Métis Week is an annual event planned by the Métis Nation of Alberta and sees a range of interesting commemorative events take place across Alberta. This year, Métis Week is November 10-16.
Who are the Métis?
Métis are people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry. There are Métis communities across Canada.
The Métis have deep historical roots in the Red River area, as early as the 1700s. Their traditional homelands encompass the three Prairie provinces, northwestern Ontario, northeastern British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, northern Montana, and North Dakota. They are the descendants of Indigenous women (typically Cree, Salteaux, and Dene) and European fur traders (typically French, Scottish, and Irish). (https://learningbird.com/celebrating-metis-week-in-your-classroom/)
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Michif
Michif (mi-CHIF) is the language spoken by the Métis. The Michif language is a combination of French nouns and Cree verbs and is spoken by Métis in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. Depending on the region, the language spoken may be Michif-Anishnaabe or Michif-Cree. The highest numbers of Michif speakers are found in the Prairies. Many Métis people also speak Cree, which is more widely spoken than Michif. (https://albertametis.com/culture/language/)
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Symbols of Métis CultureThe Métis developed a distinct culture celebrated for its dances, jigs, fiddle music, and colourful, embroidered clothing and sashes. The advanced design of Métis Red River Carts was famous at the time. Métis were exceptional bison hunters. (https://learningbird.com/celebrating-metis-week-in-your-classroom/)
The Métis sash is a colourful finger-woven belt that is usually three-meters long. It is sometimes referred to as L’Assomption sash or Ceinture Fléchée (arrow sash).
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Learning Commons
Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display.
