Métis artist Sierra Noble headlines at the 2015 Pan Am Games Aboriginal Pavilion

On February 10, 2015, a press event for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games (TO2015) Aboriginal Pavilion was held at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Many distinguished guests attended the launch, including Toronto Mayor, John Tory; Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) Sophie Kiwala; and, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosa.

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) had a strong presence at the launch thanks to the attendance of PCMNO Senator Joe Poitras and the stunning performance of MNO citizens Alicia and Liam Blore who played some fast and fancy Métis fiddling for guests.

At the launch, Rhéanne Chartrand, Artistic Associate for the Aboriginal Pavilion, announced the thrilling lineup of Indigenous performers set to appear at the TO2015 Aboriginal Pavilion, which includes Métis fiddler Sierra Noble.

Acclaimed Métis artist Sierra Noble is a fiddler, singer-songwriter, and compelling live performer who has entertained citizens at many MNO events. Sierra can play many different styles of fiddle music, but Métis fiddle is her heart and soul. As a child, her favorite pastime was learning over 100 year old Métis fiddle tunes. Sierra has been touring worldwide since the age of 14, opened for Paul McCartney at 19, Bon Jovi at 20, and performed at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

Creating meaningful Aboriginal participation is a focus of TO2015. The Aboriginal Pavilion at the games will offer diverse performances, demonstrations, commissions and activities to celebrate and share the Indigenous cultures of the Americas at three locations across the city of Toronto: the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto; Garrison Commons (adjacent to Fort York); and Planet IndigenUs at Harbourfront Centre. More Métis artists are expected to perform at TO2015 and will be announced as they are confirmed.

The TORONTO Pan Am Games take place from July 10 to 26 and the Parapan Am Games from August 7 to 15 and will involve municipalities stretching from Oshawa to Welland. During the games, close to 7,000 athletes from across Latin America, South America, the Caribbean and North America will put their years of intense training, perseverance and sacrifice to the test in world-class competition in 36 Pan Am sports and 15 Parapan Am sports.

NT5