We are grateful for this fresh season that gives us renewed energy and

appreciation. This edition will introduce you to several facts about the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council. The MNO is currently working together with the Provincial Government in the sign-ing of a Framework Agreement. The pur-pose is “to promote and facilitate the rec-ognition and advancement of Métis people in Ontario by providing a framework for the parties to work together in order to de-velop, coordinate and implement mutually acceptable measures to: strengthen the re-lationship between Ontario and the MNO; support the MNO’s structure, institutions and administration; improve the well-being of Métis children, families and communi-ties; jointly protect and promote the distinct culture, identity and heritage of the Métis people in Ontario; and recognize and re-spect Métis rights as a means of achieving reconciliation between the Crown and the Métis people.” (This is a ground-breaking agreement, and we suggest you keep up on the progress). The following excerpt was reprinted from the Métis Nation of Ontario Annual Report, 2007/2008. “Although a recent census showed that Métis people represent 34% of the overall

OUTPOST NEWSAen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtishiyawk - Remembering Our Culture

Aboriginal population in Canada, only a small percentage of government funding currently goes to the Métis. Furthermore the Métis do not receive any funds from the federal Indian and Inuit Affairs Branch.” The MNO receives some funding for programs, such as AHWS, Long Term Care, Healthy Babies, Training Initiatives, etc. The Owen Sound area is fortunate to have an Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy Program. If you wonder what this program can do for our community, or for upcoming workshops, drop in to the office and speak to Kurv, the co-ordinator of the program, or call him at 519-370-0435. The Training Initiatives Program has been accessible to several local youth in pursuing post secondary education. There are funds available for retraining courses at various colleges and universities, and spe-cific money is available for health related careers. The citizens who serve on the local Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council are volunteers, who declare their heritage and wish to bring about a better understanding of the Métis history in the settling of this area. Councillors sit on committees and groups on their own time, at their own expense. For this time and effort they gain educa-tion and understanding in many areas that would otherwise be unfamiliar to them,

also confirming their visibility in the com-munity. Council is fully supported in their undertakings by the Métis Nation of On-tario , and we thank them for their faith in their chartered councils. Your local council is actively involved in numerous activities in the area that you may not be aware of. Councillors sit on an-ti-racism committees. They participate in the aboriginal events at Georgian College. Councillors sit on the Aboriginal Educa-tion Strategy committee with local school board. We speak to local groups on the history of the Métis in the Georgian Bay area. Councillors prepare and share harvest foodstuffs to citizens. Members attend the annual Memorial Day Service and lay a wreath in honour of the Métis war veterans and participate in Education workshops. Councillors publish the Outpost News and send it to you all. Your Council members wish to be avail-able to assist the community. We hope you will become involved in programs and workshops. This makes us a visible and viable community to the MNO, and keeps our charter healthy. It is an honour to be part of the Métis Nation of Ontario . Let us show our pride in our heritage.

SPRING 2009

Greetings and Happy Spring!

On Feb. 26th Grey-Owen Sound Métis President Malcolm Dixon joined other

concerned Métis in a Consultation Protocol Information meeting in Penetanguishene. President Gary Lipinski updated items of in-terest in the changing structure of the MNO. A new Intake Officer, Hubert Charlebois, of Midland (hcharlebois@hotmail.com. Phone 1-705-526-6335.) has been hired to assist those seeking genealogical proof of descendency for citizen’s or harvester’s card. It was confirmed that the Training Initiatives program will resume for 2 more years. Other health programs will be renewed for 1 year. The MNO/MNR agreement is still being respected. A future dia-logue with the MNR is scheduled. A Research Chair in Métis studies will be hosted by the University of Ottawa, to give educators a true picture of the Métis history and the contribution made by the Métis people in Canada’s development.

By Senator Leora Wilson

Protocol Info Meeting

Metis Picnic ‘08: From The Outside

Looking InSUBMITTED BY BARB O’HALLORAN

I was invited to the Métis Picnic in June of ‘08, and not sure what to expect, it

being my first one. Growing up, we were shown the ste-reo-typical images of natives on TV, or in movies. That of them fighting with cow-boys, shooting arrows and plenty of paint-ed faces. Just as growing up in an Italian household, I was being typecast in only one light, too. That of the Mafia, gangsters and hoodlums. I know differently, however. I know the Italians as a warm inviting culture. Willing to share our traditions and passions from ‘the old country’, and yet Canadianizing them with what we have learned here. After attending the Métis Picnic I can see the same can be said of the Métis com-munity. However, your culture has been in this bountiful country much longer, mak-ing you the teacher and we the students. I learned of the pride in your heritage, rever-ence in your long standing traditions and arms opened in acceptance, with a ready smile that speaks volumes of knowledge. There is something to be said of our differences, yet we are so similar. Differ-ent perhaps in our traditions, but similar in earnestness and passion to keep it alive in coming generations. I am happy to have been witness to a long standing tradition of faith, pride and a firm dedication to passing same along to your descendents.

