A Night to Remember: Soirée in the Soo and the Launch of the Powley Institute

On Friday, August 15 at 7:00 PM, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will host “Soirée in the Soo,” a one-night celebration marking the official launch of the much-anticipated Powley Institute: A Centre of Excellence for Ontario Métis. Located at 160 Spring Street in Sault Ste. Marie, the show—and the Institute itself—will serve as a hub for Métis-led research, cultural preservation, education, and the celebration of Métis identity.

“Soirée in the Soo” will feature the award-winning Métis singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume Trio featuring Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk and Tyson Galloway, along with performances by celebrated Métis fiddlers Alicia Blore and Brianna Lizotte. The evening will be emceed by Alex Kusturok and will include remarks from MNO President Margaret Froh, Provincial Secretary Mitch Case, and other Métis leaders, Elders, and invited guests.

In addition to serving as a new educational institute of the MNO, the Powley Institute will preserve the former Central United Church and its beautiful theatre as a performance and meeting space for the broader Sault Ste. Marie community.

As the Métis community strengthens its capacity for self-government, it can also build meaningful partnerships with other communities and cultures to heal and thrive together. The Institute is named in honour of Steve and Roddy Powley, whose courage and determination in the landmark Supreme Court case R. v. Powley helped secure constitutional recognition of Métis rights in Canada.

“Knowing our history, and telling it in our own voices, is an act of resilience, strength, and self-determination,” said President of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Margaret Froh. “The Powley Institute will be a place where Métis stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated. It will also honour the legacy of Steve and Roddy Powley, and all those who came before us.”

The Métis Nation of Ontario honours their legacy and believes in the lessons they taught: when goals are rooted in historical truth and pursued with consistency and persistence, justice will prevail.

TICKETS & Info: metisnation.swoogo.com/BenefitConcert2025