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Hamilton Spectator

Métis musician brings her tunes to Sault for free concert

Amanda Rheaume was just 16 years old when she stepped onto a Toronto stage at Lilith Fair and sang alongside music icons Sarah McLachlan and the Indigo Girls. That moment solidified her singer-songwriter aspirations. 'It kind of gave me the bug to do it as a job,' said Rheaume. 'Ever since then, I started writing songs and then, you know, just went from there.' The Métis singer-songwriter, born and raised in Ottawa, has since built a career rooted in storytelling — blending rootsy twang with traditional folk elements to shine a light on the hidden histories and enduring spirit of Métis people in Canada. On May 24, Rheaume returns to Sault Ste. Marie for a free outdoor performance at the Downtown Plaza. She'll be joined by five musicians and local community members in what she describes as an evening of connection. 'It's just going to be really fun and meant to be kind of a connected time, to just be together,' she said. 'It's not just for Métis people — it's for everybody.' The performance features songs from her latest album, many of which are inspired by local Métis communities. Singing them on the land that shaped them has made this tour especially meaningful, she said. 'The songs on this new album are so deeply connected to particular communities,' said Rheaume. 'The feeling of singing the songs on the lands that they're about has been really moving and remarkable — a new experience for me as an artist.' Two songs in particular — I Won't Hide and One of These Days — explore significant moments in Métis history. I Won't Hide recounts the decade-long legal battle led by Steve Powley of Sault Ste. Marie, who fought to secure his constitutionally protected right to hunt under Section 35. The case became a defining moment for Métis recognition in Canada. 'It's a really important event that put Métis people on the map, politically,' said Rheaume. One of These Days reflects on the story of the Bussineau family and others who were forced to leave their homes in Agawa Bay in the 1960s. 'This song talks about how the government came in and, even though these families had deeds to the land, forced them to leave — and then brought down all of their homes,' she said. Through music, Rheaume hopes to teach people stories of Métis culture and injustices. At a performance on Thursday night at the National Arts Centre, she did just that. 'So many people came up at the end of the show and just said, 'I had no idea any of those things happened,' so it means a lot.' Music has always been part of Rheaume's life. She started piano at nine, picked up guitar at 13, and began considering herself a singer later on during high school. Rheaume said artists such as Alanis Morissette, Ani DiFranco and Sheryl Crow are her main influences. She has forged her musical path, 'one step at a time,' she said. 'I just kept trying to open new doors and get new opportunities.' Rheaume has since done several tours across Canada and Europe. She has performed in Sault Ste. Marie before, including at Métis events and years ago at Loplops Lounge. On a recent visit, she toured the new Métis Heritage Centre and encourages others to do the same. 'It's so special,' she said. 'The work that the community is doing to lift up stories and songs and history and tradition is so incredible.' This time, she looks forward to performing by the water and reconnecting with the community. 'I'm just excited to sing and play these songs outside,' she said. 'It's going to be really fun to be together.' If you go: What: Amanda Rheaume with local guests When: Saturday, May 24, 5 p.m. Where: Downtown Plaza Admission: Free