What is the Métis Nation?
From The Canadian Encyclopedia (https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis)
Métis is used to describe communities of mixed European and Indigenous descent across Canada, and a specific community of people — defined as the Métis Nation — which originated largely in Western Canada and emerged as a political force in the 19th century, radiating outwards from the Red River Settlement.
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What is Métis Week?
From The Government of Alberta (https://www.alberta.ca/annual-metis-week-celebrations)
Métis Week is held annually in November to honour the legacy of the Métis people and commemorate the life of Louis Riel, a prominent Métis leader, politician and advocate for the rights of Métis and francophone communities in Canada.
On November 16, 1885, Louis Riel was sentenced to death. This date is now recognized as Louis Riel Day. Métis Week includes this day of remembrance and serves as a time for reflection, education and celebration of Métis identity, resilience and contributions to Alberta and Canada.
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Symbols of Métis Culture
From Otipemisiwak Métis Government (https://albertametis.com/culture/symbols-of-culture/)
Métis Sash
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).
The sash was used by the Voyageurs of the fur trade and was quickly adopted by their Métis sons. They used the sash as a belt to hold coats closed, and also as a towrope, tumpline, towel, and even a sewing kit.
The Métis sash became the most recognizable part of the Métis dress and a symbol of the Métis people. Today, the sash continues to be an integral part of Métis culture and heritage.
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Red River Jig
The Red River jig is the most popular Métis dance.
It is a very structured competition dance between two partners. The dance involved hardly any movement of the body above the knees, and all the work was done with the feet. Furniture used to be moved aside and cleared out in order to make room for jigging contests at gatherings. Other popular dances include the Duck Dance, The Reel of Four, and Drops of Brandy, but none was more favoured than the Red River Jig.
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Métis Flag
The flag of the Métis is the oldest Canadian patriotic flag indigenous to Canada, pre-dating the Canadian flag by over 150 years. It was presented by Alexander MacDonnell of the North West Company and was first used in 1815.
Cuthbert Grant later flew the flag in 1816 during la Victoire de la Genouillère—a battle marking the boiling point of years of conflict between the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. La Victoire de la Genouillère was one of the first times the Métis asserted themselves as a distinct nation of people with rights to trade and travel freely on their own land.
The flag symbolizes the creation of a new society, and the infinity symbol suggests that Métis people will exist forever.
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Métis Beadwork
The Métis are known as the “flower beadwork people” for their distinct style of beading.
Once made available through trade, beading had become a signature medium of artistry and decoration by Métis woman. Métis beadwork has decorated clothing, personal items, and more, worn by both men and women.
Known for their floral embroidery, some designs are linked to Métis families as far back as the 1800s.
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Métis Languages
Métis people have long lived within rich multilingual environments across their homelands. Today, Métis communities speak and work to revitalize several Métis languages, including nêhiyawêwin/Cree, Northern Michif, French Michif, and Southern Michif. These languages reflect generations of family relationships, travel, trade, and deep connections to land and community.
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