Thames Bluewater Métis Council
1100 Dearness Drive Unit 19 London, ON, Canada

Expansions to two great MNO programs! MNO Citizens can now apply to have full child care costs covered by the newly expanded MNO Child Care Subsidy Pilot Progra...m. Services eligible for subsidy include licensed child care centres and licensed home-based child care. Unlicensed child care will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Online applications are now open https://bit.ly/2K4WxkO Also, Métis families with children up to 18 years of age may be eligible to have extracurricular activity fees and/or equipment costs reimbursed by the MNO as part of our Enhanced Extra-Curricular Reimbursement Program. Parents must pay all fees upfront and provide proof of purchase for reimbursement. Online applications are now open https://bit.ly/38zP8Uf

The nation-wide COVID-19 vaccine roll-out has begun! Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Citizens will be part of the first phase rollout of vaccines. Canada has secu...red over 40 million vaccine doses from Pfizer and Moderna; however there have been some delays in Canada receiving those vaccines from suppliers. In the meantime, provincial health care institutions are ramping up the process of administering the vaccine they have to health care workers, essential care givers and residents of long term care homes who were identified as a priority group as part of the first phase vaccine rollout. In Ontario, Métis, Inuit and First Nations are part of the first phase rollout of vaccines in the province. The MNO is working closely with Ontario on the details of the vaccine rollout to MNO citizens. As information about the vaccine rollout becomes available, the MNO will provide updates to our Citizens. Please note: If you or a member of your council has been approached by a public health unit or other agency offering to administer the vaccine for MNO citizens, please contact Shelley Gonneville ([email protected]). As you can appreciate, the status of COVID-19 vaccine availability has been fluctuating from day to day. We will inform MNO citizens where and when they can get vaccinated as soon as those details become available. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, or its rollout to Métis citizens, please submit them to [email protected] and we will be provide for answers to your questions. Watch for further information updates on MNO’s Facebook, in website posts and through Zoom town halls!

The MNO Early Learning and Child Care team is happy announce the upcoming online Métis Early Learning Family Socials for Métis early learners between the ages o...f three and twelve years and their families. The first Métis Early Learning Family Social event will be held online on Family Day, February 6, 2021. Families will be learn about Métis culture, history and way-of-life from an early learning perspective. Children will participate in hands-on play-based cultural activities in a safe and engaging setting. Parents can also learn more about the MNO’s programs and services. More details and the application link here: https://www.metisnation.org//online-metis-early-learning-/

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will be holding a Virtual Mobile Registry from January 25-29, 2021. The MNO Registry team is happy to book a virtual appointme...nt with you, either by Zoom (videoconferencing) or by phone. Appointments will be made available between 11AM 7PM and can be booked by calling 1-855-798-1006 or by emailing [email protected]. Our Registry staff can assist you with Citizenship or Harvesting applications, genealogical research, file updates, or address questions you might have. Please let us know some details about what you need help with when booking your appointment ahead of time, so we can prepare. bit.ly/38pBYZO

We recognize these are challenging times. Take care of yourself and each other. Be patient and kind. Practice self-care. If you need support or simply someone to talk to, please reach out. We are here to help! Call our 24-Hour Crisis Line 1-800-605-7477.

Check out these opportunities - there are some remote/work from home positions available!

The MNO in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard are inviting all Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens and their families to attend a free Introduction to... Boating Safety online training course. Offered by Transport Canada, this free training opportunity is open to any and all Indigenous people. The goal of this presentation is to ensure a safe boating environment for all. This free training opportunity will take place online on November 30, 2020 from 4 - 5pm. The information session will be presented virtually via Microsoft Teams. A meeting link will be emailed to everyone who registers. To register please visit: http://www.metisnation.org//mno-and-canadian-coast-guard-/

November 16 marks Louis Riel Day in Ontario. Today is the somber commemoration of the execution of Louis Riel in 1885. Each year, Métis people mark this traged...y by celebrating Métis culture, recognizing the many contributions of the Métis in Canada, and highlighting the struggles that Métis continue to face. We encourage you to gather safely with your community to proudly celebrate what being Métis means to you. President Margaret Froh invites our citizens and friends to share her message about Louis Riel Day.

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