User:Bcmetis

Vancouver Métis Community Association (VMCA) The oldest Métis community in Vancouver BC, it was established in 1995 by the late Métis activist, historian and author Dr. Howard Adams. They are a community of social activists who's definition of Métis is: 1) Self-identify as Métis 2) Be of European and Aboriginal Ancestry 3) Be accepted by a Métis community

The Vancouver Métis Community Association always encourages volunteerism within its citizenry, and as such, the VMCA is responsible for the annual Celebration Métis, a free family event which takes place every August at the Vancouver Art Gallery. They are also responsible for the formation of The Walk Bravely Forward Society, a charitable organization which assists incarcerated Aboriginal offenders as they transition to community life.

The VMCA produces a bimonthly community newsletter called The Riel News which is distributed throughout the province, and they were one of the main forces in the development of the Métis Nation BC, (the provincial Métis council), in 1997.

The VMCA encourages education, arts and culture and was a prime motivator in the development of the Aboriginal Voices Radio Network in the year 2000.

Several VMCA members produced a half hour documentary about Métis Elders called, Not Just A Half Breed which has been running on the Aboriginal People's Television Network, (APTN), and a copy of which is now housed in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.

In order to find out more information about the Vancouver Métis Community Association consult their website at: www.vancouvermetis.com