Community celebrates opening of new centre

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On Aug. 26, the area known as Victoria Crossing officially became Metis Crossing with the opening of an interpretive centre that offers a place to learn about and celebrate Metis culture.

Located 12 km south of the town of Smokey Lake at the intersection of Highway 855 and Victoria Trail, the area has been a gathering place for Metis for more than 140 years.

The opening was marked with a voyageur canoe trip from Fort Edmonton Park, and a wagon trail ride from Batoche, Sask.

Voyageurs were sent on their way by the Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong on Aug. 24.

"It is my hope that one day we will find a way to bring all Canadian cultures, including our First Nations and Metis, closer together," he said. The canoeists arrived at the centre site in time for celebrations that included activities for the children and cultural entertainment.

"I am very proud that the Metis have chosen Alberta as the site of this one-of-a-kind cultural centre. In the years to come I know that it will become a very important institution of learning and understanding, not only for the Metis, but to all Canadians," Kwong said.

Metis Crossing is a 512-acre site that is intended as a centre for Metis cultural interpretation, gatherings and business development.

Phase One was open on Aug. 26 and includes a historic village complete with tipis, trappers' tents and a log home, as well as a restored barn that houses the interpretive centre and gift shop. Cost for phase one was $3.6 million. The project is due to be completed in 2008 at a total cost of $15 million.

The site also features a river dock and York boat, an outdoor performance area and riverfront walking trails.

Future development will include a working farm and a training and retreat centre for all types of programs, including craft workshops, cultural sensitivity training and team building opportunities. A permanent interpretive centre is also planned. A festival and jamboree area will be rented out for special events.

One of the biggest developments will be a canopy walk. This will be a boardwalk built through the top of the boreal forest that will wind its way along the riverbank providing opportunities to interact with nature.

"Metis Crossing certainly started as a dream of building a special place where our fellow Canadians can come to learn about the rich heritage of our Metis people," said Metis Nation of Alberta President Andrey Poitras.

"[It's] a place where we can showcase our Metis culture and educate young and old of the vital role we played in building a country as great as Canada and a province as prosperous as Alberta."

Metis Crossing was the brain child of Metis Nation of Alberta Vice-president Trevor Gladue.

"Metis Crossing is our interpretive centre where we will be telling the story of the Metis from our own perspective," he said.

Gladue participated in the voyageur canoe trip and called it a spiritual journey.

Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand spoke at Metis Crossing and rallied the crowd to the Metis cause.

"We are the proud people of the west, the founders of the west, not just Manitoba. If it wasn't for us there would probably be no western Canada as we see it today. It was the Metis who stood firm to protect their families and their homes, to protect their children, to protect who they are," he said.

One of the young voyageurs on the canoe trip was Zoe Collins, 18, of Edmonton. She spoke about why she made the journey.

"We wanted to get a feel of what our ancestors went through," she said. "We didn't have running water or any of the other luxuries that people have in their everyday lives. We had to set up our own tents, make our own fires. We were in charge of all our basic needs.

"I wanted to try and reach out to people so that they can come to an understanding about Metis and their culture."