André Bossé
Ambassador Ontario
André has been active in the Métis community in Ontario since 1995 when he joined the MNO, where he served as Senator for the Northumberland Métis Council and then as Councillor on the Oshawa Durham Region Métis Council. He joined the CFMPC at its inception, and was appointed as Ambassador for Ontario.
He currently represents the Métis on four Aboriginal Advisory Council in Durham Region: The Central East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), a provincial body that oversees the spending of health care dollars in Ontario; the Durham District School Board’s advisory circle which assists the Board to ensure the curriculum is presented in a culturally appropriate manner and that all the children within the Board are treated fairly and without prejudice; the Durham Region Aboriginal Advisory Circle, made up of the service provider with Aboriginal clients and established to aid them in providing their services in a culturally appropriate manner; and Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, created by Aboriginal people who wanted a solely Aboriginal organization to speak on their behalf.
André also has a large display of Métis and Pioneer artefacts. Unfortunately, a stroke in 2012 forced him to reduce his display to fur pelts, beaded items, a teepee and a wigwam, which he shows at different schools and festivals in the area, including Cannington Dog Sled Races, Carassauga Festival, and the Oshawa Durham Métis Council's Métis Heritage Festival every June. André intends to continue working to promote the Métis within these groups and any others that may be established.