Meet President Greg Garratt

Born and raised on Georgian Bay until joining the Navy in Halifax, at the age of 18, I was only dimly aware of any aboriginal ancestry. I am descendant of the verified family lines Dusmome-Clermont and Beausoliel. After serving 8 years I moved back to the area and settled down with my wife Heather. In 1999 we both applied for and were accepted by the Métis Nation of Ontario. Over the years we attended AGA’s in Penetanguishene to many other events and slowly learned of the culture that was rich in our hearts but missing from our day to day lives. Around 2009 we started volunteering including me sitting on the Georgian Bay Métis Council. Afterwards the Veterans Council for almost 8 years, under the fantastic leadership of the late Joseph Paquette. In that time I was instrumental in aiding in publishing and fundraising for the first, second and third editions of the Métis of Ontario Veterans book which acknowledged those Métis that served both past and present and the honors they deserved. With the third edition now updated and available through the MNOVC.

My wife Heather and I both trace our Métis heritage to Drummond Island and find that so much has opened up to us since stepping up and giving more to our the Métis community over the past 16 years.

In 2019, the presidents’ position of the Georgian Bay Métis Council became vacant and I felt it time to be more involved closer to home. The GBMC is blessed to have such a great council in the largest Metis population in Ontario. All bring something special to the group and all act with the best interest of the citizens in mind by bringing more cultural education and events to celebrate the largest Métis community in Ontario.

In only a short time the council has put on two of the largest local rendezvous for Indigenous heritage day events ever, has increased its community communication and outreach, held fish fry and wild game dinners on Louis Riel day, moccasin making, capote making, conservation events, harvesting educations such as game cleaning and prep, elders trips, school education aides, pandemic supports, food security and delivery to our seniors and sick and so much more to come. In all the council puts and estimated 2000-3000 hours a year volunteering. It’s an honor to be part of such a great team.