All are welcome to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day at Gyro Park on Sunday.
Hosted by the Kootenay South Métis Society, the June 16 event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offer traditional Métis fare as well as entertainment for the whole family.
Besides fry bread, there’ll be plenty of bannock made by Kootenay South Métis members and buffalo burgers hot off the grill from the society’s trailer.
To wash down the good eats, starting at 11 a.m., there will be a full day of entertainment including live music by the Golden City Fiddlers, drumming by the Eagle Bear Spirit Drummers, and Metis jigging.
Alongside food and real-time performances will be artisans selling their wares, kids crafts, a tipi set-up, and information about Métis registration,
While the event takes place in Trail, the day embraces Indigenous culture and community from across the Kootenays. Drummers, jingle dancers and musicians are coming from Rossland, Castlegar, Nelson, Creston and beyond, to share their culture with all.
“We want everyone to take a timeout and come and relax, enjoy the entertainment and have a really great day at the park,” says Myrt Servatius, president, Kootenay South Métis Society. “This day is for the community. There will be lots to see, so bring your lawn chair and, just in case, don’t forget your umbrella.”
Moreover, Servatius is asking anyone who can lend a hand to call her at 250.368.7371.
Over the past 11 years the local Métis society has become visible in the community; members volunteer for highway cleanup twice a year, sell burgers from their trailer at many local festivals, raise the flag on Nov. 16 in recognition of Louis Riel followed by a community dinner, maintain an ongoing presence in schools and at school events, organize Indigenous Peoples’ Day annually, and much more.
“When I was young we never said out loud that we were Métis,” Servatius shares. “So it’s nice to be out in the community, and show that we are proud to be Métis.”
