Community Engagement - Cuban Style

Have you ever been on a vacation to a tropical island and wondered about life off the resort?  After visiting Cuba twice on vacation with my family, I had an opportunity to visit and meet people off the resort. In particular, I want to tell you about a group of young Cubans engaged in some community development.

Statement of Prime Purpose

Where We Got Our Name

"The paternal ancestors of the Métis were the former employees of the Hudson Bay Northwest Fur Companies, and their maternal ancestors were Indian women of the various tribes.

The French word “Métis" is derived from the Latin participle mixtus, which means "mixed;” in French "mele;" it expresses well the idea that is sought to be conveyed.

However appropriate the corresponding English expression "Halfbreed" might have been for the first generation of the mixture of blood, now that European blood and Indian blood are mixed in every degree, it is no longer general enough.

The French word “Métis" expresses the idea of this mixture in the most satisfactory manner possible, and thus becomes a proper race name.  Why should we care to what degree exactly of mixture we possess European blood and Indian blood?  If we feel ever so little gratitude and filial love toward one or the other, do they not constrain us to say: "WE ARE MÉTIS!"

- Louis Riel, 1885

Election Day Message

Today, is Election Day in the Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis citizens have the opportunity to elect their Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO).  I want to encourage active Métis Nation of Ontario citizens like you, to inspire our fellow MNO citizens about importance of getting out to vote.