Based on an article from Simcoe.com – the original article appears at: http://www.simcoe.com/community/attractions/article/1486467–metis-culture-celebrated
MNO Manager Scott Carpenter participating in
Métis Cultural Days at Discovery Harbour
On August 11th, visitors to Discovery Harbour enjoyed a serving of Métis heritage and culture during the seventh annual Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee. “Bo’jou neejee” is a combination of the French greeting “bonjour” and the Ojibwa word for friend, “neejee” and was a common greeting during the fur trade era in Canada.) Discovery Harbour has a strong historic connection to the Métis people who were part of the military migration from Drummond Island to the original Penetanguishene base in 1828 following the War of 1812.
New this year was the Kwiikikwe Métis Women’s Drum Group, who performed morning and afternoon. The C and C Métis Sisters presented “The Métis Traditional Sharing Cache”, a theatrical-style performance that focussed on the Métis tradition of sharing and caring. The Métis Fiddler Quartet, renowned for their mastery of both traditional and Métis old-style fiddle playing, appeared three times throughout the day. Rounding out the day’s entertainment with more great toe-tapping tunes were popular fiddler Alicia Blore and the music and vocals of La Famille Lefaive.
Métis culture was also celebrated through displays and demonstrations: traditional sash weaving; fur trade trapping; beadwork, and moccasin making. Visitors were able to hear Michif–the traditional Métis language, see a voyageur encampment and learn about life in the wilderness. Rug hooking, historic tailoring, leather bag making, and cooking demonstrations that included the traditional “three sisters’ soup” and bannock illustrated domestic life.
There was even a horse-and-wagon ride that transported visitors from the admission area to displays and activities.