The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council is looking forward to a busy year. The council was recently recognized with an Ontario Heritage Award from the Lieutenant-Governor for the Métis Cultural Centre, which is under construction. This comes as the Métis Nation of Ontario signs a self-government agreement with Canada.
“The signing of the Métis government recognition and implementation agreement is a huge step forward for the Métis Nation of Ontario and for our sister governments in Saskatchewan and Alberta,” said Mitch Case, Regional Councillor for the Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community, who serves as co-chair of the Self-Government Negotiating Committee.
“Next is the federal recognition legislation that is contemplated and promised in those self-government agreements.”
Meantime, renovations are well underway at what will be the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Cultural Centre, which is located at the former St. John’s Church downtown. The Sault Métis Council received an Ontario Heritage Award from the Lieutenant-Governor for this project.
Also receiving an award is Shirley Horn, a founder of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and residential school survivor. Horn received an Ontario Heritage Award for cultural conservation. Manitoulin Island teen Jocelyn Kuntsi received a Youth Achievement Award from the Lieutenant-Governor.