The historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis’ council was excited to welcome the public to the grand opening of their long-awaited cultural center on Saturday.
Today’s festivities began with a sunrise ceremony that paid tribute to Metis’ ancestors, including those buried at the site.
The grand opening also included a variety of activities such as outdoor tours, Métis workshops, traditional food, games, music, dancing and special guest speakers.
In 2017, the Anglican Diocese of Algoma returned the former Metis Cemetery and the three buildings located on the site to the Metis Nation in Ontario (MNO).
The center will now serve as a place for Metis citizens in Region 4 to gather and engage with their community.
The Chitalishte will be available to the members for participation in activities, programs, council meetings, etc.
Mitch Case, an adviser from Region 4 on the MNO’s Interim Council, says it’s an amazing feeling to have the facility in working order.
“For a community whose land has been taken away since 1880, and now having a place that is ours, it’s amazing,” Case said. “The feedback has been extremely positive from the community, the council and the citizens.
Ann Germont, archbishop of the Diocese of Algoma, says this is the beginning of an exciting new partnership.
“This is not just a new beginning for the Metis nation of Ontario, but a new beginning for all of us,” she said. “I am not a mestizo by birth, but by adoption. I already feel very much part of this community. ”
Germand adds that she is extremely grateful for the hard work that has been done to help make this historic endeavor possible.
“A lot of dedication and commitment is invested in what is happening today,” she said. “Watching this new center emerge is so exciting and so wonderful for me personally, but for us as a diocese and for us as a church.”
The Sault Métis Center can be found at 136 John Street.
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