Manitoba Metis Federation

Wednesday, October 13 2004

The Metis Gathering at the French, while the Metis Hunt parties are harvesting for social and ceremonial purposes, will take place at Presqu’ile Cottages, located on the French River just east of Highway 69 some 60 km south of Sudbury. The site is off Hwy 64, 5 km east of the junction of Hwy 69.

The gathering will begin with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The sacred fire will be kept all day while Metis hunters and fishers will be off in various areas throughout the traditional Metis Harvesting Territories of Mattawa-Nipissing and Georgian Bay. Hunting parties near the site will return there to dress their harvest and have ceremonies to give thanks for the harvest.

A feast for all in attendance will be held at noon. The screening of a video on the retrieval of the Many Eagle Set Sundance (Thirsty) Dance Song will take place at 2:00 p.m. Story telling, Metis music and other cultural events will carry on throughout the day. First Nations leadership will be in attendance to participate in the events. The public is also invited to attend.

For further information contact:

Katelin Peltier (cell) 613-859-7130
Patricia Lejour 1-800-263-4889 or 1-613-791-5056