(McLeese Lake, BC) – BC Métis Federation and the Cariboo Chilcotin Métis Association, one of the partner communities of the BC Métis Federation, are celebrating the smashing success of their Métis Music Festival that was held over the weekend at McLeese Lake, British Columbia.
Cariboo Chilcotin Métis Association (CCMA) is from Williams Lake located in central British Columbia and represents several hundred members. CCMA has an office downtown and has run programs and services for their members to support families and individuals. CCMA signed an agreement to work with the BC Métis Federation in July 2012 and since this time the organizations continue to collaborate and find ways to work and support one another.
Approximately seven (7) months ago the leadership from BC Métis Federation and CCMA agreed to support another Métis cultural music showcase as part of the Summer of Culture activities. It was agreed that this would be a major event including camping, a number of musicians, food services, artisan showcase, etc. The Mètis Music Festival was born and the results of success this weekend must not be underestimated. There were about 70 campers and several hundred people who attended from many areas of British Columbia.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “All I can say is wow. The team work and partnership with CCMA was fantastic. CCMA leaders pulled through in every way you can imagine. The had so many volunteers and thank you to their President Laura Lee Marshall and their key board and team members Wayne Lucier, Arnold Lucier, Alex Norquay, Marlene Swears, and so many others.”
CCMA President Laura Lee Marshall stated; “I just want to thank everyone for coming. I thank all of the singers and dancers and I want to thank Keith and the BC Métis Federation for the work together to make this event happen. McLeese Lake Community Hall was a beautiful site and we appreciated being able to hold the event here. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Soda Creek Indian Band for allowing us to hold the first Métis Music Festival on their territory. Finally I want to thank the CCMA board and our volunteers that made this event such a success, it was greatly appreciated. I was truly proud to be Métis this weekend!”
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry concluded; “Last but not least I want to thank BC Métis Federation board member Rene Therrien who was key for our team to assisting and working with CCMA. He also was critical in the overall design and success of the event. His hours of volunteerism and assistance were incredible and he truly is a special person, gifted with Métis fiddle music talents and a heart of gold. Thank you Rene.”
To watch the BC Métis Federation slide show from the Métis Music Festival 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
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