The Outpost News - Autumn 2007

Aen Kishkishiyak Ka Kee Ishe Pimawtisheyawk—Remembering Our Culture

Volume 2, Issue 3

Tawnshi!

Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council

A Children’s Day Workshop with crafts,

by Senator Leora Wilson scavenger hunt, turtalage, story time, etc. was very well received. Diane and Mal assisted by several volunteers did a great job. here to begin?

During the Amazing Race, a stop at This summer has been a whirl of activity, M’Wikwedong Native Friendship Centre feawith the Grey-Owen Sound Métis Community tured Ralph Cadotte, Métis fiddler, accompaparticipating in so many events in Owen Sound nied by myself on the autoharp, and Diane and farther afield.

Owen on the spoons entertaining the contestIn June another successful Aboriginal Day ants.

Picnic was well attended and provided great fun A float entered into the Homecoming Pafor about 100 of our community. This year we rade completed the busy time. Malcolm received a small grant from the Heritage CanDixon led in constructing a Red River Cart ada Committee. We enjoyed great entertainwith Métis specific trappings, and Clare and ment from our musicians (consisting of music Donna Hillyer floated the tour de force. ranging from (Plans are in the Métis fidworks for a dling to the float in the Blues) and Christmas Pashare a huge rade too).

Aboriginal As Senator, I Day cake was honoured with the atto attend the tendees. Our annual AGA at youth were Thunder Bay, active, demrepresenting the onstrating Grey-Owen their many Sound Métis talents. A deCouncil. The licious potSenator’s Foluck dinner rum was a 2 day Picnic Scene: Shown left to right are Peter Gendron, Senator session with 31 was enjoyed Leora Wilson, Acting Owen Sound Mayor Tom Pink, Tony Couture, by all. We of the 33 SenaBruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch and Ernie Coates. were hontors of the Méoured by the tis Nation of presence of various levels of government digni- Ontario attending. The AGA, as always protaries. vided interesting reports to keep the various At the “Hottest Yard Sale” the Grey-Owen representatives informed and current, as well Sound Métis exhibit offered information to the as providing opportunity for entertainment, many visitors who stopped at the display. It was fun and socializing. an enjoyable day, and definitely HOT. August saw Scott Carpenter’s Métis Day During Homecoming Week, thanks to celebration at Discovery Harbour in Penetang.

AHWS Outreach, Diane and representative of It featured displays, activities, music, etc. for the Métis Nation (Malcolm Dixon did the hon- a record crowd. Jane & Rollie St. Germain ours), were invited to attend the planning comhad their tobacco display there, and Rudy and mittee meetings, resulting in a lot of preparation Jean Couture were featured musicians. on their part followed by a busy week.

Continued on page 3

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PETER COTURE President TONY COUTURE Vice President CATHY HANSLER Secretary/Treasurer VACANT POST Women’s Rep PETER GENDRON ERNIE COATES MICHELE MICKEL Councillors LEORA WILSON Senator

Index Lafontaine Miigwich

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Taanshi … cont’d

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Summer Photo Album

4

AHWS Report

5

RIEL pt. III

6

The Stew Pot

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Community Garden

8

October 2007

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V OLU ME 2, ISSUE 3

Rendezvous At Lafontaine Métis from all over Ontario celebrated the bounties of the harvest and hunt at Lafontaine, near Midland. Shown here at the celebration are Senator Roland St. Germain (at left) and Grey Owen Sound Métis President Pete Coture.

Information Night!

Métis Canoe Expedition Summer of 2008 Presented by

SCOTT CARPENTER -Summer Positions for ages 18-29 -Film featuring ‘07 Canoe Trip - Discussing Fur Trade: Local Impact GREY OWEN SOUND METIS GATHERING PLACE 380-9th St. East, Owen Sound November 7th at 7:00PM. All are welcome! Don't miss this special gathering!

Pride In Our Youth Thank You ~ Marcee ~ Miigwech ~ Merci

The exceptional achievements of our young Métis

To Suzanne Muir– VCR, seeds & support.

To Jackie Brown - plants.

UCW - more diapers/baby clothes, prizes for picnic.

To Francesca Dobbyn - “Secret Of The White Buffalo”, Anglais et Francais and support.

To Bruce Power/United Way sleeping bags and blankets.

