LAC LA BICHE – The Métis culture of the Lac La Biche region was showcased and celebrated during Métis Heritage Days, which took place over the May 9 weekend at Lac La Biche’s Bold Centre.
The event featured a farmers’ and artisan market, and a talent show on May 10 and as well as a hockey tournament featuring teams from Métis and Indigenous communities in the Lakeland region.
At the market, people could purchase a variety of products, including crafts made by Métis and Indigenous artists.
Bestt Peterson, who is from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement and helped organize Métis Heritage Days, said the event was a collaboration between a variety of community organizations, along with local businesses.
“We wanted to put on an event that showcases the spirit of the Métis people. Music and hockey are a big part of our culture,” Peterson told Lakeland This Week. “Both have played a big part in keeping our communities together over the years both in good times and more challenging times. It’s our unity that keeps us strong.”
Métis Heritage Days fell on the same date as the Battle of Batoche, which took place from May 9-11, 1885, at the ad hoc provisional government of Saskatchewan capital of Batoche. It was the decisive battle of the North-West Rebellion, led by Métis leader Louis Riel.
During the Battle of Batoche, a force of First Nations and Métis people, led by Riel, faced off against Canadian militia units, who won the fight.
Riel was put on trial for treason and executed on Nov. 16, 1885.
Chantal Sparklingeyes is the district captain for Lac La Biche Métis District 19 of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
“In the past, Métis culture and heritage weren’t presented or shared as often as it should have been,” said Sparklingeyes.
She noted that Louis Riel is significant within the Métis culture as he is the forefather of the Métis peoples’ political standing and was one of the first established political figures in Canada.
“He was maybe painted with the wrong kind of brush in the past, but he has inspired our culture to come together and to stand together proudly, and uplift who we are and celebrate our culture,” said Sparklingeyes.
Peterson believes it is important for the local community to learn about the history behind the Métis people and their culture, so they can be proud of who they are and what they represent.
“Sometimes the Métis people are forgotten, and a lot of people don’t realize what a big role the Métis played in shaping our community and our country,” he stated.
Payden Partaker and his wifeT essa were set up as vendors at the market inside the Bold Centre. The Partakers were selling hand-beaded items, necklace sets, medallions, as well as earring and keychains.
Payden said he enjoyed being at the culturally themed event.
“It’s a piece of my heritage. I’m Métis,” Payden said.
Another Métis artisan who was among the vendors at the Métis Heritage Days market was Janessa Quintal. The Métis culture, she believes, was somewhat lost for several years, but is making its way back.
“Métis people are very welcoming by nature, and so, having an event like this is just beautiful.”
Bryce Delorme, a resident of Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement and a musician who performed at the inaugural Métis Heritage Days, believes music helps bring people together.
“It brings communities together, it brings people together, not just the Métis people, but the whole community of Lac La Biche as well,” said Delorme. “Music is a good thing.”
