Origins of the Mtis Mtis Culture Metis Mixed

Origins of the Métis + Métis Culture

Metis = Mixed Remember the Fur Trade: -FN women married Euros created families -resulted in whole new cultural group -developed their own unique culture blend of First Nations and European Location of Metis: -Red River Settlement (Winnipeg) -Métis lived here for 200+ years before Canada was created

Traditional Territory

Contributions of the Métis during Fur Trade: -acted as Intermediaries -worked as interpreters and guides -provided food for traders (pemmican) -educated traders about resources available

Characteristics of Métis Peoples -Michif: - language of the Metis. - Blend of: *Cree *French *English -currently endangered Beadwork: -Avid beaders -called the “Flower Beading People”

Characteristics of Metis Peoples -Sash: -Worn to easily identify Metis people. -unique 5 finger weaving technique that blends: red blue green yellow white Red River Cart: -main form of transportation -very noisy! could here them coming before you could see them!

Characteristics of Metis Peoples Pemmican: -Mixture of buffalo meat, berries and fat -was a major trade item for Metis -very portable and very nutritious Buffalo Hunters -very skilled hunters -hunted on horse back

Characteristics of Metis Peoples Narrow Strip Farming: -Metis communities consisted of: *long narrow farms near rivers -European communities were organized into squares or blocks Metis Flag -symbolizes the blending of two cultures Metis Scrip: -issued to Red River Metis -entitled them to 240 acres of land or $ to purchase land