Who were the first Metis?

The first Métis were the children of First Nations women and European explorers and fur traders. These children were usually raised as either First Nations or as Europeans. They did not see themselves
as having a distinct cultural identity. As time went on, however, and the descendants of these children married people with similar backgrounds, a distinct Métis identity began to emerge.

What do you know about the Métis culture? Try to recall what you learned about the Métis in chapters 1 to 3 in your textbook. Also take into account what you may know from friends and family who
are Métis.

Culture of the Red River Métis

Values, languages, music, and economy are all parts of a group’s culture. To learn about the culture of the Red River Métis, read  “Shared Culture of the Red River Métis” on page 172 of Voices and
Visions. Read up to “Shared Economy” on page 174.

Music was—and still is—an important aspect of Métis culture. Singing and dancing were favourite pastimes. The Red River jig, which combined the fast footwork of First Nations  dancing with reels and square dances from European ancestors, continues to be performed by Métis dancers today

The Métis Sash

If you’ve had the opportunity to see a group perform traditional Métis dancing, you may have noticed some of the dancers wearing colourful sashes. Today the sash is symbolic of the Métis identity. In the past, however, it had many practical uses. 

Read the Canada Today box on page 176 of Voices and Visions to learn about the sash. For more information, go to this website and click on The Story of the Métis Sash:

http://www.fortmcmurraymetis.org/

The Métis Flag

Another symbol of Metis identity is their flag. Examine Figure 8.5 on page 174 of Voices and Visions to learn about the Métis flag.

The Métis Nation of Alberta

http://www.albertametis.com

The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture

http://www.metismuseum.ca/main.php

The Métis in Alberta

www.albertasource.ca/metis

The Métis Economy

The way the people of a culture make their living is also part of their identity. This was certainly true of the Red River Métis. The fur trade and the buffalo hunt didn’t just provide  jobs for the Métis; they provided a way of life.

To find out about this way of life, read “Shared Economy” on pages 174–176

http://www.mcsbc.org/main/page_the_buffalo_hunt.html

Take another look at Figure 8.8 on page 176 of your textbook. Read the caption that goes with the picture. Why do you think it was so important for the Métis to follow strict rules for the buffalo hunt?

What role did women play in the Métis economy?
Fort George Country Wife

What tasks did the woman in the video do?
What advantages to living at the trading post does the woman mention?
What were two drawbacks to being a country wife?