Métis Complete Traditional Plant Use Study for Southern Ontario

Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) released the findings from a first-of-its-kind traditional knowledge study on Métis plant and vegetation use in southern Ontario. The study, 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 the impacts those changes have had on Métis plant and vegetation use, as identified by Métis Elders and traditional resource users.

The study was supported by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), as a part of its engagement of Aboriginal groups who may be potentially impacted by the Darlington New Nuclear Build project. Over the last year, OPG has engaged with the MNO’s Community Councils in Northumberland, Oshawa and Durham Regions, as well as the MNO’s Lands, Resources and Consultation branch in order to produce the study and ascertain any potential impacts from the Darlington New Nuclear Build project on Métis way of life.

The study was first presented at a Métis community feast held in Whitby on June 5th. It will also be presented as evidence to the Joint Review Panel that has been created under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act in order to assess the environmental effects of the proposed Darlington New Nuclear Build.

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 also want to thank OPG for its willingness to work with our communities. I know this study will be an important resource for our people today and generations to come,” concluded President Lipinski.

The MNO 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 also 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.

The document is available for download: Southern Ontario Métis Traditional Plant Use Study.
______________
References:

Metis Nation of Ontario. 2010. "Métis Complete Traditional Plant Use Study for Southern Ontario". Metis Nation of Ontario. Posted: September 15, 2010. Available online: http://www.metisnation.org/news--media/news/metis-complete-traditional-plant-use-study-for-southern-ontario.aspx

For more information:
Brian Tucker
MNO Manager of Lands, Resources and Consultation
T: 905-301-5203
E: BrianT@metisnation.org