The Manitoba Metis Federation's annual Metis gala takes place this evening at the Canad Inns Destination Centre in Portage La Prairie.

The evening starts at 5 o'clock and will include a meal and silent auction, as well as feature traditional music and dance from a variety of musicians and dance troupes including Johnny Dietrich and the Nash Brothers.

MMF local chair Larry McLennan explains what the gala supports.

"It goes into a lot of programs for young people. There's an elders group so that they can have some funds to work with, but a lot of it is for the youth. It goes into the culture and heritage, which is music and dance, and then the sports and education to help them for some of the ones that can't afford to get into some of the sports, we can help buy equipment or whatever they need."

Tickets are $24 and can be purchased at the MMF satellite office or at Mid City Restaurant. McLennan notes everyone is welcome to come out to the gala.