Thomas Fossold Wins MNO Youth Council Leadership Award

September 4, 2024

The Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC) is proud to announce Thomas Fossold as this year’s recipient of the Youth Leadership Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication to preserving Métis culture and inspiring his peers.

Thomas is a proud Métis youth leader whose influence and commitment have left a lasting mark on our community . He serves as the youth representative on the Great Lakes Métis Council on Owen Sound. Thomas exemplifies Métis youth leadership through his dedication to preserving and passing on the wisdom of his elders. His approach to guiding and educating others is defined by patience and kindness with a strong dedication to teaching life skills—both within Métis culture and beyond.

Through his hands-on approach to outdoor cultural learning activities , Thomas has inspired youth to reconnect with nature and embrace their cultural heritage. Thomas is extremely active in his community with the youth in such ways as:

• teaching them how to identify tracks set traps for small game
• how to start fires without conventional fire starters
• how to build shelter, such as a lean to

He also teaches the youth in the community about conservation with such activities as tree planting and river conservation. The impact of his work extends beyond the immediate participants, influencing the broader community and ensuring that the rich traditions of the Métis people continue to thrive.

Thomas’s commitment to encouraging youth participation in year-round events and his passion for helping future generations learn, grow, and carry on Métis traditions is invaluable. His leadership serves as an inspiration for all who know him.

About the MNOYC Youth Leadership Award:

The Youth Leadership Award recognizes Métis youth in Ontario who demonstrate exceptional volunteer leadership and a strong commitment to advancing Métis culture and community. It celebrates the strength and potential of young Métis leaders, with the recipient being honored at the annual Youth Leadership Conference.

Objective of the Award:

The Youth Leadership Award aims to recognize the year-round contributions of youth volunteers to the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and the broader community. Each year, a subcommittee composed of Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council members and community council youth representatives convenes to review nominees and select the recipient.

Nomination Process:

Any individual—whether a parent, mentor, community council member, or other community member—can nominate a deserving youth volunteer for this award. Self-nominations are not permitted. To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form, which can be found at the following link: Nomination Form.

Award Criteria

To be eligible for the Youth Leadership Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 16 and 29 at the time of the application.
• Be a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing Métis culture, language, education, and/or rights within Ontario through volunteer work.
• Exhibit exceptional leadership skills, a dedication to the well-being of others, and contribute to creating a positive, respectful environment.

The Youth Leadership Award is more than just a recognition; it is a celebration of the future leaders of the Métis Nation of Ontario. If you know a young Métis citizen who embodies these qualities, we encourage you to put their names forth when nominations open next year. Let’s continue to support and uplift our youth, ensuring that the legacy of the Métis people remains strong for generations to come.

NT5