Nova Métis Heritage Association is starting an exciting and inspiring new chapter, with an aspiration to renew our Purpose, Mission, and Focus, on creating a Métis cultural repository and be a heritage for cultural expression of the Métis. A community to preserve the past, and build awareness and organize events celebrating Métis culture for the present and future Métis generations to explore and enjoy. Nova Métis aspires towards a renewal of its foundation, to honour Ken and Joyce Fisher, and other prominent members, with their hoped vision to bring alive Métis culture and share its cherished and distinct ways.
In 2005, Nova Métis signed a “Community Governance Charter”, a charter agreement with MNBC, to build and support the budding and growing Métis communities in Surrey and BC, and help foster a Métis self governance. On October 23, 2021, MNBC through its Regional Governing Council in Region 2, resolved to discontinue the charter agreement with Nova Métis. After much deliberation within the Nova Métis Board, we decided to counter this decision and call the question as a Resolution to our members at our November 28, AGM, in summary: Does Nova Métis work to concede to the opinion of the MNBC RGC, or take this opportunity to renew and rebuild its Purpose, Mission, and Focus? The Resolution passed, to discontinue the charter agreement with MNBC.
The Nova Métis board did not enter into any of this lightly nor without due consideration and fiduciary responsibility of Nova Métis members. This effectively disengages Nova Métis as a direct member of the governance framework within MNBC, and the Nova Métis President or Vice President no longer have a seat at the MNBC MNGA.
For Nova Métis members, we have tried to summarize the effect this will have in a list of possible questions and answers, a FAQ (link). Nova Métis members who are also MNBC citizens, remain MNBC citizens. As Nova Métis will no longer be a “chartered community”, MNBC will reassign those citizens to their new Region 2 chartered community within Surrey and Delta, for the MNBC governance.
Nova Métis is embarking on a renewed beginning, and with a renewed Purpose, Mission, and Focus, we ask You, what can and should Nova Métis offer its members and the Métis community?
The Sash is a finger woven belt made of wool approximately three meters long. Traditionally it was tied at the waist to hold a coat closed. The sash was used for both decorative and practical purposes. It could be used as a rope, the fringes could be used as thread to repair items, a first aid kit, and a wash-cloth just to name a few. Today it is a symbol of nationhood and cultural distinction and it is still an important part of traditional Métis dress.
The Métis flag represents the merging of two cultures, and symbolizes the creation of a new society with roots in both First Nations and European traditions. The Métis have two flags; both flags have the same design, an infinity symbol, but are either red or blue.
The Métis (pronounced “May-tee”) are one of the recognized distinct Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. During the height of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, many European fur traders married First Nations women. The eventual establishment of Métis communities outside of these cultures and settlements, as well as the intermarriage between Métis men and Métis women, resulted in a new Aboriginal people—the Métis. The Métis people helped to shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the West.
The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal nation and share a history, culture (song, dance, dress, national symbols, etc.), a unique language (Michif), distinct way of life, and a collective identity. The Métis homeland includes regions scattered across Canada, as well as parts of the northern United States.
Nova Métis Office:
Currently Portaging Some Rapids,
Phone: 778-358-2777
Email: info@novametis.ca
Previously hosted by Ken Fisher
Every Wednesday at 5pm PST
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