Musher’s Madness brings Metis culture back to MacDowall – Prince Albert Daily Herald

March 21, 2024

The MacDowall Metis Local 83 celebrated the area’s Metis roots and culture with the second ever MacDowall Musher’s Madness on March 16-17.

Warm weather in the community just south of Prince Albert forced the cancellation of a few outdoor events like sled dog races, but MacDowall Local 83 vice president and Musher’s Madness coordinator Jodi Letendre said they wanted to hold the celebration anyway.

“We’re making the most of it, (and) enjoying the beautiful weather outside,” Letendre said. “We’ve added a few indoor events this year at the request of the feedback from last year. Of course, MacDowall hosted winter festivals years ago when I was little, probably in the late 80s and now we try to bring it back to revitalize Metis culture in our community.”

The event centred on the MacDowall Lions Recreation Centre. Instead of hosting sled dog races, Letendre said it became a cultural festival to honour the Metis ancestors.

“It’s really important to us, as to many people, to honour the generations before and the teachings that they have shared with us and really their appreciation for the land,” Letendre said.

Read More: https://paherald.sk.ca/mushers-madness-brings-metis-culture-back-to-macdowall/