2025 National Indigenous Peoples Day Schedule and Performers

Message from our President

The North Slave Métis Alliance is hosting the 2025 National Indigenous Peoples Day Free of Charge Fish Fry and Stage Show at the City of Yellowknife’s Somba Ke Civic Plaza across from City hall. We invite Yellowknifer’s, Visitors and Performers alike to enjoy an afternoon of Métis, Inuit and First Nations cultural Food, Music and Dance.

The North Slave Métis Alliance is a non-profit society that represents the Aboriginal rights-bearing Metis people of the North Slave area. Our staff, members, sponsors and volunteers help with making a day of Aboriginal Culture including Métis fiddling, reeling and jigging, Dene drumming and Inuit throat singing and much more. We will be serving up Great Slave White Fish, Bannock, Beans, Corn-on the-cob, with all the fixing and Refreshments.

This day, June 21st, 2025 again marks a time for reflection about whom we are as North Slave Métis People and how we fit into the greater mosaic of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. It’s an important day to come together with others and to also express ourselves and our uniqueness as Métis here in the North Slave. We also remain thankful for what we have and remain motivated and hopeful to improve our lives in these times while still holding fast to our roots as a distinct people in Canada.

I hope this day will see all of our various communities of Indigenous people and our fellow Yellowknifer’s coming together to celebrate with us and enjoy each other’s company along with the food we have for all.

To all out there today, I wish a happy and safe “National Indigenous Peoples Day”.

President,

Marc Whitford

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2025 Schedule of Events

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Meet our Performers

National Indigenous People's Day is coming up and our office is preparing for our annual fish fry event Somba K'e Civic Plaza! We have some exciting performers this year!

Edmonton Métis dancers

Over the years, the dancers have promoted traditional Métis dances, celebrating the cultural heritage of their mixed ancestry (French, Scottish, Irish, and First Nations). Some of these traditional dances include the Duck Dance, Reel of Eight, Drops of Brandy, Reel of Four, and the Red River Jig. They also learned first changes and breakdowns, with square dances described by a square dance caller. The group has also mastered show dances that highlight their stepping abilities, such as the Orange Blossom Special, Broom Dance, Sash Dance, and Cotton Eyed Joe.

James Ross - Fiddler

James is a Métis, born and raised in Yellowknife. He has been playing the fiddle since he was 9 years old and has attended many fiddle camps and also taught fiddle and private lessons.

Today, the group consists of four generations of the Donald family, including the grandfather, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

DerRic Starlight PR 

DerRic Starlight is a Blackfoot comedian-puppeteer from the Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary who followed his dreams into a career of acting and puppetry. He now lives in Edmonton with his own cast of  “Nuppets” (Native Puppets) including Granny, Chief the Warrior, Band Councillor Willy, Jingle Dress Dancer and many many more.

DerRic has appeared regularly on the APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) and was one of the talented Canadian puppeteers to work on the recent “Fraggle Rock” reboot.  Now, with over 350 voices, a cast of Indigenous Puppet Characters and a genuine knack for Comedy, DerRic is one of the top touring professionals in North America. He is always in constant demand for Festivals. DerRic performs to adults and children alike.

Jerrid Lee

Jarrid Lee is a Plains Cree country-rock artist based in Edmonton, Alberta. Blending the heartfelt storytelling of Shane Yellowbird, the soulful melodies of Don Amero, and the authentic energy of The Road Hammers, his music resonates with listeners seeking genuine, roots-driven sound. Influenced by the raw spirit of ’90s country and recorded with live instruments, Jarrid's songs capture the warmth of gatherings around a campfire or kitchen table, reflecting his deep heritage across Treaty 6 territory. His debut EP, Up on Stage, earned multiple nominations from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association and SaskMusic, topping charts on Sirius XM 165 The Indigiverse and the Canadian Indie Country Countdown. His second album, It's Time, expanded his international reach with the single "Let's Get Gone" hitting #8 on the Top 40 IMC. Jarrid's latest single, "Too Good To Be True," out November 15, 2024, is the first from his upcoming album Give It All Back. The song will premiere exclusively on LIVE IN LIMBO, a Toronto-based online platform. Beyond music, Jarrid is a cultural ambassador, with his song "It's Time" featured in presentations to the United Nations, symbolizing hope and resilience.

For more information, visit www.JarridLee.com and follow him on social media for the latest updates from the artist himself.

Yellowknives Dene Drummers

The Yellowknives Dene Drummers are from the communities of Ndilo and Dettah, and include all ages. The drummers can be booked for Northern style celebrations, event opening prayer songs and celebration songs, drum dances and hand games demonstrations.