Tawnshi,

Ladies and gentlemen, Elders, Union Brothers and Sisters and esteemed members of the community, it is my honor and privilege to stand before you as a candidate for the position of Region 8 Councillor for the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Citizens of Region 8. As we gather here, I am compelled to share with you my vision, my passion, and my commitment to serving our community with integrity, dedication, and respect.

I’m Allan Lacosse, I am a Great Lakes Metis person. I trace my Métis roots to 1729. My Metis family was displaced from after the 1812 war. My Metis Grandparents, and Metis Family grew up and live in Britt, Ont. in Region 7,where I still practice my harvesting rights and respect the lands and waters of my Metis ancestors. I grew up in Weston here in Toronto. I am also a former President and Chair of the Sudbury Metis Council in Region 5. This gives me a hands-on appreciation of the similarities and differences between right-bearing and non-rights-bearing Regions. I work in the Film & TV industry, and I currently serve on two UNIFOR BIWOC Committees, where I advocate for Indigenous inclusion in the Film & TV industry. I am also very much involved in the community here in Region 8.

We have come a long way in the last 30 years. We are now very close to obtaining Self Government. Last June, the federal government introduced Bill C-53, the Recognition of Certain Métis Governments.

I am a firm believer in the power of knowledge. If that means getting out and helping to inform you the Citizens about Self Government and what that means for you, count on me to be there. As Regional Councillor, I will strive to engage citizens and promote Métis Self Government in Region 8. As regional councillor I will advocate for equitable funding for programs such as affordable housing and food security for all Metis families, youth and Elders. Information about sources of funding that I learn about, be it from the MNO or other external components, will be immediately shared with Region 8 Councils.

The Métis Nation of Ontario is a vibrant and richly diverse community with a unique heritage that is worthy of celebration and preservation. As your Regional Councillor, I pledge to honor and respect our traditions, our culture, and our history while also advocating for a brighter future for all Métis people in Ontario and Region 8.

One of the key pillars of my platform is unity. Region 8 attracts Métis from all over the MNO and beyond. I firmly believe that by working together. we will achieve more than we ever could alone. By fostering collaboration, communication, and cooperation within our Councils and communities, we can amplify our voices, strengthen our influence, and effect positive change that will benefit us all in Region 8

I believe in an open-door policy: when you call or email me, count on me to return your call or email in a timely fashion. I will continue to be involved in council meetings and community events. I’ve always had a passion for being involved in the community from Heritage days in Oshawa Durham Region to Spring Socials here in Toronto and York Region I was told by a PCMNO friend that “when you’re part of the PCMNO you’re not working bankers’ hours.”

Furthermore, I am deeply committed to advocating for the rights, interests, and well-being of all Métis youth and Elders. Our young people are the future leaders of our community, and it is imperative that we provide them with the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed. At the same time, our Elders possess a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience that must be cherished and respected. As Regional Councillor, I will ensure that all voices are heard: voices from our youth, Elders, and all Citizens.

I’m the proud stepfather of two amazing Two spirited young men. There are times when two spirited individuals find themselves disowned or ostracized from their families, friends, and communities. We need to create safe community programs and services to help and be there for them. I am and will continue to be a strong ally to our 2SLGBTQ+Metis.

In conclusion, I stand before you today as a candidate for Regional Councillor for the Métis Nation of Ontario’ Region 8with a deep sense of purpose, a strong commitment to our community, and a genuine desire to serve you with integrity and passion. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Métis people of Ontario and Region 8, one filled with opportunity, prosperity, and pride. I humbly ask for your vote and thank you for your support. Let us embark on this journey together and make our Region 8 voices heard.

Marsii, Miigwech, Thank you.

Allan Lacosse

Contact me: allanlacosse@hotmail.com

Polls open:

April 8, 2024, 8:30 am Eastern Time

to

May 6, 2024, 6:00 pm Eastern Time

Online and telephone voting open at: https://onefeather.ca/nations/mno

1-833-976-0616

Voting Helpline

12:00 noon to 7:30pm Eastern Time

Voting help-line open at 1-855-923-3006

(support also available at voterhelp@onefeather.ca)