The historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council was thrilled to welcome the public to the grand opening of its long-awaited cultural center on Saturday.
Today’s festivities began with a sunrise ceremony honoring Métis ancestors, including those buried at the site.
The grand opening also featured a variety of activities such as open house tours, mestizo workshops, traditional food, games, music, dance and special speakers.
In 2017, the Anglican Diocese of Algoma returned the former Metis Cemetery and the three buildings on the site in the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO).
The center will now serve as a place for Métis citizens from Region 4 to come together and interact with their community.
The community center will be available for members to participate in activities, programs, board meetings, and more.
Mitch Case, MNO Provisional Council Region 4 Councilor, says it’s an incredible feeling to have the facilities up and running.
“For a community that has had their land since 1880, and now having a place that is ours, it’s amazing,” Case says. “The feedback has been very positive from the community, the council and the public.”
Anne Germond, Archbishop of the Diocese of Algoma, says this is the start of an exciting new partnership.
“This is not just a new beginning for the Métis Nation of Ontario, but a new beginning for all of us,” he says. “I am not a Metis by birth, but by adoption. I already feel very much a part of this community. “
Germond adds that she is very grateful for the hard work she has done to help make this historic venture possible.
“A lot of dedication and commitment has been put into what is happening today,” he says. “Seeing this new center emerge is so exciting and wonderful, for me personally, but for us as a Diocese and for us as a church.”
The Sault Métis Center is located at 136 John Street.