Are you interested in learning more about Indigenous-Municipal Relations? If so, we have a workshop for you! 

This collaborative, hands-on workshop will provide participants a chance to weave a community-sized dreamcatcher while taking part in a sharing session. Facilitators will engage on key themes throughout and guide conversation allowing attendees to learn from drawing on their own personal experiences in a safe space. 

Facilitated by Melanie Pilon, the first Indigenous Mayor of Municipality of Wawa and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and William Morin, member of Michipicoten First Nation and founder and leader of The First Peoples National Party of Canada (2004-2013), you will gain firsthand insight into:
•    Understanding bias. Why this matters in governance? 
•    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission. How does the TRC Calls to Action’s impact municipalities in Ontario?
•    21 things you may not know about the Indian Act.
•    And more! 

Presenters:

Melanie Pilon the principal and founder of Pilon Strategies Inc. With more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in community economic development and Indigenous affairs, she currently serves as the Mayor of the Municipality of Wawa.  A proud Anishinaabe Kwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Melanie is widely recognized for her ability to lead transformative change and foster sustainable, community-driven impact.  Before founding Pilon Strategies Inc., Melanie led the National Indigenous Affairs team at Bell Canada and was the founder and Regional Broadband Champion of the Northeastern Superior Regional Broadband Network (NSRBN). She continues to strengthen municipal–Indigenous partnerships through her work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), where she serves as Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council.

William Morin, a citizen of Michipicoten Anishinaabek, residing in Northern Ontario, where he continues to teach Indigenous Studies for three decades at various elementary - post-secondary institutions in Ontario. William Morin, of Birds of Pray Create Consulting, is a multi-faceted interdisciplinary facilitator of Indigenous Cultural Awareness training for over two decades, provincially and nationally to a wide variety of clientele in both the private and public sectors. After serving as a Medical Assistant in the Canadian Armed Forces during the first Gulf War, he obtained four degrees, and is currently finishing his PhD in Interdisciplinary Human Studies at Laurentian University. In 2004, Will helped to found the First Peoples National Party of Canada, becoming the leader and running as a candidate in three federal elections until voluntarily deregistering the party in 2013 to focus on Indigenous Cultural Awareness training.

Registration

Registration Fee: $200

Registration Requirements:

Individual registration only. For group registration inquiries and rates, please contact events@amo.on.ca.
Registered participants will receive workshop details, including meeting location, approximately one week prior to the workshop date.

Cancellation & Transfer Policy:

• Cancellation fee: $50 + HST
• All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to events@amo.on.ca.
• Cancellations received prior to August 10, 2026 4:00 pm ET, will be eligible for a refund less $50.00 (plus HST) administration fee.
• Cancellations made after 4:00pm August 10, 2026 4:00 pm ET, are non-refundable.
• An alternate attendee name may be substituted at any time and should be submitted by email to events@amo.on.ca.