(Vancouver, BC) – Last night the BC Métis Federation and co-host Vancouver Métis Citizens Society, one of the partner communities of the BC Métis Federation, shared an intimate evening of Métis culture and family unity at the “Evening of Culture” event held at the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park located in Vancouver, BC. There was a number of BC Métis Federation, Vancouver Métis Citizens Society, and Nova Métis Heritage Association (Surrey) members in attendance along with special guests from Ontario, Prince Rupert, Winnipeg, and many other locations across British Columbia.

The event was to recognize the Métis cultural showcase hosted by the Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society and provided Métis cultural performances from the Silver Tip Swingers and Louis Riel Dancers, supported by traditional Métis fiddle music from Keith Hill and Amy. There were a few speakers who brought forward the importance of celebrating our culture, unity in our Métis community, and recognizing what is important today such as Father Guy Lavallee from Manitoba and Robert Pilon, President of the Métis Federation of Canada, in from Ontario to meet with the BC Métis Federation board and members. BC Metis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “This was a special night for our community. There were a number of new faces attending and it was great that we provided a barbecue meal and yes I tried to cook. Thank you to “Chef” Alan Lavallee and Danielle Desjarlais who were really the true cooks. There was great laughter and it was nice to have strong cultural performances from all!”

BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “The support and partnership with the Vancouver Métis Citizens Society was excellent and many of their board and members attended which was greatly appreciated. I also want to thank Derrick Whiteskycloud, Director for the Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society, for the excellent Métis showcase that provides thousands of visitors each day at the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park information about the Métis people.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “BC Métis Federation continues to work with our partners to bring forward the successful Summer of Culture campaign. This was our 8th event since May 17th and I am so grateful to the hundreds of hours we have been able to put together for the communities and families. Thank you to the dance groups and supporters who sacrifice each week. We are now preparing for the Métis Music Festival in Williams Lake August 9th – 11th and this will be a major event open all weekend long. A detailed event schedule will be posted shortly and make your plans to attend.”

For the Métis Music Festival event details or 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

[ilink url=”http://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-July-24th-2013-Evening-of-Culture.pdf” style=”download”]BCMF Press Release July 24th, 2013 Evening of Culture[/ilink]