Metis have, for generations, tried to deny their Aboriginal background and their Caucasian background, but modern Metis are doing the opposite. They are embracing their mixed ethnicity, promoting both sides of their uniquely Canadian bloodlines.
The Metis community comes together each year to celebrate their cultural features. Metis Heritage Day - A Celebration of Aboriginal Day happens on Sunday in Fort George Park, joining both Father's Day and the country's First Nations commemorations.
"Metis Heritage Day in Prince George is 20 years old, this year," said Patrick Pocha, one of four founders of the event. The others were Rose Bortolon, Gail Rhodes and Val Sylte.
"We wanted to celebrate who the Metis are as a community and for future generations."
Metis culture got started almost as soon as European settlement happened in North America. It took on particular personality in Saskatchewan and Manitoba; the Red River is considered the spiritual home of the Metis no matter where your lineage might have been located. The term applies to anyone of mixed Aboriginal-European (a true Euriginal?) ancestry, regardless of which European nationality or First Nations citizenship is involved.
All are invited to the park to enjoy food booths, inflatable games, merchandise vendors, crafters, information stations and entertainment. Everything gets underway at 11:30 a.m.
Pocha said there was still room on the schedule for more live performers so anyone wishing to take the stage was encouraged to call him at 250-561-9484.
