(Vancouver, BC) BC Métis Federation continues to build community and grassroots support by the relentless work with partner communities and supporting local events. This past weekend representatives from the BC Métis Federation attended a board meeting with partner community Nova Métis Heritage Association (Nova) in Surrey on Saturday and attended the National Aboriginal Day celebration in Clearwater on Sunday.
BC Métis Federation provided an update to Nova board members on current developments including sharing new insight from the recent meeting with the Government of Canada, clarification on the Daniels decision and the significant impact on future Métis membership, plus several other items. Nova and BC Métis Federation are preparing once again to have a Métis pavilion as part of the upcoming Fusion Festival in Surrey in July.
The National Aboriginal Day celebrations held in Clearwater were located at the Dutch Community Center and were put together by the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Center Society. The President Cindy Wilgosh led the event planning and set up with support by Derrick Whiteskycloud from the Michif Historical and Preservation Society along with other community members. The BC Métis Federation contributed in terms of dancers with Rowan and Quinn Pickering and marketing of the event. BC Métis Federation President Henry stated; “This weekend was busy and productive. Nova leadership continues to struggle with organizational sustainability and the board was encouraged to stay united and work together for the betterment of their members. Like all boards and Métis communities there is different perspectives and challenges but together the community will move forward. BC Métis Federation has been a strong partner with Nova and will continue to work together knowing Nova President Ken Fisher will push for our support where required.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry added; “The event in Clearwater was a great way to complete the weekend. The Métis dancers were the highlight of the day for those in attendance. There was a real sense of cultural pride for all Aboriginal people at the event which also brought together local First Nations from Simpcw First Nations. I am so thankful to Cindy and her relentless work for the Métis with the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Society. I estimated over 200 people attending throughout the day and many were not Aboriginal. It is these events that builds relationships and understandings. Congratulations to Cindy and the entire leadership of the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Society.”
To view National Aboriginal Day event photos from Clearwater be sure to check out the BC Métis Federation facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BCMetis/.
Contact:
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