To Rebecca Smith & M’Wikwedong - Gifts for Garden.

Rebekah Wilson, daughter of To United Way of Bruce Grey Jeff Wilson and granddaughter of food, backpacks, emergency supplies.

Keith and Senator Leora Wilson, is To Susan Shank - financial, plant attending Sheridan College in Oakand resource donations, on-going geville. She is in her first year of the nealogical research & support. two-year print journalism program.

To Larry & Susan Shank for pullLet’s encourage our Métis youth out couch. to achieve great things!

To Malcolm Dixon - for books, plants, seeds and Red River cart.

To Rob Roy - for picnic prizes.

At The Riverside To Jim Charlton - for roto-tilling Thanksgiving Prayer services.

O Creator To Peter McIlwraith - for immeasThis is a time of giving Thanks. urable contributions to the CommuWe offer our gratitude, O Creator, for the contribution made by the brave men nity Garden project. and women who gave all they had to give to ensure our freedom. We are grateful for that freedom, to be allowed to think and speak our thoughts and to To Leora Wilson - plants and sign.

To Tony Couture, Keith & Jeff realize our dreams.

Wilson, Clare & Donna Hillyer, We offer thankfulness for the time that we have here on this amazing planet Earth. Time is such a precious commodity. Let us be thankful for each moment James Morton, Mal Dixon, Susan of each day. Let us live it to the fullest.

Shank, Susan Forest, Marie We are grateful that our families are nourished with the bounty provided Malette, - 150th parade contribuby Mother Earth. tions.

We thank You for the beauty that surrounds us, for sunrise and sunset, for To Owen Sound Dental Clinic clear clean waters, and unending blue heavens. Thank you for the forests and “Character cannot toothbrushes. be developed in ease and quiet. the trails that allow us to walk in the beauty of Your creation.

To James Morton garden equipOnly through experience of trial and –suffering can Let us pledge to do our part to keep Mother Earth in a sustainable order ment, seeds, gloves and garden mainthe soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and We thank you, Creator, for family and the warmth of the love that surrounds us tenance Picnic prizes. as we near the holiday season. success achieved.”

To Ms. Marchant & United Church Be with those who suffer loss and illness. Keep them strong in faith and grant ~Helen Keller Women - craft supplies and Christthem peace and hope.

We send our prayers to those less fortunate people across this earth who suffer mas ornaments. indignities, atrocities and hatred, and we pray that one day all mankind will To Elvin Cormier and Sheila Lamwalk together in peace and harmony. brinos for the beautiful prints.

Inspirational Words

Thank you, Marcee, Migwetch

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A Busy Summer...Cont’d from Pg 1 The 2nd Weaving our Communities Conference held at or if you know someone whom you could nominate for the Outdoors Education Centre near Wiarton was a huge office, please do so. You will be receiving nomination forms in the mail in October. Consider your part in this success (Diane again included in planning committee). rising, growing, viable new nation.

Métis presence was very evident there as well. A Métis What progress has been made since the inception of display by Scott Carpenter, a Michif language workshop the MNO in 1993, when 3 volunteers worked from the

by Rene Laurin, and Métis fiddling by Ralph Cadotte were a few highlights of the two-day event. home of Tony Belcourt. Since then, the Métis Nation of Ontario has grown and become a respected and viable The Rendezvous at La Fontaine closed up September, with so many events to attract Métis, such as games, presence, not only in this province but throughout the world. We are fortunate to be represented by our direcvendors, music, hide skinning, crafts, a barbeque and a tors, who continually work towards a National Registry, fish fry. better housing, health and recognition Before that came the meeting for the Métis people. There are bursponsored by the MNO, with Gary saries available for health related caLipinski, Hank Rowlinson and reers, training and employment opporDoug Wilson. tunities. There are youth opportuniWe learned how much work is beties, seniors programs, all waiting for ing done on our behalf by these peosome innovative person to write a ple. We lead the field in health reproposal and make it happen. lated issues, with a “Tele-Health” We are blessed with a roomy, comsystem already in place in some comfortable gathering place in Owen munities. This allows people in reSound. We have a library of Métis/ mote communities to have access to Aboriginal reading material. There is specialists in the field of medicine by a full kitchen where we can have potcomputer. Another breakthrough is a Brandon and Connor Coates luck gatherings or just a cup of tea. The corporate sponsored semi truck tourshown enjoying summer picnic large room is perfect for a few friends ing the north with medical and dental getting together to knit or quilt or do support, plus capabilities to do necesbeadwork. There could be a dart night, moccasin worksary testing, etc. These innovations are models for other shop (hopefully soon) leather vest making, basket makorganizations.

