Fort Smith will host the first NWT Métis Jamboree from September 15 to 17, featuring three days of Métis culture, music, art, and traditions.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Melissa Johns, the jamboree organizer.
This is the first NWT Métis Jamboree and we hope it becomes an event people look forward to for many years.”
The jamboree will coincide with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation’s annual general assembly, making the artist and organizing logistics easier for Johns.
Johns said the jamboree will also allow Métis residents gathered from across the territory to connect with the broader community.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Anyone is welcome to attend the festivities, whether they are Métis or not. The festivities begin with a jigging competition on Wednesday night followed by a showcase featuring Métis musicians from the South Slave region.
Programming will also include an artisan market and a fashion show featuring Métis-inspired clothing, beadwork and other designs.
Johns said a highlight of the jamboree will be an all-ages jigging competition and the Kikino Northern Lites dancers
“I am looking forward to everybody coming together to celebrate our culture, to wear their sashes proudly, to share music and jigging, art,” said Johns.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“People can expect entertainment, but they can also expect to feel welcomed and included, and we want it to feel like a true Métis community gathering.”
The jamboree follows a difficult summer for Fort Smith after a shooting during the Fireweed Festival – which Johns also organized – forced the festival to pause events for almost a whole day.
While the incident had a profound effect on everyone involved, she said the response from the community reinforced the importance of music and art.
“Fireweed reminded me that music and art are more than entertainment. They can help people reconnect, find comfort, and begin healing during incredibly difficult times,” said Johns.
For Johns, a successful jamboree would be about people coming together and enjoying each other’s company “in a beautiful and meaningful way.”
She said she hopes to see dancing, music, art, traditional foods and culture shared among Elders, youth and knowledge holders.
