Subjects: MAV, NTA, FVT

/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Ontario Métis Gather in Kenora for an Assembly Focussed on Métis Culture and Rights/

KENORA, ON, Aug. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - From August 19th to 21st, 2017, over 400 Métis leaders and citizens from across Ontario will participate in the 24^th Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assembly (AGA) being held at the Kenora Recreation Centre. Established in 1993, the MNO is the democratically elected govermment of its citizens and Métis communities from across Ontario. It represents over 21,000 MNO citizens across the province and includes 29 Chartered Community Councils. 

A complete agenda is enclosed with this media advisory but highlights will include:

• Starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, August 26^th, an event will be held to welcome delegates to the AGA at Anicinabe Park. The event will include the arrival of dignitaries in ceremonial Métis canoes including the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and the Honourable David Zimmer, provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
• The event Friday night will also feature the conclusion of the MNO Canoe Expedition. The Expedition consists of Métis youth?from across all of Ontario?who went on a 2,200 kilometer trek following the historic fur trade routes of their Métis ancestors.
• Métis dignitaries as well as Ministers Bennett and Zimmer will provide opening comments to all delegates Saturday morning followed by the State of the Nation address that provides a year-in-review of the MNO's over the last year.
• On Sunday morning noted Métis lawyer Jason Madden will provide an update on Métis rights developments in Ontario and across the Métis Nation, including recent court cases, the launch of the Ontario Métis Root Ancestors Project and the MNO's ongoing discussions with Canada on Métis rights, claims and self-government.
• Métis cultural activities and workshops are being held the afternoon of Sunday, August 20 in Anicinabe Park.
• An important MNO-Ontario announcement on advancing reconciliation with Ontario Métis will be made on Monday.

Media are welcome at various parts of the AGA and spokespeople from the MNO are available for interviews.

 

SOURCE Métis Nation of Ontario

News published on 19 august 2017 at 06:00 and distributed by: