Nova Metis Heritage Association thanks, and greatly appreciates, Keith Henry for presenting an engaging and heart felt presentation on "Reconciling the History of the North-West Resistance".
For those that were able to attend our Campfire Gathering event, there were many good questions on learning from our past Metis struggles and sacrifices, and the impact they do and should have on many Metis today.
Nova Metis notes, with each year, on November 16, we have a chance to bring focus, and to commemorate, and with sombre reflection, that which surrounded a historic battle of our Metis people, which lead to the execution of Louis Riel, for treason. Many thoughts lay unresolved about our Metis "rebellion" to the Canadian government of the time.
The battle of the Metis people to establish a place of home and belonging for their way of life, during those historic settlements, continues to this day. Our past Metis forefathers and foremothers, fought to defend a Metis way of life, and we as Metis must recognize, cherish, and bring to bear, how our past is being remembered. We must learn, know, and reconcile each of our own Metis history, and then reach to exonerate those of our Metis past, and those wrongfully accused.
Here is the presentation slide deck (PDF) and media links of the embeded videos:
For Slide #6 (https://youtu.be/4WjMgALj6TU) - The Battle of Batoche | Batoche National Historic Site | The Métis and Louis Riel
For Slide #54 (https://youtu.be/ECGEe4ATEU8) - Keith Henry - