The Métis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc. (MACSI) is hoping to bring the community together Saturday night with an old-fashioned kitchen party.
The organization, which operates addictions treatment centres across the province, including in Prince Albert, is putting on the family-friendly event as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations.
“We’re doing it for a couple of different reasons,” said communications manager Shayne Lazarowich.
“It’s for the community, and to try to bring people together using Métis culture.”
Several groups are performing at the event, which is taking the form of a dry, or sober, dance.
Dean Smith Band is providing the majority of the music. The group performs Métis fiddle music as well as country music for people who want to dance. They’ll be joined by the Strong sisters, a pair of singers from the area; the Qu’Appelle Valley Squaredancers and the Riverside Jigging Club.
There is no cover. Admission is by donation. The event is intended for all ages. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Prince Albert Exhibition. Lazarowich said that soup and bannock will be served at about 9 p.m., and that the event runs until about 11:30 p.m.
“Everybody is welcome,” he said.
“I know there are what people refer to as sober dances or dry dancers that go on in P.A. and outside of P.A. It is consistent with our work we do day-to-day: drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Part of the idea is to provide healthy outlets, healthy opportunities for people who may be recovering. We can have a good time without alcohol and drugs.”
In addition to the Prince Albert event, MACSI is also hosting concerts in Saskatoon and Regina.
For more information, visit macsi.ca.
