Festival showcases city’s many cultures

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This article was published 01/02/2019 (2618 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bringing together the vibrant cultures living in the Brandon area, the Westman Multicultural Festival celebrates unique ways of life while educating guests as they visit 10 pavilions spread around the city.

Drawing crowds to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, the Métis Pavilion invited guests to join in some fun while learning about the rich culture during Thursday’s opening night.

Donning the traditional garb of the Métis people, fur trader Grant Armstrong was on hand demonstrating the lifestyle of the early southern Manitoba settlers.

Hosting a display rich with cultural artifacts ranging from a traditional camp setup to pelts of multiple animals, Armstrong was eager to share the history of the Métis and the role the group plays in contemporary society.

Attracting people to his display with an array of interesting items, Armstrong said people are intrigued to touch the furs.

This leads to a conversation where he can share his knowledge with guests.

“It draws people in to find out a little bit,” Armstrong said.

Finding that many people lack a rich understanding of Métis people, Armstrong said the festival offers a chance for guests to whet their appetites and ignite an interest in the subject.

Still encountering people unfamiliar with Métis society, Armstrong does his best to offer what one could call a crash course on the subject.

“That’s where it starts and things just grow from there,” Armstrong said. “People start asking questions.”

Celebrating the rich artistry of her culture, Verna Demontigny shared the arts and crafts of the Métis.

Having hand-crafted beading projects, homemade rugs, moccasins and mukluks on display, one could be easily captivated by the vibrant works carefully created by Demontigny.

Finding that people visiting the pavilion often have a mixed bag of knowledge, Demontigny relishes sharing her culture.

Seeing the beading ignites a visible curiosity in passersby.

Having the chance to display her arts is important, Demontigny said, as it offers an opportunity to carry the culture forward by sharing that knowledge with those who are interested.

Each piece of art carries a story of the culture, allowing someone to immerse themselves in the Métis experience.

Across town at the Dominion Exhibition Display Building No. II, also known as the Dome Building, visitors could feel like they travelled to the other side of the globe with a visit to the Indian Pavilion.

Helping host the pavilion, Bhupinder Brar said the show was alive with energetic dances and marital arts displays for guests as they enjoyed delicious traditional cuisine.

Hosted by Punjabi Culture Association, the group carefully selected performances that help bring Indian culture to Brandon.

Giving guests a hands-on experience at the end of each show, a lucky guest could participate in a turban tying, where they are brought on stage to have a traditional Sikh turban tied on their head.

“They can that turban home as a token,” Brar said.

While the internet has made it easier for people to learn about cultures from around the globe, Brar said many guests still come to the pavilion with questions about the country, and volunteers are eager to share their culture.

Greeted by a display of Indian items when upon entering the Dome Building, a guest’s imagination is immediately sparked.

Inundated with the dynamic culture from start to finish, visitors cannot help but have a better understanding of the country from the moment they enter the space.

Jill Clayton from Brandon was at the Indian Pavilion to watch the dancing.

“It’s amazing,” Clayton said.

Finding she learns a lot at the pavilions, she also brings her kids, making it a family affair.

Bringing together the community and celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Brandon is important, Clayton said.

“This is a wonderful event that Brandon needs to have,” Clayton said. “We need to support it as members of the community.”

» ckemp@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp