Local Youth on 2000 km Metis Canoe Trek

Modern Voyageurs Arrive in Cambridge on June 15


CAMBRIDGE, ON--(Marketwired - June 13, 2014) - On June 15, Heather Bunn from Fergus will be one of eight young Métis from across the province that will arrive in Cambridge as part of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Canoe Expedition.

This group started from Ottawa on May 26 on an over 2,000 km canoe trek that will end at Thunder Bay on August 22. In this adventure of a lifetime, the young voyageurs will through experiential learning develop leadership and employability skills that will have them build their future careers. Dressed in authentic Métis clothing from the fur trade era, during their lengthy trip which is expected to last 90 days, these modern voyageurs will be visiting Métis communities throughout Ontario where they will promote Métis culture and heritage.

"This is a unique summer job opportunity the MNO is providing," explained MNO President Gary Lipinski at the launch, "these young people will learn valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives, experience the life of a Métis voyageur and at the same time will teach people across the province about Métis heritage, culture and our contributions to Canada." 

The members of the MNO Canoe Expedition are Métis youth from across the province who are attending post-secondary institutions in the fall or who are recent graduates. "The MNO puts a priority on providing opportunities to our young people to be all they can be," stated President Lipinski, "and the MNO Canoe Expedition is another example of the way we support Métis youth achieve their dreams by helping them reach their educational goals and objectives."

The MNO Canoe Expedition is scheduled to arrive at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, June 15 at Riverside Park in Cambridge where they will be greeted by local MNO citizens and participate in Métis cultural activities.

The complete itinerary of the MNO Canoe Expedition is attached and other information can be found at: www.metisnation.org/canoeexpedition2014

The MNO Canoe Expedition can be followed on Twitter and the MNO Facebook page.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2014/6/11/11G016922/Images/IMG_0048-1089727101262.JPG

Embedded Video Available: http://youtu.be/iCND1oi_pNw

Contact Information:

Rejean Belcourt
Ground Support Lead,
MNO Canoe Expedition
705-256-9977 (cell)
rejeanb@metisnation.org

MNO Canoe Expedition.