MÉTIS participate at the 2023 NW folklife festival
The Metis: The Original Flower children.
The Metis are a post-contact Indigenous People of the northern plains of North America who emerged between the 1600s-1700’s. They are the result of the intermarriage of fur traders of European descent and women of Indigenous descent in what is now called Canada. The Metis were a new people. They were not half and half, but more of a new group that developed their own customs and ways of seeing the world. They formed a complex web of kinship networks, cultural practices, and economic operations across the North-West, and more specifically the Red River Area. The Metis developed their own language, Michif, which is a mix of Cree and French. They had their own laws and customs. One such custom was the jig dance, which was central to the gregarious and playful heart of the Metis people. They were known to adorn their clothes heavily with floral beadwork.
When Manitoba was being colonized for the development of the nation-state of Canada, the Metis were seen as an uncooperative nuisance which needed to be extinguished. The Metis leader, Louis Riel fought for Metis to be included in the establishment of Canada, to have rights and be part of the new nation, but he was rejected. The battle for Metis sovereignty ended with the Red River Resistance (1869), and the subsequent execution of Louis Riel. After the leaders’ death, the Metis were forced into hiding. And so the Dark Years began. During this time, Metis people could be found living in the cracks of society. They were not relegated to reservations as other Indigenous groups were, so their experience was a bit different. They became known as the Road Allowance People, because they literally lived on the side walks. Métis Resistance was a whisper in the wind. It could be found in local pamphlets and newspapers telling stories of Riel and his vision. But it wasn’t until the mid to late 1900’s that Metis resurgence came out into the open. Resurgence and resistance occurred through activism, and making art that affirmed their existence and perspectives as Indigenous peoples.
Today, in 2023, there are about 600,000 Métis in Canada practicing resurgence by writing, telling stories, beading, and of course, jigging and fiddling their way into the future.
By Zoe Mix - Red River Métis
THROUGH traditional ARTS the Métis have affirmed their existence as Indigenous peoples.
Historical note - MÉTIS participate AT FOLKLIFE - 2016
SEATTLE HONORS PRESIDENT DUMONT AT FOLKLIFE PARADE, FESTIVAL AND POWwOW DAY EVENT
May 29-30, 2016 marked the Annual Folklife Coastal Day and PowWow for the Native peoples of the Northwest (Puget Sound). The (WONL) Welcome to Our Native Land organization extended a special invitation for MNBC President to attend as their honored guest.
President Dumont participated in the opening of the Coastal Day Grand Entry and thanked the Elders, Duwamish People, the Coastal and Interior Tribes and the WONL organization for the honor. He also expressed his gratitude to Brad Mix, a friend to the Métis Nation BC, who’s family line is directly related to Charles Suave, for initiating the invitation to this very special honoring ceremony by the WONL / (Welcome to Our Native Land Committee) and for the treasured gifts presented to him as the President of MNBC. Metis Music was performed by Phil Katz, Sono Hashisaki and Jay Finkelstein to honor his presence and Metis people of the North West.
“The acknowledgement of my 12 years of service as President to the Métis Nation during Brad’s presentation was extremely moving. The artistry, heart and respect that went into each of the extraordinary gifts to me I will be ever grateful to Brad, his family and the WONL Committee for this very special opportunity.” Said President Dumont.
“I was overwhelmed with the open arms and respectful welcome by all the Duwamish People and the Coastal Tribes and Interior Tribes participating. The ‘Honor Song’ by flute was performed by Paul Che Oke Ten Wagner from Sannich, BC / T’sartlip Band prior to the gifts being presented” further stated by President Dumont.
Métis and Duwamish peoples (on who’s land the event had been held), both of whom have been suffering for many generations as unrecognized tribal people; i.e., the Duwamish being denied tribal recognition by the US Federal Government. This is a painful situation that clearly correlates with our own experience and history as Metis people both in Canada and in the States. This issue pointed to the greater purpose and focus of President Dumont's visit and honoring event.
President Dumont, on behalf of the MNBC Board of Directors, Staff and Métis of British Columbia presented a limited framed Métis print to Mr. Mix and the WONL Committee and in honoring the WONL Sashed Kim Camara, Chair of the WONL for this special honor.
Brad Mix commented “President Dumont’s visit was so very special for the Native People of Puget Sound. It was as if the whole city came to life in anticipation of his visit. I was personally overwhelmed with the welcome that all the local tribal members provided for the man I consider to be my ‘Chief’. Gratitude filled the air, and there was a feeling of satisfaction and wellbeing that lasted well into the next day. President Dumont is clearly one of our Great Chiefs and every one who met him came away feeling blessed by his generous visit. The great lesson for all of us present, was that when we honor a Chief we bring honor to our families. It is strange how this works but it is the truth.”
During his stay over the 2 days President Dumont was approached by the Northwest News and did an interview with them and with Raven Redbone, a Metis Radio talk show host for an Indigenous Radio Station, out of Olympia Washington his program is called His program is called “Make No Bones About It”.
“This is an experience that I will cherish forever” said Dumont.
MNBC would like to further give thanks to all the people of the WONL Group who made this event possible…
Kim Camara
Jay Hollingsworth
John Romero
Warren Gohl
Linda Levier
Brad Mix
Zoe Mix
Marvin Hannah
Paul Wolcott
Gavin Hannah
Kelvin Frank
Randy Vendiola
Grant Timentwa
Tony Bluehorse
Patrick Ramirez
Brenda Ready
Marvin White
The MNBC represents nearly 14,000 registered Métis Citizens and the majority of nearly 70,000 self-identified Métis people in British Columbia. The Métis National Council, and, the Provincial Government of British Columbia as well as the Federal Government of Canada recognizes the MNBC as the official governing organization for Métis in BC.
Tracey Thornhill, MNBC Communications Officer
