The métis
All you need to know about the métis people
Introduction
The métis are a group of aboriginal people. They are a mixture of European and indigenous ancestry and have been known as a political force in the 19th century. Their leader was Louis Riel. He is referred to as the father of Manitoba. His desire was to preserve metis rights and culture during a non controlled/calm time in Canadian history. You probably don't know much about the métis, but it's fine because that is why we are here to help you learn about them.
Métis symbols
The métis flag has a blue background with a white infinity symbol. The infinity symbol featured on the métis flag was carried by french half-breeds with pride. It represents the immortality of the nation, the mixing/joining of two distinct cultures, and the existence of people forever. One of the most popular symbols were colorful sashes. The sash could be used for: a rope, a bandage, a washcloth, a towel, an emergency sewing kit, carrying items, and as a coat tie.
Métis Food
The metis ate a variety of different foods. They hunted: Buffalo, Mule Deer, Moose, Elk, Prairie chickens, Prairie bush rabbits, ducks, geese, and antelope. The métis did lots of hunting, but they also fished for: Salmons, Pickerel, and Trout's. The women would smoke the meat. While the men did fishing and hunting, the women gathered/planted/baked: Berries, Bannock (bread), and pemmican (usually made from buffalos). The berries were stored in animal skins to prevent them from going bad.
Métis Clothing
The métis clothing was very traditional. The men wore: short shirts, woolen caps, pants made from deerskin, moccasins, leggings made from deerskin or moose, and long hooded coats called "capots". The women's clothing was different. They wore: simple dresses with high necklines, shawls which would go over their head, moccasins on their feet, blouses, and skirts gathered and decorated with ribbons. Sometimes they even decorated their clothing with embroidery native fancy beadwork and/or floral patterns.
The Plains Buffalo's
The Métis mainly hunted the plains buffalo's, as it played a great part in the development of the métis.
Métis Clothing
Lot's of the métis clothing was decorated by the women. Including this vest, which is decorated with native beadwork.
The Métis Sash
The métis sash was one of the most popular symbols. It was traditionally tied around the waist.
The métis' beliefs
The religious beliefs for the métis people were a combination of 2 worlds, like most features of their culture. But, their spiritual beliefs focus on nature. Such as, the métis consider every part of the world around them are living. The métis also believe that spirits provide humans with life. Most of their beliefs include strength, kindness, courage, tolerance, honesty, respect, love, sharing, caring, balance, patience, and resource.
Métis special holidays
One of the Métis special holidays is National Aboriginal day. It focuses on the first nations which are the Métis and the Inuit people and is held on June 21st. It is a day which gives an opportunity to the first nations people to showcase their cultures and achievements throughout Canada. The activities and events include: summer solstice festivals, barbecue fundraisers, sacred fire extinguishing ceremonies,traditional feasts which may include fry bread and moose stew, cake cutting to honor national aboriginal day, and finally gatherings with traditional and contemporary music, dancing and singing.
Conclusion
By now you have learned lot's about the métis people. But, there are still lot's of questions about the métis people that need to be answered. So, hopefully the video down below will help you with any questions you have.
THE MÉTIS