Comox Valley Local Governments Recognize Métis Week

Métis Week takes place November 12 – 18 and Comox Valley’s local governments encourage all residents of the Comox Valley to celebrate the heritage, history and contributions of the Métis people.

The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people with a unique history, culture, language, and way of life and are one of three recognized Indigenous peoples in Canada, along with First Nations and Inuit. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action directly reference ways to address the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation for Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.)

The MIKI'SIW Métis Association is a chartered community of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. Program Coordinator Myrna Logan says, “We are so pleased that the municipalities of the Comox Valley will acknowledge their Métis residents and Métis Week by flying the Métis flag, along with many other municipalities in British Columbia”.

The municipalities of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland invite the public to attend these flag-raising events on November 14, 2023:

• 10 a.m. at the Village of Cumberland office, 2673 Dunsmuir Ave
• 12 noon at Town of Comox (Town Hall), 1809 Beaufort Avenue 
• 3 p.m. at City of Courtenay (City Hall), 830 Cliffe Avenue 

Louis Riel Day falls during Métis week on November 16. This day acknowledges the importance of Louis Riel (1844-85) as a political leader and advocate of justice for the Métis people, who continue to strive for rights and recognition to this day.

The MIKI'SIW Métis Association will celebrate Louis Riel Day with its membership by gathering for a traditional dinner of Tourtiere, playing Michif (Métis language) Bingo and enjoying and dancing to the live music of Cowichan Valley Métis artist Ed Peekeekoot. To find out more about the local MIKI’SIW Métis Association, events, programs and services, visit www.comoxvalleymetis.com.