Jigging flash mob kicks off Métis Cultural Days in Saskatoon

To kick off Métis Cultural Days in Saskatoon, a flash mob of jiggers danced in Midtown Plaza Saturday.

Shirley Isbister, president of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc., said — after winning the award for best Artists and Events at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in 2018 — they’re looking continue to improve on their success in their inaugural year.

“We need to celebrate our culture … in the spirit of reconciliation, showcase who we are as Métis people,” she said.

Isbister said the flash mob is a “sneak preview” of what’s about to happen next Friday at the Western Development Museum (WDM).

“There’s going to be just ongoing entertainment … people will get the opportunity to meet Louis Riel’s wife, and Gabriel Dumont’s family, and different strong women in history who are normally not showcased. This year is all about the women,” she said.

In celebration of the second annual Métis Cultural Days, CUMFI is putting on a flash mob of jiggers outside of Hudson Bay at Midtown. #yxe #dtnyxe pic.twitter.com/8wMdqa42TU

— brady lang (@BradyLangSK) August 31, 2019

In addition to people with Métis roots, Saturday’s flash mob showcased people from a variety of other cultures.

“We also want to showcase how in the spirit of reconciliation, we all can work, and play, and have fun together,”Isbister said, adding the event is open to everyone.

Métis Cultural Days runs from Sept. 6-8 at Saskatoon’s WDM.