Métis Rights and Self-Government Focus of the 25th MNO AGA
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) launched its 25th Annual General Assembly (AGA) tonight in Peterborough with the arrival of the traditional voyageur canoes on the shores of Beavermead Park.
The MNO leadership, including members of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO), as well as special guests, paddled the canoes and were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of MNO citizens. Among the special guests were Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and Status of Women Minister Maryam Monsef, Director of First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Métis National Council President Clément Chartier, Métis Nation British Columbia President Clara Morin Dal Col and other dignitaries.
Click here to see coverage of the MNO AGA in the Peterborough Examiner.
Click here to see coverage of the MNO AGA by Global News.
The crowd was welcomed to beautiful Peterborough by PCMNO Region 6 Councilor Tom Thompson and the MNO Peterborough and District Wapiti Métis Council, led by President Andy Dufrane. The community council also served soup and bannock to all those in attendance.
More than 400 MNO citizens and guests from across the province will attend this year’s AGA, which will focus on Métis rights and self-government.
“This is a milestone year for the Métis Nation of Ontario and as we look back on our history, we also look forward to the recognition and implementation of Métis rights and self-government,” stated MNO President Margaret Froh. “We have a lot of work ahead of us as we move our priorities forward, but this is an exciting time for the Métis Nation.”
Kicking off an outstanding line-up of entertainers to play this weekend, MNO citizen and award-winning musician Amanda Rheaume and her band took the stage for a full concert that included her song We Aspire, which is based on the MNO Statement of Prime Purpose. Her performance had everyone out of the seats and energized the crowd.
This year’s AGA is full of exciting events to commemorate the milestone 25th anniversary. On top of regularly planned events, including the President’s State of the Nation Address and business sessions, MNO AGA attendees can enjoy social evenings with Métis dancers, music, games, concerts and an evening lake cruise.
The three-day AGA continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday Aug. 17-19.