Boreal opens door to understanding Métis Nation

The Métis Nation of Ontario and Collège Boréal signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday to better respond to the specific needs of the Métis people in the province.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a document describing an agreement between two or more parties, and expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action.

The MOU is meant to enhance the professional integration of the Métis, while respecting their cultural specificity and improving their access to services, programs, and employment programs offered by the college, a press release stated.

“Partnerships like this one with Collège Boréal hold promise on many levels,” said Gary Lipinski, president of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “Working together to build capacity within the Métis community will benefit the MNO, and bring our people and members of the Franco-Ontarian community closer together.”

Included in the memorandum are an evaluation and augmentation of the opportunities available to the Métis to try to increase their participation in post-secondary education. As well, representatives from the Métis Nation will participate actively in all phases of consultation and in the development of Boréal’s practices and policies in aboriginal teaching.

“It is essential to improve conditions for the Métis people in order to improve the quality of life for all Ontarians,” said Denis Hubert, Collège Boréal president. “By enhancing the exposure of the Métis Nation to the various training opportunities available throughout the province, Collège Boréal hopes to include this important component of the cultural landscape and Ontario heritage on the threshold of the forecasted economic rebound.”

Elements of the Métis — including history, culture, language, contributions and contemporary issues — will be introduced into the curriculum at Collège Boréal.

“I want my students to be more informed,” Hubert said. “I want them to know what it is all about.”