CUMFI, CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY, PRESENTS THE 6TH ANNUALMÉTIS CULTURAL DAYS September 7-10

The 6th Annual Métis Cultural Days begins September 7th to the 10th. This FREE event will be held at the Saskatoon Western Development Museum (WDM), as we celebrate the ‘Year of Community’.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, it is important to promote the sharing of cultures and cultural practices. We believe that this event can foster appreciation and support of the Métis artistic and cultural life. It also promotes direct interaction between Métis Culture and the non-Métis public to increase understanding and appreciation of Métis Art and Culture.” ~ Shirley Isbister, President, CUMFI.

The Métis Cultural Days will play host to community participation, awareness and engagement in Métis Arts, Culture and History.

Step inside and learn from our Métis elder’s as they sit and tell stories of our history, both in Michif and English. Have the children engage in games and activities of the Métis. Enjoy tasting of our traditional food, shop at our Métis Market or enjoy our outdoor Kitchen Party Stage and Kayas Stage for performances that will bring you back to a time and place that is dear to all Métis.

This FREE, event will bring artisans, artists, fiddlers, Jigging and Square Dancing, singers, and more on the Boom Town Streets.

BRINGING BACK THIS YEAR: Find the Métis Settlements - History Scavenger Hunt. Attendees will be able to experience meeting a Métis person from one of our many historic settlements. Hear the story and learn about the importance of history of their stories. – Winner receives a PS5

Notable: Thursday (7th) will hold a very special program called the Métis Community Achievement Awards. People are invited to nominate a Métis person in their life, and we recognize them during the award night. This night also kicks off the event with its opening ceremony with messages from Mayor Charlie Clark, Police Chief Troy Cooper, Fire Chief Morgan Hackl and our president of CUMFI, Shirley Isbister.

Thursday & Friday (7th & 8th) is the day of learning. We are busy preparing the 2-days where students from grades 4/5 to come out and be guided through session to learn about the rich history of the Métis people. Games, lessons, and more. CUMFI provides all the students with a free lunch during the days (Sponsored by No Frills on 22nd Street). The students leave back to their schools at 3 pm on Friday and Métis Cultural Days then opens to the public.

Friday night is also our annual jigging competition. From mini-Métis jiggers to champion jiggers this night is full of fancy steps! We finish off the evening with a family dance with music from JJ Lavallee and Just the Boyz.

We are holding the 6th annual Art Auction and Charity Dinner Fundraiser, hosted by CUMFI. The proceeds from this event will go towards our children and elders Christmas parties. We, again, sold out this year.

Saturday at 12:00 pm we are holding our annual Celebrity Neckbone Eating Contest with Police Chief Troy Cooper defending his title after taking Mayor Charlie Clark title as champion in 2021. They will be joined by many community representatives as they eat their way to victory to the tunes of the fiddle, played by JJ Lavallee. This event packs the Saskatchewan Hall at the Saskatoon WDM!

Sunday (10th) We are holding our Interfaith and Gospel Jamboree along with a FREE pancake breakfast along with performers from the Ukrainian Society and more Métis entertainment. Finishing the day with an open mic for anyone wishing to perform a song on stage with our house band as back up, Just the Boyz.

More information on times and agenda can be found on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MétisDays or on our website https://Métisdays.ca) as we work towards solidifying each day’s event times.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Métis history and culture through MÉTIS CULTURAL DAYS. Any culture, any age, and ALL our community.