Prince Albert hosts 2001 Metis Fall Festival

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The seventh annual Prince Albert Metis Fall Festival was held Sept. 14, 15, and 16 and, according to organizers, the event was a success.

"I think this year is probably one of the best turnouts we've ever had," said Kevin Souter, president of the 2001 edition of the festival.

"We've got great dance troupes from all over the place, from Alberta, Manitoba. I believe we even have one up from North Dakota, so we've got a really good selection."

In total, 21 competitive square dancing groups entered the competitions, which ranged from adults to teens, as well as a new category.

"We had a really good turnout with the tiny tots, dance troupes 6 years and under," said Souter.

As is the case with each year's activities, there are competitions in jigging and square dancing, as well as King and Queen trapper events. Each of these events helps to preserve the traditions inherent to the Metis culture. There were both adult role models and youth ambassadors chosen by the committee, who represented the local urban community as well. The adult role models were Darcy Gervais - who works both on City Council as an elected official and as a court worker-and educator Lisa Garipy.

Helen Katelnokoff, an Elder involved with the festival for several years, was impressed by the weekend's activities.

"It was fantastic, and it's getting bigger and better every year. I'm older; I've seen the difference year after year. Our young people are taking over fast, and I'm so glad to see that, that we have children that are interested (in tradition)," she said.

Less than a week before the festivities started, disasters south of the Canadian border were hitting the news, and even during the festival, news reports were still hitting the airwaves. What affect did this news have on the festival?

Said Garipy, "The Elders, when they started the prayers every morning, and each afternoon, had a moment of silence each time. We all prayed for the people whose lives have been touched by those unfortunate instances."

Elder Katelnokoff's comment about the disaster was "We really feel bad about that, that's why when we went up, we prayed for them. You think, what are the families going through? We're in Canada; we're lucky so far. They don't know where half of their families are, and it took a lot out of me to find out about it," Katelnokoff said. "It just gets through to me when I see that on the news," she added emotionally.