Celebrations

Sixth Annual Northern Métis Celebration

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
Location: Northern Lakes College, Grouard, Alberta

Northern Lakes College hosted the Sixth Annual Northern Métis Celebration on February 28 at the Grouard Campus. This well-attended popular winter event was presented in partnership with Metis Nation Region 5, Council of Community Education Committees, Gift Lake Settlement, Peavine Community Education Committee and the Grouard Community Education Committee.

There were two morning workshops providing learning opportunities for those who wanted to learn more about various areas of Metis history and culture. Liz McSweyn of Metis Nation Region 5 in Slave Lake provided assistance with genealogical research and Jamie Linington instructed the jigging workshop.

Audrey’s Catering served a traditional meal of stew and bannock. Local Elder, Mabel Goulet, blessed the meal.

Between workshops and events guests had the opportunity to visit unique penny press hosted by Kim and June Courtoreille.

Darrell Fors, Director, Community Learning Centres, was acting Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon contest, presentations and speeches. The evening talent contest was MC’d by Bev New and Darrell Fors. The formal portion of the event included remarks from Brad Hestbak, Senior Director, External Relations, Archie Cunningham representing the Board of Governors for Northern Lakes College, the Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Lesser Slave Lake MLA; Fern Welch, MD of Big Lakes Councilor; Randy Anderson, Northern Lakes College Signature Cultural Events Chairperson and Bev New, President of Metis Nation Zone 5.

Highlights of the evening included dance performances by the Gift Lake Dancers who are coordinated by Audrey Anderson.

Guests participated in a number of lucrative 50/50 draws. Winners were Russell Cardinal Sr., Robert Collins and Judy Osler.

Thanks go out to those who donated items for doors prizes:
Métis Nation Region 5 – Co-host, Grouard Community Education Committee
Gift Lake Settlement, Peavine Community Education Committee, High Prairie MacLeod’s True Value, High Prairie Inn Limited Partnership, POPS Hardware & Building Centre Incorporated, The Family Inn Lounge, Charrois Motor Products Incorporated, Value Plus More, H & S Dollar Store, Atco Electric, Nado’s Pizzeria, Healing Waters Natural Health Centre, CKVH- The Fox, Super A Foods, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Eva’s Café, Orion Restaurant and High Prairie Native Friendship Centre, Slave Lake ATB Financial, MD #124,Town of Slave Lake, Tim Horton's, Northwest Inn, Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre, MNA – Tripartitite and Lesser Slave Lake Community Futures.

Judges for the talent competitions were: Fern Welch, Laurie Thompson, Susan Badger, David McConnell, Bevan Davidson, Duane Nichols, Audrey Anderson, Violet Campiou and Dianne Twin.

$3640 in prizes were available in the singing, jigging and fiddling competitions. Winners are as follows:

Tiny Tot Participants:
Seanna Cardinal- Jigging
Dreyson Cardinal-Jigging
Mya Willier- Singing

Competition Judges	Gift Lake Dancers	Lining up for Metis Dance Performance
Jigging Competition	Young Dancers	Seanna Cardinal

Upcoming Cultural Celebrations...

 Round Dance  2009

To be held November 21, 2009 at the Grouard Campus Gymnasium.