2014 Métis Awards Honour Most Accomplished Métis People (Story, Pics, Video)

Regina, SK – The 3rd Annual Métis Awards, which honoured the most accomplished Metis people in Saskatchewan took place last Saturday (Sept 27) at the Queensbury Convention Center.

Gina Angielski, a board committee member for three years, said the reason they started the Métis awards was because “there was a lot of people who weren’t recognized specifically for their Métis ancestry and accomplishments,” said Angielski.

“It (Métis Awards) highlights the culture separately and that is important.”

This year the awards were proud to bring back hosts Keon Francis and Sean Dean of The Bionic Bannock Boys, who opened the show with their own rendition of Pharrell’s hit song, “Happy” called “Métis” (see video below).

New entertainment this year included dancers Yvonne Chartrand and Robin Poitras of New Dance Horizons and Andrea Menard as the keynote speaker, who also sang a few songs.

“As the Wiichihiwayshinawn Foundation Inc. Métis Awards grow, their goal is to move to another city because the award recipients are Saskatchewan wide” said Angielski.

To get involved, announcements are made earlier in the year through their website; www.metiswomenregina.ca and applications can be emailed. This deadline usually takes place mid-August as selections are made via a special committee.

This year, there were ten award categories honouring very remarkable recipients. RezX spoke to some of the recipients, about the honour of receiving the award which also included a Métis sash.

“I feel really honoured and proud…really humbled to be chosen amongst lot of award applicants” said Alison Kimbley who won the “Gabriel Dumont Award” for Education.

Jayde Goodon, who won the Arts Award, talked about how his late father would have been proud of him.

“I’m stoked and honoured to be receiving this award at my young age. I’m 28-years old and have been drawing my whole life, also specializing in graffiti art. I started tattooing five years ago and also have done many murals. My Dad passed away and he would have been really happy for me winning this award, he was a proud Métis man”.

Janette Reinson, who won the “The Louis Riel Award” for Social Justice said she was, “extremely honoured”.

“Some words I’d like to share are; for everybody to always do your best, because people are watching and if your doing good things you will be remembered. I always try and if I don’t get it right the first time…I try again. There is more than one way to skin a cat. Look around you, you will find a way. Make sure to set goals and follow your dreams, every time you accomplish them, follow bigger dreams”.

The night was truly a showcase of Métis pride and celebration. Andrea Menard, Keynote Speaker and Singer encapsulated the evening with her words, “I am so proud to be here tonight, speaking and sharing a moment in time with my kin. Celebrating achievements of Métis people which reflects on the whole”.

– Images and Reporting by Lacy Morin 

KEON FRANCIS AND SEAN DEAN OPENING PERFORMANCE