Drayton Valley set to host Metis

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The Metis Nation Annual Assembly will be held in Drayton Valley for the first time from Aug. 8 to 10. Leaders will use the opportunity to welcome their provincial brethren to the community and to educate the community in what Metis people of Drayton Valley feel is a lack of knowledge as to who they are.

"There is a lot of mystique about the Metis people [in Drayton Valley]," said president of the local association Darold Dahl. "A lot of people don't understand who the Metis people are. This is one way to really highlight it."

Dahl and his organizing committee received the news they would be the host committee for this year's assembly seven months ago. That's not a long time to prepare for such a huge event but Dahl is an experienced hand in this process, being an active member of the Metis Nation of Alberta for years.

"I knew exactly what had to be done," he said. "We now have pretty much everything finalized."

The last time the assembly was held in Zone 6 was six years ago in St. Albert. With St. Albert being a vibrant city, close to Edmonton with every imaginable amenity, it might seem like a hard act to follow, but Drayton Valley town fathers have worked hard to make their community one of the most modern places in the province. The assembly itself will take place in the town's impressive Omniplex sports and recreation facility which was finalized with a price tag of $8 million last fall.

In the time the committee has had to prepare for the event, little has been missed. Dahl assured each of the three days will be alive with things to do. It all gets started Friday morning with a pancake breakfast (held every morning) and the opening of the workshops. That evening will feature a talent show with fiddling, jigging and vocal performances.

"There will be activities for everyone," says Dahl. "It is quite a packed weekend."

The lobby of the Omniplex will be transformed into a museum of Metis artifacts and information. There will be a host of traditional Metis events geared at "culture learning" for the young and old. A daycare has also been arranged for people attending with small children.

Saturday will be highlighted with appearances by various dignitaries. Lesser Salve Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen, minister responsible for children services and former social services minister Mike Cardinal of Athabasca-Wabasca are expected to attend. Premier Ralph Klein has been sent an invitation but has yet to confirm.

In the true spirit of public service, dignitaries will be responsible for more than shaking hands and kissing babies. Dahl has set them up in one of the most important roles of the event.

"We are trying to get the dignitaries to serve the pancakes. They are supposed to serve the people so we are going to try and get them to serve the people."

Of course, elected and appointed officials of the Alberta Metis Association will be on hand also. For the duration of the weekend, its offices will be open to the public at the Omniplex. Leading that group will be provincial President Audrey Poitras who is also slated to speak on Saturday.

When the assembly comes to an end on Sunday afternoon, two new faces will rise among the crowd as leaders of tomorrow. Two youths, one male and one female, from each zone will vie for the role as chosen Metis youth role models.

"These two will then do various dignitary work," says Dahl. "It is a nice touch to highlight our youth."

People needing more information about the annual assembly can contact Darold Dahl at 403-542-3368.