Special Events/Programs
Events
Indigenous People’s Day:
Join us June 21, 2025 at Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo to celebrate our Métis culture including music, food, cultural jigging, vendors, traditional Metis Games etc.
Louis Riel Day
Occurs every year During the Week around November 16th which the City of Nanaimo Declares Métis Awareness Week in the City of Nanaimo. A variety of activities take place during this week. A major event is always in partnership with the Nanaimo Museum, which opens its door to the Métis and general public. MIMN appreciates our partnership with the Museum as the Métis community gathers on their site for this event, sharing aspects of Métis culture and heritage. A variety of activities take place with many politicians attending, storytelling, music, displays and Stan Hulm Métis Genealogist present to assist those on their journey to identifying their family Métis heritage.
Faamii Mamawapowuk (Family Gathering):
Usually held in February each year. This is a time to celebrate our culture, meet new folks, participate in various activities including jigging, playing of spoons to live fiddle music, beading, making animal puzzles, personal button making, and finger weaving. Lunch is provided. This event draws on the Métis specific items collected each year to provide entertainment and MNBC early years staff attend to share activities with the young ones.
Museum Events:
Join us at the Nanaimo Commercial Street Market every summer running 11-13 weeks for the sharing of Métis Culture, promoting Métis Artisans who have the opportunity to display/sell their works, and promoting healthy discussions between Métis and non-Métis.
Remembrance Day:
National Indigenous Veterans Day. A time to celebrate the contributions of Métis and other Indigenous veterans.
Programs
The Tipi Teachings Program:
Shares the wisdom and values of the Métis Nation through workshops designed for healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, politicians, community leaders, and families. By fostering cultural awareness, we create a more inclusive and understanding community, where Métis people feel seen, respected, and supported.
Cultural Food Program:
Food insecurity is a growing crisis, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. The Cultural Food Program ensures that Métis families in Nanaimo have access to nutritious food deeply rooted in Métis traditions, including wild rice, fresh produce, Bannock and bison meat. These foods are more than just sustenance; they are a connection to identity, history, and healing. Yet, without corporate support, this program will not be able to meet the rising demand.
Gatherings:
Youth – Elder Gatherings to share personal stories and protocols);
Women’s Gatherings including mothers, grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters to enable a deeper sharing of the importance of women in the Metis Culture, our roles and responsibilities;
Matriarch Gatherings for the many who have become disconnected from our culture. We work together to identify ways to create a deeper understanding of the ways of the Métis, including respectful, caring responsibilities to one another.
Gathering to make Feast bags which includes the creation of personal bag, and discussion of the significance of food as a major part of gathering for Metis people.
Out of the Cold:
A volunteer led program that offers warm clothing to those living rough in our community. (Metis knitting circle knits scarfs, toques to be handed out as ell.) In the summer months, the program offers cold reliefs such as sun hats and cool water.
Child & Youth Program:
An opportunity to learn archery, voyageur canoeing, wildplay and our culture.
Cultural Arts:
We offer regular workshops on beading, sash making, ribbon skirts, dancing and other cultural arts that celebrate our Métis Culture.