Tansi,

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Since 2012, I have shared my Métis knowledge and background in a presentation which I have named, "Métis in Canada: past to present".

 

My Métis family roots go back to Fort Pelly, Saskatchewan and the Duck Bay/Camperville region in central Manitoba. I am told, my grandfather had one of the largest trap lines in Manitoba to raise a family of seven. My European roots stem from Scotland. My great-great grandfather and his brother came to Canada from Stornoway aboard a Hudson Bay fur trading boat and they each married First Nation women creating mixed off-spring.

 

I have presented my 'Métis in Canada: past to present' education seminars to thousands of federal public servants within the Government of Canada and grade 6 to 12 students, teachers and administrators across Ontario, cultural groups, industry, corporate and various levels of government.

 

In May 2021, I was invited to host two Métis presentations to

professors, teachers, and other guests from 35 American States

and 6 Canadian provinces. The sessions were arranged through the 

Canadian Studies Outreach - Canadian-American Center University

of Maine, the Centre for the Study of Canada and Institute on Quebec

Studies Plattsburgh, NY, and the Center for Canadian-American

Studies Canada House Western Washington University. The two

sessions garnered success ratings of 91 and 92 per cent.

 

Also, I am working closely with the Upper Canada School District, Ottawa Catholic School Division,  the Catholic School District of Eastern Ontario, and the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board as both an education presenter and member of the Indigenous Advisory Council.

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Additionally, I am a member of an international Indigenous Advisory Council supporting the Ottawa Wisdom Mural

project aimed at raising awareness through art about our collective roles and responsibilities in protecting our

environment and Mother Earth. 

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During my presentations, besides exploring Métis history, culture, court challenges and the current political state of

affairs, I also share my art, poetry, videos and personal family history to make for an informative, enjoyable, and

interactive discussion.

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It is an honour to have an opportunity to talk about my Métis roots, the history of the Métis Nation, and support of our

Métis leaders.

 

This is my way of giving back, and paying tribute to our ancestors who have helped to blaze the trail, some of whom

made the ultimate sacrifice to get us to where we are today, standing tall as Proud Métis. 

 

Miigwech,

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Rob