Helping to establish the Metis Dance Troupe in central Alberta, Gilles Allard, a member of the Red Deer College Board of Governors, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Heritage Recognition Awards in Red Deer.

The award acknowledges exceptional efforts by volunteers in heritage preservation, awareness, and education.

Moving here from Manitoba back in the early 90`s, Allard was first exposed to Alberta Metis Dancers at an event in Calgary, and when he was informed that there were no dance Troupes in central or Southern Alberta, Allard decided to start one.

“We stumbled on to an event in Calgary, and fortunately I met some beautiful dancers…and I asked a question, ‘Where [are] the dance troupe from?’ and they said, ‘Oh they are from the north’. And I asked, ‘Don’t they have any dance troupes in the south?’, and they said ‘No’. And unfortunately I was sitting beside a champion dancer, and he says, ’Well, why don’t we start one?’”

Allard says it`s especially important for young Metis children to learn these traditions and showcase them to the rest of the world.

“The excitement was to see children, very young children, showcasing their fancy footwork in front of like 10,000 people, that was fascinating to see them introduced, talk to the audience on mics, and build the kids in a sense, and finding comfort in their rich heritage.”

“We appreciate the valuable time and effort that Gilles has devoted to sharing his knowledge and passion for Metis culture at Red Deer College and in our community,” says Joel Ward, RDC President and CEO. “This recognition is well deserved and his endeavours have positively impacted central Alberta, and beyond.”

Allard and his family helped to establish the Metis Dance Troupe and the Red Deer and Area Metis Cultural Society, and he has also served on several boards, volunteered in the community, as well as showcasing Metis culture in local schools and through community events like Metis Magic, a day in the life of the Metis at Fort Normandeau Days, Heritage Days, and Canada Day, and has also worked as a facilitator for Alberta Indigenous learning Initiative in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.