Metis assembly turns 71 in style

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A colorful sea of Metis sashes, people shaking hands and talking excitedly was the scene in the hallways of the Grande Prairie Inn from Aug. 19 to 21, as the Metis Nation of Alberta celebrated its annual assembly.

"Attendance for the 71st Metis Nation Association's assembly surpassed organizer's expectations, peaking at 800 people for some events," said Metis Local 1990, vice president, Bonnie Bell.

A barbecue, ball game, talent show, fiddling and jigging contests, a fashion show, banquet and dance were all part of the entertainment at the assembly.

"The assembly was extremely successful in meeting the requirements of the attendees on all levels," said Bell. " Comments from the community and from the people who attended has been very positive," she said.

Metis National Council president, Gerald Morin, governor of the Metis council, Yvon Dumont, and provincial president, Audrey Poitras, attended the three-day gathering.

"My fellow Metis citizens, this year brings a close not only to another year in our Metis Nation, but a close to an entire century as well," said Poitras. "We have come a long way in 183 years as Metis people. Today, when the Metis Nation is mentioned in various circles in society, it conjures up in the minds of the speakers and the listeners the nation of people we have become and continue to be," she said.

In conjunction with the annual assembly, the Metis Nation of Alberta's Second Provincial Youth Leadership Conference was held. The conference focused on learning from the past, acting today and preserving tomorrow. Topics on Metis rights, youth justice, culture and history, the present political structure, health and the labor market were discussed. The purpose was to help young people deal with political and personal issues by using a holistic approach.

"The assembly made me proud to be there. I lift up my hat to the president of Metis local 1990, Angie Crerar. She did a good job, " said Jacques Metivier, "It is not easy to put something like that together. It probably took a lot of work. Everyone did a good job," he said.