A Heartfelt Celebration of Heritage at the Métis Pavilion – Folklorama 2025

Walking into the Métis Pavilion at this year’s Folklorama isn’t just attending a cultural show—it’s stepping into a vibrant, living heartbeat of Manitoba’s history. From the first warm greeting at the entrance, guests are immediately embraced by the generosity and proud spirit of the Métis community. It’s more than hospitality; it’s like being welcomed into someone’s home—with music, food, and story flowing through every detail.

The Métis people are one of the recognized Indigenous groups in Canada, born of a rich union between European fur traders and First Nations women. Rooted in both Indigenous and European ancestry, the Métis carry forward a unique cultural identity, language (Michif), and tradition, deeply tied to the fur trade and the land. At the pavilion, these deep roots are not only celebrated—they come alive.

As soon as you enter, the unmistakable sound of the fiddle fills the air. You know you’re in for something special. This isn’t just performance; it’s cultural storytelling. The dancers and musicians aren’t just entertainers, they’re cultural ambassadors—generations of tradition twirling, stomping, and singing their way across the stage.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Métis Pavilion is how it brings history into the present. The show doesn’t just perform for the audience—it includes them. Guests are regularly invited to the stage to try their hand (or feet!) at jigging, a proud Métis tradition that’s well over 100 years old. The story of jigging itself is compelling: born by the riverbanks where First Nations trappers would dance and attract the attention of fur traders, it was later suppressed by the Canadian government—banned in homes and practiced in secret. That defiant joy and preservation of identity are stitched into every step you’ll see on stage.

Among the dazzling performers are world champions and standout groups like the Asham Stompers, whose footwork has graced national stages—including their winning performance on Canada’s Got Talent. Talent doesn’t just come from the city, either—some of these extraordinary performers travel from as far as Split Lake and British Columbia to share their artistry and pride.

And the food—oh, the food! You’re not truly experiencing Métis culture unless you’ve had a steaming bowl of pickerel chowder, a warm bannock fresh from the oven, or the wildly popular “moose dogs.” These are more than just dishes—they’re stories on a plate, recipes passed down through generations and reimagined for today’s palates.

The cultural displays inside the pavilion are just as breathtaking as the performances. What makes them so powerful is their authenticity. Many of the items—trapping tools, fur trade artifacts, beadwork—were actually used by Métis families, lovingly donated to share their heritage with the public. These aren’t museum replicas; these are heirlooms, telling real stories of survival, ingenuity, and celebration. The beadwork in particular is absolutely mesmerizing—immaculate, intricate, and vibrant, each piece a testament to the skill and artistry passed down over centuries.

And through it all, the legacy of Louis Riel—Métis leader and founder of Manitoba—flows like a guiding spirit. His dream of a province where Indigenous voices and identities are recognized lives on in every note of music, every spin on stage, and every bite of bannock.

Folklorama offers many unforgettable experiences, but the Métis Pavilion stands apart. It’s not just a show—it’s a journey through history, resilience, joy, and living culture. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this is one pavilion you simply must attend. Come hungry, come curious, come ready to clap and dance—and leave with a heart full of Métis pride.

Métis Pavilion – where the heart of the prairies beats to the sound of the fiddle, and history dances before your eyes.