us in welcom-

ing Melanie. She comes to us with a diplo-ma in Business Administration, and course cred-its in Digital Photography and Leadership. Her past work experience, includes Ministry of Natural Resources Junior Ranger, Grey Sauble Conservation Au-thority Stewardship Ranger, Parks Cana-da Registration, Owen Sound Mazda and Hyundai (Jr. Bookkeeper), Pye Brothers Fuels Lubricant Division & Bulk Fuel Reconciliation and Walmart Over-the-Counter Technician.

New GOSMC Office Coordinator Melanie Hamilton