The Prince George Mtis Elders Society is celebrating its 20th anniversary by holding an open house Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Native Friendship Centre in the Power of Friendship Hall, 1600 Third Ave.
"We are showcasing who we are as members of the Mtis society and also the history of the Prince George Mtis Elders Society," said Rose Bortolon, secretary of the society. "In the spirit of unity we are very excited to be sharing the day with Kikino Mtis Children & Family Services, Mtis Employment & Training, Nechako Mtis Elders Council, Northern Interior Mtis Cultural Society, Prince George Mtis Community Association and the Prince George Mtis Housing Society."
There is a full day of activities scheduled, said Bortolon.
"We're going to be having some fiddle music," she added. "One of the fiddlers is coming from Terrace."
The society got funding to begin a program called Fiddle for the Future where young children, ages four to seven, get the opportunity to learn how to play the fiddle.
"We also got funding to make drums because that is part of our Aboriginal culture where fiddling comes from the European side," she explained.
During the celebrations there will be traditional ceremonies, crafting, information tables, a variety of demonstrations and refreshments.
The Mtis Elders Society executive is proud of its accomplishments in the last 20 years, including books on Mtis history, a children's book, two cook books, a regional directory, and a historical calendar and a video. It has built up strong affiliations to UNBC and CNC, along with regular visits to area schools to make crafts and educate youth about the cultural aspects of the Mtis.
"This amazes me," said Shirley Vhal, vice president of the society. "I've only been vice president for one year and I am absolutely amazed at all the work they've done. They have been so very busy over the years."
The society is always looking for new members and hopes attending the 20th anniversary celebration will inspire more people to join.
