Metis meet in new region

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The Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association held an information meeting in Owen Sound Oct. 1, for all Metis, Inuit, and non-status Aboriginal people who live there.

About 60 people attended at the Harold Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. This was the first time OMAA had promoted a meeting in Owen Sound. Literature and membership application forms were available at the door.

John Secord, OMAA's community development officer, said "The purpose of this first meeting here is to bring everyone together into one room, so that we may provide information and discuss problems."

Among topics covered were how to apply and become a member of the association; hunting, fishing, and harvesting rights; health programs; and education, employment and business opportunities.

Relative to hunting, discussion evolved upon the precedent-setting Steve and Charles Powley case. In 1993 the Powleys, were charged with illegal hunting and possession of moose. The Ontario Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the right of Metis to hunt. The men were acquitted.