(Facebook/Melfort Metis Nation Local 22)

By Ben Tompkins

Indigenous Culture

MétisFest held in Melfort

Jul 8, 2025 | 5:03 PM

The City of Melfort got to experience the best parts of Métis culture this past weekend at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

Melfort Métis Nation Local 22 held their second MétisFest on Saturday, with the goal of sharing the cultural experience with the community.

“It was a really nice event to bring to the community. I think it was a good turnout, and we got a lot of positive feedback. Those who were able to attend seemed to really enjoy it. We saw lots of people participating in each activity. I’m very thankful to the community for coming out and supporting it,” said Local 22 president Ashlee Boucher.

“Because Melfort is Métis historic land that we’re living on, I think it’s important to share the culture with our area and remember our ancestors and where we came from. Also, to continue in the spirit of truth and reconciliation by supporting each other and learning each other’s cultures.”

The MétisFest brought in Creeland dancers to do digging lessons in the morning. The event began with an opening ceremony that included prayers given by Elders. There was fresh bannock being made and the Dean Smith band played in the afternoon. New this year were all Métis vendors. They brought different items to showcase what they made in different Métis styles, which included various beadings, ribbon skirts, moccasins, and a blind trapper who brought various medicines.

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“Our first MétisFest was fairly similar, but we did get a different band and dancers, so we could see different styles, which is nice because everybody has a different take on things. We probably had more vendors this year, too, because we’re trying to get more people in there every year to share their products and see the differences,” Boucher added. “I think we would like to see it be a yearly event, and hope we can continue to add to it.”

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