Gary Lipinski told of the current court cases that will ing, finger weaving, traditional capote making. We are define the Métis hunting rights. It is an ongoing process, even blessed with a computer with internet access. You and each time a case is won, there are more rules needed can make use of the computer for genealogical research, to write a resume, to send online applications for long to prove Métis heritage. Therefore we need to present birth certificates, passports, etc, or to print out applicamore genealogical research. tions. This computer system has been donated to the Hank Rowlinson told us in 2004 GOSMC received GOSMC by the United Way. This is YOUR facility. our Charter, and this autumn we need to hold a democYou are welcome to use this service whenever you ratic election to hold on to that Charter. If you are able to offer yourself for an office representing this community, wish. Just book some time with Diane at 519-370-0435.

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VOLU ME 2, ISSUE 3

AHWS Report

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by Diane Owen

uch a busy time for Métis. We are in demand! was a privilege to hear her and it was wonderful to look The Community Garden has yielded abunacross the water to the Métis territory in ‘Mudtown’. We are dance for us in medicines and foods. We had carwelcome to make this picnic a yearly event. rots, tomatoes, sunflowers, spinach, and basil gaOwen Sound’s 150 Birthday celebrations had us involved lore, and are now watching our two pumpkins ripen. Our crop through Children’s events, The Amazing Race and the Paof Amaranth and Lambs Quarters led to some inquisitive rade. If you were in the crowd, you will have seen our looks from passers by, but our harvest of rich grain from both (thanks Malcolm) Red River Cart glide by, (Thanks of those friends, makes the looks worth while. We had a rich Hillyers) resplendent with buffalo head (Thanks Susan supply of St. John’s Wort for tea and have made medicinal oil Forrest) snow shoes, flag and big fish. Spoons and tunes for abrasions, etc. We are off to a good start. filled the air as the Métis passed by.

One of the most interesting and fulfilling workshops I atWeaving Our Communities, The Land, The People, Our Future Conference was held at the Outdoor Education Centended recently was renowned speaker, Bea Shawanda’s Lateral Violence presentation at M’Wikwedong. Lateral viotre Sept. 20 and 21. We had good participation, with many lence can be peer-to-peer, or community-wide. Bea defined presenters offering a variety of workshops and sessions. lateral violence as “harmful behaviors that become Scott Carpenter was there from MNO TI and Rene Laurin ’collective’ expression of unresolved grief, usually from Midland taught us some Michif. There was by people stuck in the grief emotion of rage”. The shaker making, and Tera Copegog, Métis Sports attacker/s will “normalize fear-based power and Initiative Leader, provided a good time with tracontrol techniques” and will determine to damage ditional sports and games. We can all be so an individual who represents or introduces change. proud of our people and our many talents.

Lateral Violence: The ‘attack’ is not necessarily open and honest, We have just begun a “Patchwork Beaded but will be insidious, through rigidity, blaming, Blanket” which will consist of several beaded “...the need of power squares applied to a blanket. If you would like shaming, manipulation, game-playing and encouraging ‘ganging up’ against the target, or through to join us to add your talents to the creation, and control is often gossip and even lies. Sometimes the attacker will please do. threaten your livelihood, or person. Gossip and You may remember I spoke with you about masked by terror, or lies however are a usual and very destructive bePeggy Osawanamaki in the last Outpost News. pain” havior. The “need of power and control” is often Peggy sends her great thanks for our support – masked by “terror, or pain”. emotional and financial—as she begins to reThe only time to address this kind of violence is build her life. “This is what keeps us going, day when it starts, through constructive feedback and by day,” Peggy says. assertive communication. Unfortunately, attackers “It touches my heart to have such caring, wondo not often recognize themselves and their place in lateral derful people of the MNO come forward and immediately violence, and often do not tolerate feedback or “truly cannot carry me and my girls through this time of need and they still hear” it. Often the victim will be told, “you are just overare”. Peggy has left MNO for a time, and we wish her and her sensitive” or “s/he did not really mean that”, or “just live with daughters, peace. it and carry on”. Sometimes nothing is said at all – silence, or Our Malcolm Dixon is recovering from back surgery and changing the subject, leaves the situation hanging and implies we wish him great health and freedom from pain in the days support for the attacker. and years ahead.

