Do you know the significance of a Métis sash? Or what a Rendezvous is? Or what life was like for the voyageurs?
Find out answers to these questions and more at the Town of Huntsville’s annual First Nations, Métis and Inuit Celebration, taking place in River Mill Park on Wednesday June 21 from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.
This year’s celebration is a Rendezvous, jointly hosted by the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Moon River Métis Council.
The spirit of a Rendezvous is similar to a First Nations pow-wow, but they are not the same thing notes Senator Verna Porter-Brunelle from the Métis Nation of Ontario. “On June 21, National Aboriginal Day, we honour the three aboriginal peoples: First Nations, Métis and Inuit. It’s important to distinguish the Métis from the First Nations and from the Inuit, which each have their own culture and traditions.”
Dignitaries including Porter-Brunelle, President Tony Muscat of the Moon River Métis Council and Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison will arrive in canoes provided by Algonquin Outfitters – as voyageurs did years ago – to kick off the celebration. They will be welcomed on the shore by fiddlers and school children before a procession to River Mill Park.
The celebration will include interactive activities suitable for all ages including music, dance, art, Métis games and regalia, and samples of bannock and maple syrup. There will be a small vendor table with authentic Métis items.
All are welcome at this free event and can come and go throughout the celebration. Teachers are asked to register school groups in advance if possible.
We are thrilled to once again have regional Métis sharing their unique culture with us. The variety and type of activities are sure to educate, enlighten and entertain.
Teri Souter, Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage for the Town of Huntsville
This is a rain or shine event. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on, food and a refillable water bottle, hat, bug repellent and sunscreen as needed. A water refill station is being provided. Accessible public restrooms are located adjacent to the park.
For more information or to register school groups, contact Teri Souter at [email protected] or at 705.789.1751 X2357.
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