Midland-Penetanguishene
Midland-Penetanguishene (Southern Georgian Bay) is located 90 minutes north of Toronto on the southeast shore of Georgian Bay. The area spans from Wasaga Beach in the west to Christian Island in the north and Honey Harbour in the east.
Several historic sites, including Carhagouha and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, mark the earliest known contacts between the area's traditional Huron population and European missionaries. The Huron capital, Ossossane, was at one time the largest Aboriginal settlement in all of North America outside of Mexico.
Aboriginal people in the area are predominantly comprised of Pottawotomi, Mohawk, Chippewa, Ojibway, Cree or Métis ancestry with the majority residing in communities outside of the First Nation.
In 2011, the total population of Midland-Penetanguishene and surrounding region was 35,419. Midland had a population of 16,572 and Penetanguishene had a population of 9,111. The number of children aged 0-19 in Midland was 7,220 and in Penetanguishene was 1,820.
According to Statistics Canada in 2006, the total Aboriginal Identity population in Midland-Penetanguishene was 3,695 (In Midland: 2930 identified as Métis, and 685 identified as North American Indian; In Penetanguishene: 1,085 identified as Métis; 180 as North American Indian). Of these individuals, almost one-third (31%) or 1,160 were Aboriginal children aged 0 to 19 years of age.
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established in 1993 through the will of the Métis people and communities. The MNO was created to represent Métis citizens throughout the province of Ontario and set the fundamental vision of the Métis Nation of Ontario through the creation of the Statement of Prime Purpose. This is a seminal document for the MNO and it sets out why the MNO was created, who the MNO represents, and what the MNO wants to achieve.
Today, the MNO has built an impressive province-wide governance structure which includes a centralized registry of over 15,000 Métis citizens. In addition, the Métis Nation of Ontario has built an accountable and results-based provincial delivery structure to meet the needs of its citizens and communities. Currently, the MNO is delivering programs and services in the areas of Health and Wellness, Education and Training, Housing, Lands, Resources and Consultation and Economic Development and occupies over 150 employees across the province.
Welcome to Healthy Weights Connection! I would like to introduce myself as the Midland-Penetanguishene Site Coordinator for this project. I have lived in the area all my life and I have acquired my education in the Social Services field. Healthy eating and physical activity has been a big part of mine and my children’s lives for 8 years now. I grew up quite overweight and struggled with obesity until I was in my early 20’s. At that point, I was given the opportunity to help others succeed in developing healthier habits while reaching my own 50lb success story. My passion for healthy lifestyles has continued with me and I intend on sharing this along my journey with Healthy Weights Connection.
I originate from an Ojibwe background and self-identify as Non-Status. My family is a split of both Status and Non-Status. Along with this history comes a number of cases of Types 1 and 2 Diabetes and it is my goal to break the chronic illness cycle for the following generations to come.
I cannot express my excitement about being a part of the Healthy Weights Connection team and to contribute to the valuable and imminent work ahead! –Migwetch
Phone 519-661-2111 ext. 80433
Email [email protected]
