One of the few annual celebrations of Metis culture in Canada is kicking off Thursday – and it all takes place just outside Saskatoon.
The John Arcand Fiddle Festival is now in its sixteenth year.
Vicki Arcand, married to John Arcand, says they have kept alive his vision for the event.
“We’ve always had a Metis theme running throughout the festival to honour John’s roots, obviously, he’s known internationally as the master of the Metis fiddle,” Vicki said. She’s the festival’s director.
“As far as we are aware we’re the only fiddle contest in, probably the world, but Western Canada for sure, that has the traditional Metis category.”
The main focus is the fiddle lessons held each day.
Vicki says they have some of the best instructors teaching Celtic, east coast, French-Canadian, and Metis styles.
“Do they walk out of here playing the traditional Metis tunes? Maybe not, but some do. And if one or two do and they take them on to another community, you know, that’s how you’re gonna keep things going,” she said.
Over the years they’ve expanded, in the past few years introducing a cultural camp.
They offer beading, finger weaving, traditional Metis dancing, and storytelling.
“The dance workshops grew so large that this year we’re actually moving them into the main stage venue to use the big dance floor,” Vicki said.
She explained why Metis heritage is important to all of us.
“If anyone delves into the history of the Metis people – I mean, they’ve been here forever – how they came to be, and the struggles they’ve had along the way I think it’s just as much a part of our heritage in the province or the country as the Ukrainians, or each culture has their own right?”
The festival focuses on keeping things affordable and accessible for attendees.
There are shuttles from Saskatoon to the festival site about 10 kilometres out of the city, on the Arcand’s acreage.
The daily and weekend-long fees max out at $60.
People are also welcome to camp out at the site, although there are no hookups for water or power.
For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page here.