The Sash

The Sash is a finger woven belt made of wool approximately three meters long. Traditionally it was tied at the waist to hold a coat closed. The sash was used for both decorative and practical purposes. It could be used as a rope, the fringes could be used as thread to repair items, a first aid kit, and a wash-cloth just to name a few. Today it is a symbol of nationhood and cultural distinction and it is still an important part of traditional Métis dress.

The Métis People

The Métis (pronounced “May-tee”) are one of the recognized distinct Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. During the height of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, many European fur traders married First Nations women. The eventual establishment of Métis communities outside of these cultures and settlements, as well as the intermarriage between Métis men and Métis women, resulted in a new Aboriginal people—the Métis. The Métis people helped to shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the West.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal nation and share a history, culture (song, dance, dress, national symbols, etc.), a unique language (Michif), distinct way of life, and a collective identity. The Métis homeland includes regions scattered across Canada, as well as parts of the northern United States.