With the help of Adèle, her husband Darryl, myself and other volunteers, we have created beautiful centrepieces celebrating all of Canada’s seasons. Some have beautiful orange autumn decorations, while others are starkly white in their winter wonderland-ness. Others capture the transition from winter to spring with buds and pussywillows.

Canada, as we know it today, owes so very much to the Voyageurs. They were Europe’s ambassadors to our First Nations, and while the colonial behaviour of our forefathers leaves much to be desired, it was the peaceful and  cooperative friendships and lifestyles that gave way to what would one day become the Métis and Canada as a nation.

While the Homecoming Celebration Banquet heavily features Métis culture, it is not an exclusive event. Everyone is welcome — and encouraged — to come and learn about Canada’s Indigenous peoples, their traditions, and their lives. It is the least we can do, us who are guests on Turtle Island. Tickets are selling out, and we’re fortunate enough to have some amazing activities all through Family Day Weekend, with opening ceremonies on Saturday, the banquet with some smashing entertainment, and fireworks on Sunday.