Metis Culture On Display In La Ronge Area

Metis Culture On Display In La Ronge Area

Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 14:04

A major Metis cultural festival is taking place in the northern village of Air Ronge today and tonight, bringing in Metis dancers, storytellers, musicians and other artists.

Gordon Denny Community School and Jim Brady Development Corporation are co-hosting the event, which is being called “Northern Saskatchewan’s Metis Dance, Music and Storytelling Festival 2006”.

The festival will culminate with an evening performance event that will feature Metis fiddle legend John Arcand, writers Maria Campbell and Harold Johnson and storyteller Julius “Bones” Park. Those guests are also facilitating workshops at the school today.

Other featured talent on hand are the Riel Reelers and Metis sash weaver Scott Duffee.

In addition to the Metis music and dance, members of the public will be invited to sample an assortment of traditional Metis food.

Area Metis leader Al Rivard says this is a significant event, since the Metis community in the La Ronge area doesn’t often have the opportunity to celebrate its culture with the general public.

The evening of entertainment begins at 6:00 pm at Gordon Denny Community School with a tea reception.