Proud to be Metis

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Edmonton was treated to some exciting events during the week-long celebration of being Metis. The week began with a proclamation read by Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith designating Nov. 10 to 16 a week for the Metis, and a flag-raising ceremony at city hall.

"It is a way to kick off Edmonton Metis Week. For the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA), it is a very important week to us," said Audrey Poitras, president of the MNA. "It gives us an opportunity to promote our culture within the Metis community and to the rest of society."

The Metis flag flies on the flagpole in front of city hall for a week, but this is only a recent occurrence. Before 1996, Poitras said the flag was only allowed to fly for 24 hours.

"We actually worked along with Mayor Bill Smith and he understood the importance of Metis Week for us, so what he did was get the policy changed in the City of Edmonton. The flag now flies for one week. He's been very, very supportive of promoting Metis Week," she said.

"I think that Metis Week has expanded to where the whole province is celebrating this event each year. Our leadership in Calgary, Lethbridge and in Peace River also celebrates with a number of events. This week is about promoting our culture. It is a good time for us to go out there and promote what we are all about," said Poitras.

Audrey Poitras' group was not the only Metis organization celebrating in the city.

Metis Fest 2002 included the Louis Riel Gala on Nov. 14, complete with silent and live auction, banquet, speeches and awards ceremony, organized by the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society. On the following evening, the group organized a talent show featuring some local Aboriginal singers vying for cash prizes. On Nov. 16, the fourth annual Joey Gladue memorial gala included jigging and square dance competitions.

"It was a good turnout," said Lyle Donald, director of the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society. "The events were filled with hundreds of people."

Also on Nov. 16, the Metis Nation of Alberta held the Delia Gray memorial gala, which consisted of a dinner, speeches, award ceremony and dance.