Métis Nation of Ontario preparing post-secondary youth for the future

On March 12th and March 13th, the Métis Nation of Ontario held its first virtual Post-Secondary Education Student Resiliency Gathering.  With the overall goal of equipping current and aspiring Métis post-secondary students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to respond to a broad range of situations in life ranging from precarious housing, domestic abuse through to potential legal issues.

Having attracted roughly 100 participants, Simon Sutherland, Manager of Post Secondary Education for the MNO, was enthusiastic about the event.  In an interview he spoke about the multiple sessions that were available to the youth who registered, including cultural activities such as a Métis sash session.

In addition to the broad range of online interactive components, there were two very exciting key note speakers.  Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron delivered an impassioned keynot address on her experiences as a Métis post-secondary student.  Additionally, Hannah Bazinet, the Provisional Council of the MNO’s Post-Secondary Representative, along with MNO President Margaret Froh offered the opening remarks.

The topics that were covered in this forum were deemed critical to the health and the wellbeing of the Métis post-secondary student population and intended to diminish the need for emergency supports.  The virtual event was created and executed in the belief that “a healthy, educated youth population will facilitate a strong, vibrant, viable future for Métis in Ontario by strengthening the likelihood of successful outcomes for citizens.”