Feature stories

“... the only dance where people stop, put their drinks down, stand, clap, smile and laugh”

Today at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion, the Métis National Council Presents "2010 Year of the Métis Celebrations", a full day of programming that will feature Métis culture at its finest. Known artistically for their vivacious fiddling, lively jig and square dancing, the Métis host the day at the Chiefs' House inviting everyone in for some distinctly Métis hospitality. Performers will be on stage in the dome all day for the public to join in the celebration. There are four performances including the Asham Stompers who hit the stage jigging at 2pm.

"It is the only dance where people stop, put their drinks down, stand, clap, smile and laugh" says their leader and President, Arnold Palmer, "It's the best dance in the world" he says.

The Asham Stompers will be dancing to live, traditional Métis fiddle music and promoting their customary dance which has come to be known as 'The Métis National Dance'.

The Red River Jig is older than Canadian confederation, dating back to the late 1700's on the banks of the Assinnaboine rivers, now called the Forks in the city of Winnipeg. The dance it's self is known to be extremely fast paced, but how quick is it really? Well, the jig is so vigorous that dancers have worn out a pair of moccasins in just one night alone! Be sure to join the crowd in experiencing the best of Métis entertainment at the Chiefs' House.

Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

Located just down the street from the Chiefs' House at the corner of Dunsmuir and Hamilton Streets inside the Vancouver Community College, over 100 artisans will be selling and demonstrating their craft while 23 Aboriginal internationally export-ready businesses will be there in a trade show setting during the 17 day period.

Today, the main stage will have performances by Janet Rogers, Cris Derksen and Joey Stylz at 11am, 3pm and 6pm respectively.  Also at 3pm, the main floor of Vancouver Community College will become a cat-walk for some of the hottest trends from four fresh Aboriginal fashion designers. Tammy Beauvais, Tracy Toulouse, Angela DeMontigny and Dorothy Grant's collections will 'WOW' the eyes of the public – will you be there?

At the Village, artisans from across the country will be selling their handmade and designed goods, like the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag.  These Mi'kmaq Nation artists from Quebec, make handcrafted ash and sweet grass baskets as well as lined leather and duffle mitts, perfect for these mild Vancouver days.

Another booth to check out is Dawn Oman's of the Métis Nation. She will have over 40 exciting new works of art for show and sale. Dawn's pieces range from drawings and paintings to spinning and weaving wools, she will have a booth until the 17th.

Amidst the artisans are Aboriginal businesses such as Cruise North Expeditions. They are Inuit-owned, operated and focus solely on Canada's eastern Arctic and Greenland. Passengers have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitats such as polar bears, muskox, caribou, breathtaking scenery, archaeological sites and lastly cultural performances.