2023 Indigenous Circle Conference – “Discovering the Métis: The People of the Sash”

The OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle invites you to submit your application for the 2023 Indigenous Conference! We welcome all members who desire to bear witness to the essential role of culture in ensuring Indigenous communities not only survive, but also thrive.

The Conference theme is “Discovering the Métis: The People of the Sash.” The goal is to inspire and equip OPSEU/SEFPO members to partner and work with Indigenous communities during this time of reconciliation. The Conference is being planned with citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). Participants will be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively network with Métis members within and beyond OPSEU/SEFPO on various projects and campaigns.

Participants will be selected by the Indigenous Circle with assistance from the Member Equity Unit. The selection process seeks to achieve a diverse group of attendees representative of Indigenous and other equity groups within our membership. Confirmation will be issued to the selected participants in May.

Expenses will be reimbursed as per OPSEU/SEFPO policy.

Do not miss this opportunity to network, learn, share experiences, and have some fun. Please submit your completed application no later than 5 pm, Monday, April 16, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

“Discovering the Métis: The People of the Sash”

Tentative Conference Agenda

Friday June 16, 2023

5:30 to 7:00 PM – Registration (dinner on your own)
7:00 to 9:00 PM – Opening Ceremony

   Opening Remarks from the OPSEU/SEFPO President and First Vice-President/Treasurer

   Presentation from the Métis Nation of Ontario Métis

   Traditional Music and Dancing

Saturday June 17, 2023

7:30 to 9:00 AM – Breakfast (provided)
9:00 to 10:30 AM – Métis History and Stories
10:30 to 10:45 AM – Break (time to visit vendors)
10:45 to 12:15 PM – *Workshop I
12:15 to 1:30 PM – Lunch (provided)
1:30 to 2:45 PM – *Workshop II
2:45 to 3:00 PM – Break (time to visit vendors)
3:00 to 4:15 PM – *Workshop III
4:15 to 5:00 PM – Break (time to visit vendors)
5:00 to 7:00 PM – Traditional Dinner (provided)
7:00 to 9:00 PM – Fiddling and Jigging with Métis

Sunday June 18, 2023

7:30 to 9:00 AM – Breakfast (provided)
9:00 to 10:15 AM – *Workshop IV
10:15 to 10:30 AM – Break
10:30 to 11:30 AM – Sharing Circles
11:30 to Noon – Closing Ceremony
Noon – Depart (box lunch provided)

*Workshops include Finger weaving, Michif language, Beading and Métis roots

Conference application form

All requests must be received no later than 5 pm, Monday, April 16, 2023

Full name *

Local number

Union number (if you know it)

Address *

Address Line 1

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Home phone

other phone

Email *

Sector

• OPS
• BPS
• CAAT-A
• CAAT-S

Note: Information regarding Advance, Time-Off, Human Rights Accommodations, Childcare Requests, Hotel Accommodations, Travel and Carpooling options will be sent to successful participants upon completion of the selection process.

Protocols: The elder leading the ceremonies during the Conference will announce any protocols. The OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle recognizes and respects the incredible diversity that exists among Indigenous communities on Turtle Island.

Spaces available for members attending the Conference will be divided among OPSEU/SEFPO’s 7 regions. The selection committee will try to ensure that participants represent the diversity of experience in OPSEU/SEFPO, based on the following considerations:

Please indicate which Racialized group(s) you belong to:

• A racialized person
• Francophone
• A person of Indigenous ancestry (Métis, Inuit and First Nations)
• A person with a disability
• LGBTIAQQ2S
• Female

if racialized... (copy)

If Indigenous, you identify as

• First Nation
• Métis
• Inuit

if indigenous2...

What is your age group?

• 18-25
• 26-35
• 36-45
• 46-55
• 56-65
• Over 65

Are you active in OPSEU/SEFPO (e.g. elected to union position)?

• No
• Yes

What region are you from?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Are you active in the community (e.g. Volunteer at a community agency or religious organization?)

• No
• Yes

What is your occupation

Job title

Have you attended a prior OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Conference?

• No
• Yes

If you are active in Métis and other Indigenous communities, please tell us what you do.If you are not active, what steps would you take to become involved? *

When you think of Métis, what comes to mind? *

What is the difference between Métis and non-status Indians? *

How does this knowledge impact your interactions with Indigenous peoples at work or in your personal life? *

In a few words, please tell us why you would like to attend this event. *

Submit