Well put! Thanks Barb! ~Ed.

2008 Metis Christmas GatheringPhotos contributed by Heather Hillyer

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Grateful to be a part of AHWS

I recently started working as a Commu-nity Wellness coordinator, therefore I’m

new to this program. However, I would just like to take a minute to describe how I feel about it. I truly believe that the Aboriginal Heal-ing and Wellness Strategy is one of the most unique programs that exist anywhere in the world. I have not heard of any other countries offering such a program, includ-ing our neighbor to the south. This is why I’m so grateful and privileged to be a

part of this. I believe that AHWS is just an amazing opportunity for all Aboriginal people in Canada to take part in. It is won-derful to have such a program available and to be funded by the government; especially with the focus being on health and wellness from a holistic perspective. This is exactly the opportunity that is needed by the Ab-original people of this country in order for them to move forward and meet the stan-dard of health care that is right for every-one. I sincerely hope that more and more Aboriginal people will take part in and become more and more aware of the sig-

nificance of this great program. It is only through such participation that the AHWS program can continue to flourish and be around for years to come. Once again, I am truly grateful to be associated with AHWS and would like to thank the Metis Nation of Ontario for giving me this opportunity. I encourage all citizens from Grey-Bruce to take part in our program. It is about all of our Health and Well-being.

~Kuruvilla Makkappalilkuruvillam@metisnation.org

519-370-0435

I graduated in June, 2008 with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and am currently

practicing at the Grey Bruce Pet Hospital in Owen Sound. During my final year of my undergraduate degree (Honours Bachelor of Science), I received financial assistance through a program set up by the MNO to assist students in their final year. The MNO paid for my university tuition and books. I was also fortunate enough to receive further tuition and living expense sup-port from the MNO, during my final semester of veterinary studies. These generous contributions to the continuation of my education at those critical times gave me the opportunity to focus on my studies and gave me a chance to follow my dream.

MNOTITestimonial:Melissa Boyle,Ontario Veterinary CollegeUniversity Of Guelph,Graduated June 2008.

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Student Funding Hits Bottleneck In a communique received by the Outpost

News, MNO funding from the MNO Training Initiatives is once more bottle-necked at the provincial level. “Latest news is that the program will re-commence, however we are not prepared to make any promises or announcements un-til funding has been secured and received so we can in turn provide to our students.” says MNO rep Loma Rowlinson. “We are hoping to make an announcement later in the spring for this fall but I cannot make any guarantees at this time.” For updates on the situation, check the MNO website regularly at www.metisna-tion.org

Local Athletes Com-pete Far & Wide

Kim and Doug Waring’s daughters traveled far and wide February as a

result of their sports enthusiasm. Congratulations to Becky, a student at Hillcrest School in Owen Sound, who was selected for all-around sports leader-ship spent a week on an exchange in Cal-gary, Alberta. While there, she enjoyed snowboarding on the Calgary hills. Samantha, a student at West Hill Sec-ondary School in Owen Sound spent the same week at Disney World, competing as captain of the girl’s soccer team. Sa-mantha is also captain of the Tara Ringette Club. Becky & Samantha are granddaughters of Tony & Jan Couture of our community.

OHL Star Connect-ed To CommunityThe Couture family connection was

out in force at the Owen Sound At-tack - Ottawa 67s game at the Harry Lum-ley Bayshore Community Centre on Feb-ruary 15th. The game star, with 2 goals, including the shoot-out winner, was Ottawa captain Logan Couture, grandson of Sharon and the late Bob Couture, son of Chet and Lori Couture. Congratulations Logan!

Coming Events Calendarvisiting. Bring your potluck meal, lawn chairs and small prizes for draws. As-sistance will be greatly appreciated.

Free Foot Care Workshop: Mon-day, March 16th, from 12 noon -

3:00 pm. at Metis/AWHS Office, 380-9th St. E., Owen Sound. Dr. Arsenault (chiropodist) will instruct. We will have a diabetes kit available. Lunch provided. Contact: Leora at leoraw@everus.ca, or telephone at 519-986-2746, or Kurv at kuruvillam@metis-nation.org, or 519-370-0435.

Yard Sale: May 23rd, 2009 9:00AM – 2:00PM. Métis/AHWS

Office, 380-9th St East, Owen Sound. Good used items, crafts, baking, etc. Donations may be dropped off at the office. Sales staff and hands on sup-port required. Proceeds to go to site maintenance.

