First-of-its-kind traditional Aboriginal knowledge study on Métis plant and vegetation use in southern Ontario - produced with some assistance from AECOM - my colleagues Laura Taylor and Nichole Fraser MacDonald, with a little help from me. The documentary, entitled, “Southern Ontario Métis Traditional Plant Use Study”, highlights some of the unique traditional and medicinal practices of Métis in relation to plants and vegetation in southern Ontario, which differ from First Nations. The study also documents notable changes to the environment in southern Ontario over the past few decades and how these have impacted Métis plant and vegetation use, as identified by Métis Elders and traditional resource users.
The documentary film was premiered at a Métis community feast held in Whitby on June 5th, 2010, and is now available to the general public for educational purposes on the MNO website. The documentary is available at www.metisnation.org on the Traditional Plant Use Study page.
MNO President Gary Lipinski commented, “Through studies like this, Ontario Métis are finally being able to tell our story in the province and share our traditional knowledge in order to protect Métis rights, interests and way of life for generations to come.”
“I want to thank all of the Elders, Métis traditional resource users and MNO Community Councils who had a role in making this study a reality. I know this study will be an important resource for our people today and generations to come,” concluded President Lipinski.
The Métis Nation of Ontario democratically represents Métis people and Métis communities in Ontario through a province-wide governance structure at the local, regional and provincial levels. The MNO has developed a province-wide framework for ensuring effective consultation with Métis communities throughout the province, which is supported by the Ontario Government’s New Relationship Fund. For more information on the MNO or on how to consult with Ontario Métis visit www.metisnation.org
