Updates & Stories

Trip To the Métis Crossing

You missed an amazing trip to the Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake in September with your Centre!

Métis Crossing is in a beautiful rural setting beside the North Saskatchewan River. There are two original homes from the end of the XIX century and a reconstructed Barn. The Gathering Centre is new and elegant featuring a beautiful butterfly shaped wooden roof. 

On arrival we were greeted by Jade, a Métis woman, who was our guide for the visit. She explained the history of the Métis people, the importance of fur trapping (she herself can run traps) and passed around a large variety of animal fur. We all tried to guess which animal it belonged to! She also told us the purpose and history of the Métis Sash. Jade gave a demonstration of the Métis Jig with variations including the Manitoba Pound (you had to be there)!

We were served a delicious thick vegetarian tomato soup with wild rice, Bannock bread and salad to follow, then we had time to browse in the shop and look around the building. 

Altogether it was a great day out!

We would like to acknowledge the on-going funding support of the Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada that enables us to learn so many things about our beautiful country!

Elaine Salkie