By Kyle Darbyson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Around 400 members of the Metis community gathered in Sault Ste. Marie this week to take part in a rights conference that had an eye on the past as well as the future. This four-day affair, which began Sunday and wrapped up Wednesday, served as a major milestone for the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO), which is celebrating its 30th year as a governing body. According to Region 4 councillor Mitch Case, this week’s conference also proved to be the largest MNO gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, giving them a unique opportunity to discuss issues related to Metis self-determination while simultaneously celebrating their unique cultural heritage. “So that was our thought, let’s have a real good celebration,” Case told the Sault Star Tuesday…