The traditional Metis sash - Click to find out more!
WHO WERE THE METIS?
A First Nation woman marrying a European fur trader.
Historically, the Metis people were defined as individuals who were born to a First Nation mother and European Father (usually a fur trader).
Early fur traders in the area needed help navigating the land, learning local First Nation language and how to survive the long, cold and stormy winters of the prairies. Marrying First Nation women not only gave fur traders companionship, but the women could help the European men survive.
Their children became known as the Metis, because their culture became a unique mix of their two heritages.
WHERE WERE THE METIS?
A Metis man from Red River.
The Metis people were located all across Canada, but there was a particularly large population in the Red River area because of the numerous fur trading posts built by both the Hudson Bay Company and the North West Company. In Red River there were 2 groups of Metis:
1) Anglo (Scottish+First Nation) Metis 2) French (Quebec+First Nation) Metis
While the two groups of Metis had their differences, such a language, religion and European heritage, they would unite during the Red River Resistance.
WHAT MADE THE METIS UNIQUE?
Red River Metis taking a break from trekking with their Red River Carts.
Some of the things that made the Metis culture unique from their First Nation and European heritage were:
Metis of French and First Nation heritage spoke a special language that mixed Cree and French called 'Michif'
Metis of English (Scottish) and First Nation heritage spoke a special language that mixed Cree and English called `Bungee'
Many Metis in the Red River area became excellent traders because they could adapt and communicate with both cultures involved in the fur trade (European and First Nation).
The Metis mostly traded a special food they made well called pemmican - a mix of buffalo meat, fat and sometimes berries. Pemmican was a great source of protein for fur traders on long journeys.
The Metis designed the 'Red River Cart' used to move their goods from one place to the next using only tools and supplies found in nature!
The Metis developed their own style of music and dance called the Red River jig.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A MODERN DAY DEMONSTRATION OF THE RED RIVER JIG!