Aboriginal Day Annual Picnic: June 28th 1:00PM-4:00PM

Harrison Park Community CentreGrand Entry, Potluck lunch, Music, Games, Prizes and Draws, Family

Composer Graeme Warder Anderson

On Sunday February 15, 2009 the prin-cipals of the Georgian Bay Symphony

Orchestra played an original composition by Graeme Warder Anderson, son of Rod and Val Anderson of this community. His composition was part of a concert “Tales from the Forefathers” which included two First Nations stories set to music by GBSO composer-in-residence Richard Mascall. Graeme’s composition, entitled “Lost and Nameless”, was a short piece for string quartet. This piece was also a first place win-ner in the Kiwanis Music Festival in 2008 and was originally debuted in Canada by Eros a Detroit Michigan based string quar-tet. Graeme is planning on studying music composition at Laurier University this fall and continues to compose new works for orchestra as well as honing his singer/song-writer skills. More of Graemes work, in-cluding “Lost and Nameless” can be found at http://www.myspace.com/graemewa.

Page 4

I attended the Ontario Power Authority meeting on January 25th 2009 in Ot-

tawa with Métis citizens and Regional Councillors. The Métis voice was well represented and I trust that the OPA rep-resentatives heard the message loud and clear! The Métis People no longer want the consultation to be attached with the First Nation, but to have more Métis specific identity, so we can take care of our youth, offer more economic opportunities and more education, more health care systems, etc. The Métis of MNO are looking for fair and equitable participation, as well. At the Economic Development Stimu-lus conference in Winnipeg on January 13 and 14th 2009, it was again conveyed that we do not wish to be lumped into the same pot of money as First Nation, as Métis al-ways end up losing out. We are attempting to build a Métis Specific Directory of En-trepreneurs no matter how small or how big the businesses are for our directory. If you could provide me with the names of various Métis businesses then I will make sure that these names be sent to the proper people at MNO to be added to the direc-tory. The Duty to Consult process is well on its way and the new department under Bob Waldon is busy, with the Hydro One Milton to Bruce Line, Bruce Nuclear and other projects. Being the first to undergo

this process we are experiencing many things that do not work so well and oth-ers that work extremely well. As your re-gional Councillor, I am happy to discuss some of the issues or concerns and be the liaison person to bring these items up at the PCMNO meeting, or with that new department. At the PCMNO meeting the Strate-gic Plan was reviewed and they are still working hard on having it come together. The economic development portion still needs some developing, then back to the PCMNO for revision, before being pre-sented at this years AGA. The AGA for 2009 will be the week-end of August 23, 24, 25 & 26 2009 and the location is yet to be determined. The committee is looking for a place where the meetings can be held indoors and the cultural activities outdoor. Some people will stay in hotels and others camp as they see fit. I will keep you posted. The PCMNO are meeting again on March 25 & 26 2009 in Toronto , so for-ward any concerns or information that you may have for me to present to them in my regional report. I wish each and everyone of you a Be-lated Happy New Year and hope to see you soon.

Region 7 PCMNO CouncillorPauline Saulnier

p-saulnier44@hotmail.com

Region 7 Council Report

Are You Able To Help With The 2009 Métis

Summer Picnic? SUPPORT NEEDED IN THE

FOLLOWING AREAS: *Directors, assistants for the Metis Games. * B.B.Q. & Chefs. *Kitchen Staff. *Support at the sign-in table. *Collaborators for children’s activities.

LEORA: 519-986-2746,JEFF: 519-923-9160,

or any GOSMC council member.

OUTPOST NEWSNext Publishing Deadline is MAY 31, 2009

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

Editor: Jeff Wilson (jeffw@bmts.com)519-923-9160

GREY-OWEN SOUND MÉTIS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

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 SOUND MÉTIS COUNCIL

President: MALCOLM DIXONVice Pres: JEFF WILSONTreasurer/Councillor: BEN INDOECaptain Of The Hunt/Councillor: PETER COTURECouncillors: TONY COUTURE PETER GENDRONSenator: LEORA WILSON

GREY-OWEN SOUNDMÉTIS COUNCIL

is a chartered member ofTHE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO

Nicki Jones, age 15, daughter of Suzette and Ted Jones,

started gymnastics at the age of 4, and continued until she was 14. During her training, she re-ceived 1st overall in an Owen Sound Competition at Satellite’s

Gymnastics. She has competed in three out of town competi-tions which included Brampton, Bramalea and East York. Over all she has been to 6 competi-tions. She has resigned from training and is now a coach in training. Nicki will receive her Level 1 certificate next month. She attends West Hill Secondary School in her 4th semester. She would like to continue her educa-tion in the veterinary field.

YouthProfile:NICKI JONES