Metis people loved to party, celebrate life and join in community activities: who wouldn't after a buffalo hunt or a trading expedition.

Metis people had a huge sense of community and celebrated many things by coming together, whether at a dance, a community supper or in at a rendezvous (the Metis equivalent of an Indian powwow).

A rendezvous was usually a summer gathering that brought Metis into a community from far and wide, reacquainting neighbours, but most importantly bringing families together in celebration of life. These rendezvous were usually held for a week, where the Metis would dance, race horses, attend mass and church activities and just generally enjoy each others company. Rendezvous continue today where the Metis have added softball to the mix. Many important rendezvous occur in Alberta, especially in Lac St. Anne, where the rendezvous is more a pilgrimage of spirituality. Metis people also gather in the summer at Batoche, Saskatchewan to celebrate and rekindle their heritage.

Although dancing occupied most of the nights in the past, horse racing was the favourite daytime sport. Metis people prized their horses and were proud to show off their riding abilities. Beribboned and prancing horses, either ridden by young men or harnessed to gaily decorated carioles, enlivened the road through a settlement in summer or on the frozen rivers in winter. Challenges were readily given and accepted-most often with wagers on the outcome of the race.

New Year's Eve has always been an important cultural day for Metis people. Individuals pay tribute to the Elders of the community on this day. The Metis travel from house to house, gathering as they move on, celebrating with a meal or a drink, until they reach the Elder's home where most likely a dance with break out and the crowd celebrates into the wee hours of the morning.

These traditions and community activities continue to keep a cohesiveness to Metis communities that bonds them as the nation they are.