Educating Our Educators (March 2011) - Algoma District School Board

the higher court system of September 19, 2003 challenging whether Métis peoples have existing Aboriginalrights. The Supreme Court affirmed and recognizes Section 35 of the Constitution Act 'is a substantive promise to theMétis that recognizes their distinct existence and protects their existing Aboriginal rights”. The Métis National Council states'The Powley decision marks a new day for the Métis Nation in Canada. The Supreme Court's decision is a respectfulaffirmation of what the Métis people have always believed and stood up for, as well as an opportunity for Canada to beginfulfilling its substantive promise to the Métis”. On July 7, 2004, an agreement was made between the Métis Nation ofOntario and Ministry of Natural Resources, which recognized the Métis Nation of Ontario's Harvest Card system. TheMétis peoples who hold a Harvester's Certificate and holds Métis citizenship can exercise their harvesting rights withinhis or her traditional territory and in accordance to the Interim Enforcement Policy; thus, no violation of conservation orsafety charges would apply. Harvester's Certificate holds a 3 year term and can be renewed annually for a fee oftwenty dollars. This initial fee to apply for a Harvesters Certificate is sixty dollars. Also, there are a maximum numberof Harvester's Certificates that can be issued annually. There is a mutual agreement that these limits may changefrom year to year which is dependent on historical research and an evaluation on Métis Nation of Ontario's registrysystem and processes.Métis Harvest or Métis Harvesting - Means taking, catching or gathering for reasonable personal use andnot commercial purposes in Ontario of renewable resources by Métis Nation of Ontario citizens. Harvestingincludes plants, fish, wildlife and firewood, taken for heating, food, and medicinal, social or ceremonialpurposes and includes donations, gifts and exchange with Aboriginal persons.Métis Community - A group of Métis peoples who live in the same geographic area. A community may includemore than one settlement, town or village in an area.Métis Sash - Of all the symbols associated with the Métis culture, the sash is perhaps the most widelyrecognized and best known. Wrapped about the midsection, it was used by Voyageurs to carry theirbelongings during their transportation duties. As the Métis took tremendous pride in their clothing, the sash,being an attractive piece was highly valued for its aesthetic presence. Often, a decorative beaded pipe bagwas added to the Voyageur's outfit, being suspended from his sash. As well, it was valued for its practicalityand versatility. It was warm in the colder seasons and could be used as a rope when none was available.The art of weaving the sash was brought to the western regions via Voyageurs who had encountered thebright 'scarves' through contact with French Canadians. The sash has acquired new significance in the 20thcentury, now symbolizing pride and identification for Métis people. Manitoba and Saskatchewan have bothcreated "The Order of the Sash" which is bestowed upon members of the Métis community who have madecultural, political or social contributions to their people.Métis SashOral History - Evidence taken from the spoken words of people who have knowledge of past events andtraditions. This oral history is often recorded on tape and then put in writing. It is used in history books and todocument claims.Educating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201119