SUBMITTED
An inaugural Métis family gathering is being held Aug. 16 with music dancing and cultural activities.
Innisfail and Area Métis Cultural Group is hosting the event at Centennial Park in Innisfail from 9 a.m. to sunset.
They will be hosting Beverly Lambert, an award winning Métis jigger.
“My heart is where the Métis are,” said Lambert. “I bring my stage show of traditional jigging, and my own creations such as the Medicine Wheel Jig, which is about the cycle of life from birth to death. With my tent show, there are smudges, traditional Métis games, and always a hands-on presentation.”
Summer Sage, aka Laura Langstaff and Melissa Hall, a British Columbia-born singer/songwriter duo, are hoping to attend to perform original contemporary Métis folk music.
Innisfail resident Kay Dahl is co-organizer of the event along with Diane Mineault.
“We know there is a large Métis population in the area and want to reach out to the families to celebrate our heritage and culture,” Dahl said.
In addition to musical entertainment, officials from the Rupertsland Institute — the Métis Centre of Excellence, will be in attendance.
They will offer educational and training information to Métis who attend the gathering, said Mineault. “Rupertsland is a strong force in Métis education, research and professional development, and training/employment.
The event is free of charge to the public. Attendees should bring their own food and prepare to stay for the day.