Category Archives: Métis

You’re Métis? So which of your parents is an Indian?

Posted on December 20, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

In a previous post, I described what it is like as an Alberta Métis to come to Quebec and realise that ‘Métis’ does not mean the same thing here.  I’m not a shut-in…I realised that there were different definitions out … Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal law, Culture, First Nations, Half-breed, Kinship, Lac Ste. Anne, Métis, Metis beadwork, Michif, Pan-Indian, Pan-Métis, Representation of natives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Got Status? Indian Status in Canada, sort of explained.

Posted on December 14, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

It has been my experience that many Canadians do not understand the difference between Status and membership, or why so many different terms are used to refer to native peoples.  The confusion is understandable; this is a complex issue and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal law, First Nations, INAC, Law, Métis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

manitow-sâkahikanihk ohci nîya

Posted on July 14, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

I haven’t been home in two years.  It surprises me that this is the longest I have ever been away from home.  Even when I was living in Inuvik, I flew down south at least twice a year, sometimes more. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Lac Ste. Anne, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Plains Cree, Stoney | 5 Comments

Dealing with racism.

Posted on June 3, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

The Odawa pow-wow was awesome…a little soggy, but nothing we couldn’t handle.  It was a very laid back pow-wow and all of the kids felt very comfortable dancing during the inter-tribal songs and round dances.  My sewing skills are frankly … Continue reading →

Posted in Alienation, Culture, Injustice, Métis, Pow wow, Representation of natives, Urban Aboriginal | 3 Comments

Pan-Indianism, Pan-Métisism

Posted on May 2, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

My last post was about what non-natives learn about us, and thus how we are portrayed by them. I suppose this post is about what we learn (and teach) about ourselves. Pan-Indianism If you’ve ever been to an urban ceremony, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Métis, Medicine Wheel, Michif, Nakota Sioux, Pan-Indian, Pan-Métis, Plains Cree, Stoney, Turtle Island, Urban Aboriginal | 3 Comments

What my children learn about themselves in school

Posted on April 28, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

In Quebec, I’ve come to realise, “Métis” still means “half-breed” to most. If you identify as Métis, people will ask which of your parents is an Indian. At first I used to go into this long explanation about the genesis … Continue reading →

Posted in Alienation, Culture, Half-breed, Métis, Plains Cree, Representation of natives | 4 Comments