A Metis artist living here has built a canoe that is being raffled off to aid the Grand River Community Métis Council as a fundraiser.
Marcel Labelle, an Arthur artist, is a descendant of the Algonquin and French settlers. After taking a spiritual journey across the country, Labelle had dreams where his ancestors taught him the skills needed to make them a reality.
His dream was to build something of incredible beauty and strength; a craft that has been instrumental in the discovery of this land and its indigenous people.
A giant birch tree Labelle found in the forests of his hometown, Mattawa, helped him with his task. The tree had been struck by lightning and it became Niimki, Lightning Spirit.
His 14-foot craft is made entirely of natural materials – cedar wood, birch and its bark, spruce roots, and gum.
Tickets are $20, and they are being sold until 4 June, and can be purchased by contacting barbara.gingras@hotmail.com.
Only 2,499 tickets are available, with the draw being held on June 5.
