What does it mean to me to be Metis? – Lexis Roy
Taanishi! To me, being Métis is embodying being unique, resilient, and full of vibrancy! Growing up in a heritage that combined two totally different ways of life, the First Nations and European culture and bringing those together. But because of those differences, it brought hardship from not fitting in, feeling lost in between worlds, but the Métis ancestors fought this battle; they learned how to adapt, they learned how to create a middle between two adjacents, a new way of life, and that’s where our resiliency comes from, is from them and our connection the land and those around us. In the midst of their resiliency, they provided a beautiful mix of the musical, visual and auditorial world with jigging, fiddling and song, and then the incredible energy of vibrancy was created alongisde the notes and moving feet. They provided a new language, Michif, produced from French nouns and Cree verbs, and iconic symbols, the Métis Sash and the Red River Cart. Our ability to connect to the land, to the animals, to the rivers and lakes, is unmatched. If you come across a Métis community or group, you will be able to recognize that they are a proud people, and proud of their heritage and ability to come together. Having the opportunity and honour to uphold these values that my ancestors have worked so hard for in the past, is what makes me proud to say that I am Métis, and to live like they have in the present, and in the future.
How does it inspire me?
What inspires me the most, is seeing other Métis citizens share their same pride in different ways, and sharing the fulfillment of who we are as a nation. I have met many talented artists, such as those who bead the intricate patterns of floral work, those who sew ribbon into clothes creating a mosaic of connection and identity, those who can move their hands in such a way they create incredible tunes on the fiddle, and those who can tap their feet in such a beautiful motion, you’re almost mesmorized by it. I have felt the impacts of Métischangemakers and scholars, advocating for Metis rights and freedoms. I have been in awe of Métis land users that know their way around the bush left and right, and how they share their knowledge and traditions onto the younger generations, to ensure the culture lives on. When I look around and see Métis people and their contributions, big or small, in any genre, I get reminded of how hard our ancestors fought for us, and their own contributions. They showed us the blueprints on how to be courageous, to show determination, resiliency, and most importantly, to never give up. That further inspires me to continue to work hard in my studies, to work hard for a future, and other areas of my life, and to engage in my culture. Viva la Métis 3) Final Thoughts? – Wherever you may be located, I encourage you to check out your local incoming events for Métis Week, November 10th-16th, with the events highlighting the history, land and recognition of the Métis people. If you are not able to physically attend events, or if there are no events close by, you can online search “Métis Week”, and that will showcase functions being held across the nation. Physical or over the web, there is something for everybody! Finally, I would like to thank you (maarsii), if you have read this far into my article, as well as the other Indigenous Circle members personal articles. As a young Métis woman, I am ecstatic to share my culture with those around me, near and far, in person and online. I hope you take care, and I give my well-wishes to your current and future endeavors. Here’s to Métis Week 2024!
What it means to me to be Metis – Ashley Reimer
For me it is a bridging and blending of identities, cultures and experiences. Many people of mixed-race have a sense of being in between worlds, and this is how I have felt most of my life. It can be difficult, but it also brings a different perspective to life, connections and identity. As I learn more about my ancestors, on both sides of my family, I see how diverse they are, and how on both sides they struggled with colonization, loss of their homelands and prosecution. At the same time, they are grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, farmers, musicians, social workers and kitchen workers. They navigated this world and their own intersecting identities and tried to survive and thrive the best they could. It is inspiring to learn about the Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), (Siksikaitsitapi) Blackfoot, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Metis relatives in my lineage, alongside the French, Scottish and German one’s.
Ultimately learning about how I am part of the dream of my ancestors and the culmination of their stories.
How it inspires me
While I am still waiting for my Metis citizenship application to go through, I have been getting more informed on what the Metis Nation, Otipemisiwak offers and shares with everyone. When I went to the Otipemisiwak citizenship gathering this year I was inspired by the assembly of hundreds of people from every age and from communities all over Alberta. It was great to walk through and talk to different people about the work they do, their businesses, their art, and to hear about the projects and initiatives the government has been working on with everyone. Including the Askiy Berry Health monitoring project.
The Metis people created the first democratic government in what we now call Canada, there is a long, generational history of organized government, land stewardship and strong community collaboration that is well alive and strong to this day!
Some Events in-person and online
Nov 15: Métis Week: Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/metis-week-indigenous-peoples-experience-fort-edmonton-park-tickets-1054156383119
Nov 16: Louis Riel Commemoration at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Nov 16-17: Capote Making Workshop at Metis Crossing near Smoky Lake: https://metiscrossing.com/things-to-do/workshops/capote-workshop/
- Metis Crossing also has drop-in activities all day on Nov 16
Various Dates: Love 2024, a free online art and talk summit focusing on Indigenous (including Metis) and non-Indigenous change makers, artist’s, healers and advocates in honor of Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.thexsummit.xyz/#about
Final Thought
Whether you can make it to an event or not it is always good, regardless of if it is Metis week, Indigenous Peoples Day or any other marked date, to reflect on the land we live on, where our homes are built, where we work, where we shop and where we walk in our neighborhoods. Each of these places were once forests, bodies of water, plains and rich lands that taught the people about how to live in relation with the world and with each other. When I walk around where I live, I look at the trees and plants that are alive now, the birds, insects and other living creatures and ask myself how I can be a steward, how I can care for this land now, how I can acknowledge the First People that lived here and what my role and responsibility is in being informed and reciprocal in this landscape.
We are all a part of this place now, and it is our responsibility to know who was here, what they experienced and what the reality is now, while also developing daily respect and relationship with this place we call home.
