SUDBURY – On July 5, eight young Métis from across the province will arrive in Killarney near Greater Sudbury as part of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Canoe Expedition. This group started from Ottawa on May 26 on an over 2,000 km canoe trek that will end at Thunder Bay on August 22 2014.
In this adventure of a lifetime, the young voyageurs will through experiential learning develop leadership and employability skills that will have them build their future careers. Dressed in authentic Métis clothing from the fur trade era, during their lengthy trip which is expected to last 90 days, these modern voyageurs will be visiting Métis communities throughout Ontario where they will promote Métis culture and heritage.
“This is a unique summer job opportunity the MNO is providing,” explained MNO President Gary Lipinski at the launch, “these young people will learn valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives, experience the life of a Métis voyageur and at the same time will teach people across the province about Métis heritage, culture and our contributions to Canada.”
“The MNO puts a priority on providing opportunities to our young people to be all they can be,” added President Lipinski, “and the MNO Canoe Expedition is another example of the way we support Métis youth achieve their dreams by helping them reach their educational goals and objectives.”
The MNO Canoe Expedition will be arriving at 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 5 at Nancy Pitfield Park where they will be welcomed by MNO citizens. The expedition crew will be at the park until 5:00 pm and will be demonstrating and participating in Métis cultural activities such as canoeing, fiddling, jigging and finger weaving.
The complete itinerary of the MNO Canoe Expedition is attached and other information can be found at: www.metisnation.org/canoeexpedition2014
The MNO Canoe Expedition can be followed on Twitter @MetisNationON and the Métis Nation of Ontario Facebook page.
