Metis Kitchen Party

 The  Metis Kitchen Party held at the Heritage Inn this week was a resounding success.  The ballroom was full and the music was lively.

Councillor Sharon Cross attended as Acting Mayor.  Also present were Joe Pierre (Councillor of 'aq'am), Colette Trudeau (Metis Nation of B.C.), Lynn Hauptman (School District #5), Jason Tichauer (Mt. Baker Secondary School), and Doug McPhee (School District #5).  

Doug McPhee, who has a rich and long involvement with the St. Mary's Band and the Metis, was presented with a beautiful wool blanket featuring a symbolic turtle on it, as well as an eagle feather.  It was a very touching tribute to Mr. McPhee.

After a traditional Metis dinner, Daniel Gervais on fiddle, and the Pacemakers, entertained the crowd.  Members of the public started to arrive to participate in the event.  There were lots of lively jigs, and a butterfly dance that Councillor Cross participated in with a couple of youth.  When asked about the dance, Councillor Cross replied "When it started I realized that it was a dance I learned in school as a child. It came back to me as though it were yesterday, and I was having a ball!"  She also noted that "This is such a wonderful celebration of a rich culture that has helped shape our nation, and I'm so happy the Metis community keeps their traditions and culture alive.  Cranbrook is a better place for it."