Some people might notice a new teepee standing tall outside of the Metis Nation Columbia River Society office as they drive or walk by.
Metis Nation Columbia Valley Association Chief Alfred Joseph gave a speech to the attendees, and helped officially set the teepee up.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this,” he said during the ceremony.
Debra Fisher, president of the Metis Nation Columbia Valley Association in Invermere also attended the ceremony.
The teepee was raised in the evening on Thursday, August 8, with the support of the community. Approximately 14 people each picked up one of the poles to move the teepee’s location nearer to the office, and even more helping hands adorned he structure with the canvas walls. Town of Golden Mayor Ron Oszust put in the pegs to join the canvas piece above the door. The pegs and the ground pegs were painted by Marcel Cholo.
As the teepee began to take shape, Metis Nation Columbia River Society president Caren Nagao smudged the teepee and Metis Nation British Columbia senator Betty Hoogendorn drummed.
The teepee raising was followed by dinner and refreshments, and commenced with the weekly drumming circle, hosted by Columbia Valley Drumming, which moved from Spirit Square to the Metis Nation Columbia River Society’s location for the event.
The teepee will serve as a community gathering place for Metis Nation Columbia River Society, and is located directly beside their office.
Metis Nation Columbia River Society is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
