The Métis Prairie Steppers from Portage la Prairie were invited to perform before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week on Aboriginal Day in Ottawa.

"The Métis Prairie Steppers' presence was requested by President David Chartrand from the Manitoba Métis Federation to perform for the Prime Minister," explains coordinator Leigh Ann McLennan.

She says it was a great honour and privilege to be part of the historic event when the Prime Minister also announced Aboriginal Day would be renamed Indigenous Peoples Day next year.

She says the Métis Prairie Steppers were involved in the celebration for the Métis claims in 2013 and were part of the signing of the agreement of the Métis land claims. And last week David Chartrand wanted them to be part of the presentation to Trudeau of a traditional Métis sash. Their dancers were very much thrilled with their participation and shook hands with the Prime Minister in front of the former US Embassy, now repurposed for space for indigenous people across Canada.