November 10, 2022

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is pleased to celebrate its first Métis Week, with events on Nov. 14, 15 and 17, that recognize the culture, history and the contributions that Métis people have made in Canada.

“We decided to begin celebrating Métis Week because more than half of the Indigenous students at MHC are Métis,” says Chasity Cairns, manager of Indigenous engagement and student supports. “By providing an opportunity to celebrate, our students will be able to connect with their roots while allowing our community to enjoy the traditional aspects of Métis culture.”

Those who attend the events during Métis Week will learn first-hand some of the skills that are unique to Métis culture. On Nov. 14, participants will learn basic beading, as Métis are known as the flower beaded people. Then, on Nov. 15, participants will take part in a Hudson’s Bay mitten sewing craft. Each event will begin at 4:00 p.m. and end at 6:00 p.m.

On Nov. 17, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., a Métis Week Celebration Event is planned.

“It will be a fun evening, packed with activities including a Bannock tasting contest, a Louis Riel reenactment and jigging and sash dance demonstrations." Cains adds, "We are also excited to welcome Chinook Band for a Métis Kitchen Party dance to end the evening.”

All Métis Week events are open to the public and will take place in MHC’s new Indigenous gathering space, Ómahksípiitaa.