Contribution recognized by mayor of Mission

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Inclement weather did nothing to deter hundreds of guests from attending the Metis Outpost's open house held on Nov. 15.

In fact, people came from Kelly Lake, Vancouver Island and Alberta to take part in the celebration. Among the more than 300 guests was the president of Metis Nation of the United States.

The Outpost, which is located at Boulder Bay, north of Mission on the site of a former youth correctional facility, is a wilderness camp dedicated to the principles of culture, family, community, education and healing. Its grand opening is the result of Kurtis DeSilva's and other volunteers' efforts to open a camp that honours the Metis culture, while strengthening the community by offering an inclusive environment for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to enjoy.

DeSilva, who is also the executive director of the Metis Nation in British Columbia, addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony, saying, "The Metis is a bridge between a lot of worlds.

"To be here today is to rebuild that bridge," he said. "We have the opportunity to come together, to understand our differences and cultural values."

The grand opening was particulary rewarding for DeSilva, as the following day was Louis Riel Day, and in the week prior to the open house DeSilva celebrated the adoption of his three children, Titysha, Taylor and Mia.

"This was just another part of the celebration," said DeSilva.

Abe Neufeld, the mayor of Mission, was on hand and he praised the Outpost as a balance between ecotourism and community, adding that DeSilva was owed recognition for his efforts.

"He made a very passionate appeal to our council," said Neufeld, noting that while plenty of work had already been done, there was still much to do. "I think together we can make it happen," he said.

Open house guests were treated to brunch, visits to the Metis Museum and a demonstration of hide scraping. The dinner menu included baked salmon, moose and turkey, with wild rice, baked potatoes, corn and squash, after which participants enjoyed live entertainment and dancing.

Guests were given a grand tour of the camp, which includes cabins with washroom facilities and a common area with satellite TV. The tipi camp consists of two 18-foot tipis and one 30-foot tipi that can sleep 20 or more people. The camp also features a resource room with computers with Internet access, educational and personal development materials, self-study GED programs and interactive computer tutorial programs.

DeSilva emphasized that the facility and all its resources is for the enjoyment of all people.

"We have a new vision for the future," he said.