Telling Our Stories: The MNO Family Rendezvous Brings Métis Families Together
On a crisp and sunny autumn weekend, over 50 Métis families gathered at the scenic Lake Rosseau in Muskoka for the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Family Rendezvous: Telling Our Stories.
The event centered on storytelling, building connections, strengthening the community, and inspiring the next generation of Métis leaders. MNO staff led cultural workshops and informative presentations that empowered families to celebrate their Métis culture and proudly share their stories.
MNO leadership and program staff, including members of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) and MNO President Margaret Froh, were on site to welcome families and greet them warmly during the opening ceremonies.
“It’s wonderful to see so many families, both familiar and new, come together to celebrate our Métis culture and share their stories,” said MNO President Margaret Froh. “The stories shared this weekend honour our past while bringing us together and creating bonds that strengthen our community and inspire future generations.”
For many families, this was their first MNO event, but common ground was quickly found. The event provided a safe space for families to share their stories, connect, and celebrate Métis pride. Including the voices of Métis youth was a key focus, ensuring their perspectives shape programming that meets the needs of all citizens.
The Family Rendezvous offered a variety of workshops and activities created by MNO programs. Children took part in activities like beadwork, creating murals, and cooking bannock over a campfire. Teens joined workshops on building self-confidence, healthy relationships, and self-defence. Adults attended presentations covering MNO services, Métis self-governance, and parenting topics like internet safety.
Out on the land, families took part in the Voyageur Games and MNO Amazing Race, trying hands-on activities like fire-building, shelter construction, navigation, and art. In the afternoons, families reconnected and made lasting memories with activities like horse-drawn buggy rides, campfire cooking lessons, family “memory boarding,” and creating mental wellness toolkits.
Of course, no Métis Rendezvous would be complete without a Kitchen Party! Evenings were filled with music, dancing, and a variety of tournament-style games. On the last night, families enjoyed a final meal together and participated in open-mic sessions, sharing their talents and stories from a centre stage.
The Family Rendezvous offered attendees a chance to share stories of Métis pride, exchange lessons, and form new friendships. Families left feeling proud, connected, and inspired, with young participants emerging as potential future leaders.
