Onwards and Upwards: Clear Waters Métis Council hosts Winter Feast at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

February 14, 2025

Under the broad wings of a World War II Lancaster Bomber, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Clear Waters Métis Council (CWMC) held its Winter Feast, bringing together leadership and community members for an evening of culture and celebration at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton.

In addition to the CWMC members, local leadership representing the South West region included PCMNO South West Councillor Kathleen Anderson, President of the Niagara Region Metis Council Derrick Pont, as well as MNO President Margaret Froh who provided a keynote address.

The event began late Saturday afternoon with tours of the museum, featuring not only the historic planes exhibited at the museum but also a model Métis homestead, a Métis book vendor display, a self-government exhibit, and engaging children’s activities. Prior to the winter feast, guests took their seats for opening remarks from CWMC Council President Dana Robbins, followed by an opening prayer and land acknowledgment delivered by CWMC Senator Mark Rath.

In his address, Dana spoke eloquently of his own experience flying in a Lancaster Bomber, describing the cloud-bound adventure like “standing in the sky” while likening it to the self-government journey the MNO is currently undertaking.

“As many Métis have moved and now live in the South West Region, we have an important role to play in the MNO’s self-government journey. We remain committed to building and rebuilding relationships with the First Nations that call this area home, through the respectful sharing and celebrating of the distinct culture, history and way of life of Métis people,” remarked Dana.

Dana also spoke to the many accomplishments of the CWMC, noting the council’s delivery of much needed services to citizens (many involving food security) and the continuing work to educate the community on Métis history and culture through workshops. He also noted his council’s ongoing collaboration with the local Niagara, Grand River and Thames Blue Water Métis Councils.

The evening included a captivating performance by Métis fiddler Nicholas Delbaere-Sawchuk and a delicious dinner. The program continued with remarks from Camille Chouinard, Environmental Advisor with the MNO Lands, Resources and Consultation Branch, followed by a keynote address on self-government from MNO President Margaret Froh, who shared inspiring words with the attendees.

“We know that sharing and celebrating our stories—stories of our Metis families and communities—is essential to our self-government journey. Equally important is fostering an open dialogue with our citizens and communities on our draft MNO Statement of Principles. Through these conversations, we can explore what Métis self-government should look like, envision the future we want for our generations to come, and empower citizens to play a vital role in this journey.”

The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Council President Robbins, wrapping up a memorable gathering. With each community gathering, each conversation, and each shared story, the path ahead becomes clearer, lifting the Métis Nation to even greater heights.

NT5