Honouring Our Grandmothers Métis Cultural Festival: Celebrating generations of Métis Women through art and traditions

Press Release

April 29, 2025

Celebrate Métis culture and honour the legacy of Métis grandmothers at the Honouring Our Grandmothers Cultural Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Parkview Centre in Barrie.

Co-hosted by the Barrie-South Simcoe Métis Council and the Kooshkopayiw Arts Collective, this festival is free to attend and offers art, music, jigging, vendors, and hands-on workshops – all showcased by Métis artists and artisans.

Workshops throughout the day, offer festival-goers the opportunity to learn new skills and familiarize themselves with a wide array of Métis artistic traditions. The workshops include:

• Quilting with Roxanne Shank at 11:30a.m.
• Continuous Drawing with Monica Loney at 1:00p.m.
• Painting with Patti Belanger at 2:00p.m.
• Meeting with Joe Jesseau at 3:30p.m.
• Jigging Dance with the Lyon Sisters (All day)

Please note: Interested participants must register for the workshops by emailing George Simard at legba644@hotmail.com.

The festival will feature lively performances that showcase the energy and spirit of Métis culture, with musical acts including Ken Lindsay, Red, Hot Stove Pipe Métis Band, and Lyric Dubee—sure to get your toes tapping!

The Honouring Our Grandmothers Métis Cultural Festival offers something for everyone. On May 4, share in the beauty of Métis heritage, and honour the exceptional women who laid the foundation for future generations.

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