A large group gathered outside city hall on Thursday morning to celebrate Métis Week.
Local representatives from the city, schools and Métis Nation acknowledge the special proclamation, which proclaims Nov. 20 to 27 Métis Week. That falls a few days after Louis Riel Day, on Nov. 16.
The proclamation and speeches were followed by two dances by the School District 5 Métis Jiggers. The dance were in honour of Louis Riel and Métis Week.
The event was organized by the Mount Baker Secondary School Wild Warriors.
Colette Trudeau, of Métis Nation B.C. (MNBC), thanked everyone for coming out to the ceremony.
"It's really wonderful that your community is supporting Métis people and supporting the awareness," Trudeau said.
She noted that just last week she was in Vancouver raising the Métis flag as well. "I think it's really wonderful that we're having the opportunity to do the same thing across the province and in Cranbrook.
"Thank you very much for coming on this historic event," she said.
Marilynn Tailor is the Kootenay Regional Director for MNBC.
"We are so proud to see our flag flying here today," Tailor said. "And I want to thank everybody who did so much work to bring this event about."
Pictured from left to right: Mayor Wayne Stetski; Brie Wilkinson, youth representative; Duncan McGillivray, Métis Guild Cranbrook; Ted Fiddler, Kootenay Region 4 Elder from Cranbrook; Marilynn Tailor, Kootenay Regional Director for Métis Nation B.C.; and Betty Hoogendoorn, Kootenay Region 4 Senator from Golden (Arne Petryshen photo)
Mayor Wayne Stetski read the proclamation. He also thanked everyone for keeping the Métis culture alive and healthy in Cranbrook.
"It takes a lot of work to make sure the light keeps shining on the Métis Nation," Stetski said. "It's really important that people understand that Cranbrook is a multicultural place and they can celebrate Mets culture with great pride every year."
Marlin Ratch, president of the Rocky Mountain Métis Local, presented Mayor Stetski with a personal sash.
Jason Tichauer, School District 5 Director, said the district is honoured to be part of the ceremony. He said there can't be any discussion of the history or culture of the Canada without mention of the Métis Nation.