All over the province events are being held this week to mark Métis week. It is meant to celebrate the Métis people, their culture and the contributions they have made to Canada both past and present.
The week began November 10th, and leads up to November 16th, the day of Louis Riel’s hanging in 1885. In Grande Prairie things kicked off with a flag raising and proclamation at City Hall by Mayor Bill Given.
Métis Local 1990 President Angie Crerar was on hand with four generations of her family to raise the Métis flag. Crerar explained that the infinity symbol on the flag represents the joining of two cultures and the existence of the Métis people forever. She also said that the flag being raised at City Hall helps to make the Métis people feel like they belong.
“Our spirit has not been broken and our dreams will never die” – Angie Crerar at the 5th annual #Metis flag raising at City Hall “this makes us feel like we belong” – Crerar cont’d #gpab pic.twitter.com/cSBqQ1KZbe
— 2day FM GP Newsroom (@2dayFMNewsGP) November 10, 2017
In addition to the flag at City Hall there will also be a flag raising at Grande Prairie Regional College Thursday at noon. Other events include a jam session at the Friendship Centre Tuesday and an open house Wednesday at the Elders Caring Centre complete with bannock tacos.