NationTalk: Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) leadership, families and staff, including Education & Training and Summer Youth Program (SYP) reps, attended the Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay from July 12 to 14, 2024. This annual historical re-enactment attracts hundreds from across North America.
“It was great returning to the Rendezvous and help tell the story of life at Fort William from a Métis perspective,” says Region 2 PCMNO Councilor Tim Sinclair. “We had many MNO staff and families from across our regions participate. Our staff did an excellent job connecting with attendees, answering their questions and leading crafts and demonstrations. They were really committed and telling our stories is important.”
The modern-day Great Rendezvous recreates the annual summer gathering at Fort William from over 200 years ago, offering participants an immersive experience of life at the North West Company’s inland headquarters. Each year, this unique event features a wide variety of activities, beginning with a grand arrival, historical interpreters stationed throughout the fort, historical skills contests, hands-on artisan workshops, demonstrations, speakers and storytellers.
“By sharing our stories, we provide a glimpse into Métis culture, helping people of all ages to better understand who the Métis people are and our role in the formation of Canada,” says MNO Project Coordinator Megan Southwell.
As proud MNO ambassadors, SYP from Thunder Bay and Atikokan brought a vibrant, contemporary Métis presence to the Rendezvous. They engaged visitors with activities such as faux birch bark mukuk making, Métis dot art (a contemporary adaptation of Métis beadwork), and Métis symbols colouring pages were also provided.
MNO ET staff and SYP also facilitated two finger weaving workshops in which participants learned about the cultural significance of the Métis/voyageur sash and even made their own mini-sashes using the stipple pattern.
By participating in events like the Great Rendezvous, MNO staff educate, preserve and promote Métis history and culture.
“Reenactors as well as staff attending the Rendezvous have the opportunity to step back in time and get a sense of what life was like for our ancestors during the fur trade era,” says Megan. “For me, this experience comes with a sense of pride and appreciation for our ancestors’ patience, adaptability and perseverance.”
Hats off to this year’s MNO staff, and participants for taking us back in time and sharing Métis culture and history with pride!