If you have ever been victimized by Lateral Violence, it is So many good things keep coming our way. We have a difficult road. The best strategies for coping are to create a wonderful books, magazines, prints, supplies, and emergency support network for yourself in which change can be carried items available from our friends and neighbors throughout through. Should you want to learn more, I have good resource the area. “Living” with the United Way has allowed us to information in the office. share in the Back Pack Program to the benefit of our young To support the Aboriginal Day of Action in a quiet and ones returning to school. I am so grateful for the kindness of others toward our Métis community. educational way, AHWS with Susan Schank, invited some local service-providers to the homestead of Catherine SutPlease check the hall bulletin board for a calendar of activiton, Nahneebahweequa, for a picnic and stories. You may ties at the ‘Centre’ and know you are always welcome to know ‘Nahnee” was a Nawash woman, married to William drop in, to talk, or to lend a hand. We need you.

Sutton. Her name means ‘upright woman’, and so she was, as she traveled to England to meet with Queen Victoria, to fight for land claims. Susan is a great, great granddaughter of Kiyanow, Catherine Sutton and one of our Métis friends. She led our picnic, with stories of Catherine, her home and the land. It

Diane

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V OLU ME 2, ISSUE 3

The Story Of Riel (Part III)

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rime Minister J.A. MacDonald, fearful of further rifts in Ontario/Quebec relations, had Riel offered what amounted to a bribe of $1,000 to enter voluntary exile. He accepted and fled to St. Paul, MN. on March 2, 1872.

However by late June 1872, Riel was back in Manitoba planning a run for MP in the district of Provencher. He stepped aside for a defeated MP from Quebec, a supporter of amnesty (Georges Etienne Cartier).

Unfortunately, Riel's hopes for a swift resolution to the amnesty question were dashed by Cartier's death on May 20, 1873. Riel ran unopposed, but fled again, a

warrant having been issued for his -ported by John Christian arrest.

Schulz MP of Lisgar, Riel preHe was the only MP who was vailed again in a by-election not present when MacDonald's and public opinion in Quebec government was forced to resign tipped strongly in his favour.

TO BE CONTINUED... over the Pacific Scandal debate of 1873. Liberal Alexander MacKenzie became interim prime minister and Riel easily retained his seat in the general election of January 1874.

Despite being stricken from the register rolls, following a motion supLouis Riel as depicted in a mural near Winnipeg

Next Time You Visit The Métis Gathering Place Drop In To...

Complete Line Of Métis Goods and Novelties!! ♦

FLAGS

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WINTER WEAR (hats & gloves)

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BUMPER STICKERS

♦

SWEET GRASS BRAIDS

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T-SHIRTS (THE RIEL THING)

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RED RIVER CARTS

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KEY CHAINS

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JIGGERMEN

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SASHES (men’s & women’s)

♦

JEWELRY

♦

GREETING CARDS

NEW!!

ANYTHING MADE FROM BUFFALO! MEAT—VESTS—POUCHES, Etc.

Contact: MALCOLM DIXON, Prop. — (519) 376-1922 — email: maldixon@hotmail.com For hours and information

VOLU ME 2, ISSUE 3

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September Informational Meeting In Owen Sound Hank Rowlinson, Gary Lipinski and Doug Wilson hosted a very enlightening meeting at the Owen Sound Coliseum on Saturday, September 22nd.

Gary Lipinski updated guests on diplomatic and legal scenarios involving the MNO. Doug Wilson shared info on the ground-breaking health initiative and Hank Rowlinson made it clear a local election must be undertaken to maintain our charter status.

Mr. Rowlinson was also elected returning officer and will handle the Grey Owen Sound community election, slated for later this fall. If you’re interested in being part of council, fill Left to right: GOSM Pres. Pete Coture, Hank Rowlinson, Gary Lipinski, out and submit your nomination form when it comes in the Doug Wilson, Leora Wilson and Saugeen Métis Pres. Jim McLay mail.

