Impressive Cultural Showcase at Métis Fest- June 29, 2022

Impressive Cultural Showcase at Métis Fest

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Hundreds of people flocked to Métis Crossing on June 25 to celebrate the culture, arts, music and traditions of the Métis people.

The fourth annual Alberta Métis Fest was jam packed with activities for people of all ages to enjoy throughout the day. Some of the featured activities included: voyageur games, archery, flint napping, hide tanning, finger weaving and jigging.

The event kicked-off the previous evening with musical performances of Bear Country Band, Maureen Belanger and the Métis Stew Band.

Saturday’s festivities began with the official Opening Ceremonies shortly after 11 am with a special procession led by fiddler Colten Bear, who was followed with a colour guard, dignitaries and invited guests.

Crowd milling about Metis Crossing grounds.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Competitor at the jigging competition

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Elder Norma Spicer stated, “Beloved Father we lift up our prayers to you and look to receive your blessings and to thank you for making the way possible for this Métis Fest at our beautiful Métis Crossing. We ask you to pour out your spirit upon us, upon our kin folk, upon our leaders, upon those who have come to this place with hearts and minds eager to celebrate our Métis culture.”

Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras thanked the youth. “We have a youth council, youth coordinators and a youth department, and they are the ones who organized all of this day to relax and enjoy with family and friends.”

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Métis Nation of British Columbia President Lissa Smith said, “Events like this are so integral to life and last few years difficult as Métis people disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Only gathering as a community were we able to persevere through it all.

Métis people are united throughout this country. Culture is at the core of everything we do as a Métis people. So many talented and diverse Métis artists and led the way in teaching them what it means to be Métis. As Louis Riel once said, “My people will sleep for 100 years, but then when they awake it will be the artists that give their spirit back.”

Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock, brought greetings from the Province of Alberta. The word is getting out that Métis Crossing is the destination that many have noted on their bucket list to be able to go and experience.

Métis Crossing has been developed to help us all learn about their diverse history in Alberta and on their own land. It’s an important part of the Métis nation to be able to gather on a day like today, but also for the rest of the province and across this country to learn about this rich history and culture of the Métis people.”

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Smoky Lake County Reeve Lorne Halisky echoed the MLA’s comments in regards to the youth. It is so important to our future that the youth take the dedication, drive, the courage. I am so impressed by what they’ve put on.

Welcome to the historical banks of the North Saskatchewan for this cultural gathering centre at Métis Crossing. Métis people have been on this landscape for centuries, and your contribution to our region and other Alberta communities have been critical in shaping who we are today.

Métis Crossing represents a tremendous opportunity to for all of us. This is your home to tell your stories about the histories of the Métis people. We are all here to learn about your rich culture, heritage, and important history of the Métis people in this region, northeastern Alberta, and Canada as a whole.”