Gathering of Nations started as vision of expanding diversity and inclusion at the Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition.
In 2017 Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition; VAS Fair Committee, Members of the Roseau River First Nations community and fair guests shared in traditional teachings such as beading, dancing, and wildlife tanning and leather working. The Indigenous Dances were performed by the Summer Bear Dancing Troupe and was posted live on Facebook and has been viewed over 2000 times. The sharing of Indigenous culture and the history was a welcomed addition to our Stampede grounds.
This year, our Gathering of Nations will continue to build healthy friendships. This year we welcome the Manitoba Metis to the Nations. The VAS Fair Committee have expanded our Gathering of Nations grounds with the addition of a performance area, two new teepees and an artisan tent to share the traditional teachings, dance, storytelling and celebrates artistic and cultural talent of our Indigenous artists living and working in Manitoba.
The Norman Chief Memorial Dancers were founded in 2004 in memory of the late Norman Chief, a Manitoba musician, singer, and entertainer. The Norman Chief Dancers’ primary purpose is to promote and develop community spirit through traditional style Métis music and dance. The team dances at fundraising events in communities throughout Manitoba to further promote Indigenous culture and heritage.
Nic Messner captures his audience’s attention with his refined, yet quick fiddling, paired with his contagious energy on stage. As a fourth-generation fiddler in his family, Nic zealously shares his music with the goal of assuring the continuation of traditional music, all while infusing modern and authentic sounds to his melodies.