The Métis Stew Pot Puffball and Potato Soup INGREDIENTS: -3 tablespoons olive oil -- (45 mL) -2 tablespoons butter -- (30 mL) -4 medium potatoes -- diced -1 large onion -- roughly chopped -4 cups diced giant puffball -- (1 liter) diced -1 teaspoon salt -- (5 mL) -Milled pepper to taste -2 sprigs fresh tarragon -- leaves only, minced -3 dashes Jalapeno pepper sauce -- or to taste -3 garlic cloves -- minced meal to enjoy with wild leeks!mL) -1/2Acup all-purpose flour --(125

-4 cups chicken stock -- (1 liter) -3 cups 2% milk -- (750 mL) -1/2 cup canned milk -- (125 mL) [not sweetened] -1/4 cup dry sherry -- (60 mL)

Note that all quantities are approximate and remember to keep tasting - this is just a soup.

Heat a large pot; add the oil and butter. When sizzling, toss in the diced potatoes. Cook, stirring until the potatoes are partially cooked then add the chopped onions and diced puffball. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the potatoes test just

cooked. Add the salt, pepper, tarragon (optional), jalapeno sauce and garlic. Stir in the flour until everything is coated then add the chicken stock. Bring back to the simmer for a few minutes and cook until it thickens up. Add the milk; stir.

Bring back to just starting to simmer and add the sherry. Give it a final stir and remove from the heat.

Serve in bowls with a garnish of minced green onion or chives and some parsley if desired.

Serves 4 generously.

GOSMC Bulletin Board

M

onthly Gathering Volunteer Sought: As you may have read earlier, its become increasingly difficult for a few people to organize the monthly gatherings, so they have been tentatively suspended.

Having stated this, we know many think this is a worthy venture. If you are able to organize and be in charge of a gathering, please contact Jeff (519) 9239160 or jeffw@bmts.com) or Leora (519) 986-2746 or leoraw@bmts.com) to offer ideas. dvertise In The Outpost: We are delighted by the overwhelming response to the Outpost News.

Until now, we had received a great deal from a patron

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to offset our printing costs, but this situation has recently changed.

To make up the difference, we have decided to accept spot advertising, beginning with this issue. If you have a business, or service you want to promote, consider advertising in the Outpost News! Prices start at $25 for a business card sized ad. e have been offered a float for the Santa Claus Parade. Would you like to help plan and prepare a float representing Métis life? Jeff (519) 9239160 or jeffw@bmts.com) or Leora (519) 986-2746 or leoraw@bmts.com).

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V OLU ME 2, ISSUE 3

Grey Owen Sound Métis Picnic Draw Winners

Are YOU Registered At MNO Head Office?

If not, call the MNO toll-free number: Pictured left to right are: Rudy Couture, winner of a copy of “Historic Saugeen and its Métis People” and Ernie Coates, winner of a “jiggerman” figure.

Great Season For New Community Garden

1-800-263-4889

At Right: The Community Garden Committee: (Back row) Marie Monette, Adam Brown, Susan Schank, Diane Owen, Jackie Brown; (Seated) James Morton, Malcolm Dixon;

After much hard work, the “Trwaw Soeur” and “Li Saydr” enjoyed a successful first harvest The Métis Nation of Ontario provided start-up help, while United Way, Home Depot, Meridian and private citizens kindly helped with financial donations.

According to Diane Owen, who has spearheaded the Community Garden, “Our site offers the opportunity to plant, nurture, harvest and use fresh produce, grown by your hands.“ Good environmental practices and the aboriginal approach are adhered to, such as composting, water conservation and natural pest control.

The garden is open and available to anyone wanting to just sit and watch the greenery grow.

A special touch is the “Li Saydr” sign, hand-made and donated by Senator Leora Wilson.

LEORA WILSON…………….……...leoraw@bmts.com………………..…….(519) 986-2746 JEFF WILSON………….………….…jeffw@bmts.com……………………….(519) 923-9160 GREY-OWEN SOUND METIS GATHERING PLACE & ABORIGINAL HEALING AND WELLNESS OFFICE 380—9th St. E., Owen Sound, ON. N4K 1P1. Ph: (519) 370-0435 Email: dianeo@metisnation.org GREY-OWEN SOUND METIS COUNCIL is a chartered member of THE METIS NATION OF ONTARIO……………………………..…..www.metisnation.org