Willow Bunch Métis Culture Days

Accès

À propos

We will be celebrating Culture Days on Saturday, September 27, 2025. We will start the day with prayers at 10:00 am. Coffee, Tea, and Bannock will be served as we listen to the storytellers, Tom Légaré and Jessie Short.

Tom Légaré, descendent of Jean Louis Légaré (Co-Founder of Willow Bunch), will share the history of Jean Louis Légaré who was a French Canadian Trader from Quebec that came to Wood Mountain/Willow Bunch in the 1870's. Tom will also tell the history of Jean Louis and Sitting Bull's friendship of how he fed the 4,000 Sioux warriors to keep them from starving after escaping to Canada.

Jessie Short, descendent of Edouard Beaupré (Willow Bunch Métis Giant), will share her research on the history and documentary film she directed on Edouard Beaupré. After each speaker, those in attendance will be invited to ask any questions.

Our Metis Advisor, Jean Rivard, will do a presentation on making bannock and will have pemmican for everyone to taste.

Lunch will be served at 12:00 pm, Fried Bannock Tacos with beverage and desserts.

1:00-3:30 Wagon rides will be available with Métis Elder Guide Kenny Gaudry talking about the history of the first Métis settlers in Willow Bunch and where they lived.

1:00-2:30 pm - We will have a beading demonstration/workshop by Lisa Slykhuis (local Métis artist) - Teaching the significance of the colors, patterns, etc. used in beading. People in attendance will be invited to come up and learn how to do beading.

The Hall will be decorated with paintings from local Métis artist Emile Desautels.

The Museum will have an open house for people to visit the First Habitants Room which tells the story of the first Métis families and Scouts, Jean Louis Légaré and Sitting Bull.

Organisateur

Willow Bunch Museum & Heritage Society Inc. and the Willow Bunch Métis Local #17

Our museum is a local board of seven members. Our vision is that our visitors will be welcomed, accepted, and respected while exploring the truth of our history, filled with stories never lost. Our Museum is open from May 15 to September 15 with 10 theme rooms, genealogy research is available in our Archive Room and our gift shop has Metis souvenirs available for purchasing.

Partenaires

Willow Bunch Metis Local #17

Lisa Slykhuis

Emile Desautels