Initial Community Consultation with Members of the Georgian Bay Métis Community in Penetanguishene

On June 1, 2025, members of the Canadian Opera Company's administrative team, members of the Indigenous Circle of Artists (the COC's Indigenous consulting advisory board), composer Ian Cusson, and director Yvette Nolan met with members of the Georgian Bay Métis Community in Penetanguishene, Ontario. Over a day-long consult, which started with smudging, introductions in the style of Indigenous circle work, a performance of Métis fiddle music, and a shared lunch, COC staff members discussed with members of the community how they hoped to be represented in this opera and what forms of educational outreach they might like to participate in in the lead-up to the opera.