Welcome to episode 1 of Season 2! We are soooo excited to kick off Season Two with the Metis Nation! 

Known for the colorful Métis sash, lively jigs, red river carts and intricate beadwork, the Métis Nation descends from the children of First Nations women and European fur traders beginning in the 17th/18th century who intermarried and established comunities along fur trade routes across the prairies (now known as Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) as well as parts of Ontario, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. The Métis are one of three federally recognized Indigenous groups in so-called Canada (not that you need the feds to determine if you actually exist or not) and have their own culture, language, traditions, governing practices and communities.

Many (but not all) Métis families trace their history to the Red River Settlement at the forks of the Assiniboine and Red River (currently known as Winnipeg). In 1869, the Métis rebelled/resisted the Canadian government’s expansion west and ultimately negotiated the terms that resulted in the creation of the province of Manitoba. As part of these negotiations, the Métis were promised 1.4 million acres of Land within the province of Manitoba. Canada failed to uphold these promises and instead introduced Métis scrip which was a piece of paper entitling the holder to land. This allowed the government to take over even more land. You will learn more about Métis scrip in this episode.

Our guests today are both proud Métis Nation members raised and living in the province currently known as Alberta. The Métis Nation of Alberta is in the process of voting on a new constitution - an important step in exercising self-government! Everyone welcome Lili & Sekwanacahk