(Vancouver, BC) – The BC Métis Federation and partner communities continued Métis cultural work throughout British Columbia by ensuring Métis culture was contributing to Canada Day this past weekend. The BC Métis Federation Summer of Culture continues to gain momentum and this past weekend Métis cultural events results in eight BC Métis Federation and partner community supported cultural events since May alone. This Métis cultural work focused on three specific events as part of Canada Day; Canada Day Parade in Vancouver, Canada Day event in Prince George, and Canada Day event at Port Coquitlum.
The Métis Silver Tip Swingers, a performing partner group with the BC Métis Federation, provided City of Port Coquitlum a Métis cultural performance to thousands of people yesterday. The Métis Silver Tip Swingers had a wonderful time at the Port Coquitlam 2013 Canada Day celebrations held at Castle Park. The organizers at the “Entertainers Sign In” table were welcoming and very complimentary after the performance. The twenty minutes on stage went by quickly and smoothly. The audience seemed to identify with the Métis style of dance and music. This time the group introduced something a bit different as part of the performance. Instead of a “Candy Jig” for the young children, the youngest Métis Silver Tip dancer called it the “Jelly Bean Jig” with jelly beans for all those children who joined in. There was a great response from the children watching and the jelly beans were given out.
The BC Métis Federation cultural ambassador Beverly Lambert volunteered and assisted the Northern Interior Métis Cultural Society in Prince George at their bannock stand. The bannock stand, with the tag line “Don’t Panic We’ve Got Bannock” was part of a major Canada Day celebration with thousands of residents from Prince George at the Fort George Park. The bannock was well received and a great fund raiser for the Northern Interior Métis Cultural Society.
Finally the BC Métis Federation and several local Métis volunteers supported an Aboriginal float as part of the Canada Day Parade in downtown Vancouver. The Aboriginal float was raising awareness about the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park, which includes a Métis cultural display and showcase open each day until September 2nd. The parade was attended by over 100,000 people and the response was excellent.
BC Metis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “As previously stated our leadership team and volunteers continue to lead by example providing real Métis cultural pride. Once again this weekend brought together many partners as we all celebrated our proud Métis culture as part of Canada Day in several locations across the province.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “I am so proud of our team and dedicated volunteers. We have laid out a vision to support Métis culture and this has brought together many volunteers and new BC Métis Federation members. This past weekend included the sacrifices and dedication of over 40 individuals who performed, carried the Métis flags, or assisted the bannock stand in Prince George. It is clear that this is what our community and families need and want. We are not just a program and services but rather a Nation of people trying to keep our culture living each day. Therefore thank you to all of the partners, board members, and volunteers. We know that through these events Métis people feel proud to be Métis and the non Métis people learn more about who we are each time. BC Métis Federation and our team are making a difference of Métis pride and demonstrating real leadership in this province. Métis people want to part of an organization that makes them proud to be Métis, BC Métis Federation continues to achieve this each day. It is our honour to work to these objectives for all and be sure to watch for future Métis culture celebrations in July and August.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
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