By: Victoria Malawi
Métis community members share their thoughts on the importance and struggle of identity and continuing
to push past historical barriers at this mornings Flag Raising Ceremony at Toronto City Hall.
(RSJ/Allissa Hibbs)
Identity Struggle
“For a long time I equated to being a ghost. I felt invisible. I chose to keep my identity separate. I never
brought that (her culture) into my work,” said Selina Young, manager of the Indigenous Affairs Office at
the City of Toronto.
Education Officer at the Métis Nation of Ontario Alicia Blore said she agrees with the struggle in feeling
like an invisible minority and not knowing where to fit in growing up. Blore said identity is one of the
major struggles Métis people have.
Progress for Métis in Canada/Education
“I think we the Métis people have re-claimed that sadness and we celebrate it. We celebrate the fact that
we’re still here,”said Young.
(RSJ/Emma Buchanan)
According to Blore, there are a number of educational opportunities to further learn about Métis in
Canada. “The Métis Nation of Ontario has a small education branch and the employment and training
branch, they do Métis presentations in schools and post secondary institutions” said Blore.
I remain hopeful… When I look at a city like Toronto, the Indigenous Affairs Office having an event like
you saw today, it’s a great step in the right direction” said Young.
Louis Riel Day Significance to Métis
“I choose to celebrate it in a positive light, the resilience of the Métis people, strength of our
communities, the strength of us as individuals but we really don’t see each other as individuals. It’s really
the strength of the community, that we’re still here, that we’re proud,” said Young.
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Contact Information
Selina Young – selina.young@toronto.ca
Alicia Blore – aliciab@metisnation.org
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