Province-wide Kitchen Party Tour celebrates Métis culture in Medicine Hat

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“They would get together in somebody’s house, pull the drapes down, move the furniture out, pull the chairs close together, grab a fiddle and jig and play fiddle and visit and tell stories. And it was a wonderful time.”

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The evening featured live music, jigging, activities for children and opportunities for Métis citizens, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, seniors and members of the public to gather together.

Sandmaier said while the gatherings have evolved over the years, the tradition remains central to Métis culture.

“They’ve evolved, obviously, into barn dances and hall dances, but the kitchen party is something that’s very important to us as Métis people in our culture,” Sandmaier said.

“The inspiration for the kitchen party tour was to get out into the community, to share our culture with not only Métis citizens, but non-Indigenous folks that might want to learn about who we are as Métis people,” she added.

“It’s really important to us at the Métis Nation that we’re able to tell our story here in Alberta, and we have been here since before Alberta was a province. We have a history here. We have a vibrant culture.”

Sandmaier said the events also encourage people to reconnect with their Métis identity to embrace their heritage.

“We want to make sure the younger generations can stand up and be proud of who they are as Métis people,” Sandmaier said.

“That they understand where they came from. That they know their culture. That they can go out into the world and now not have to hide it and say, I’m Métis, and I am proud, and I have a right to be here.”

Sandmaier also encouraged anyone struggling with their Métis identity to get involved in community events.

“Don’t be shy. Come out and connect with people.”

As the night wrapped up, Sandmaier reflected on her time in Medicine Hat.

“The venue that we are in and our district booked for us is amazing. This park is beautiful. The amphitheatre is beautiful,” Sandmaier said.

“We had a great night. We had about 100 people here, and it was a wonderful evening. I’m so happy to be in Medicine Hat, and I can’t wait to come back again.”

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READ: Province-wide Métis Kitchen Party Tour making stop in Medicine Hat on Wednesday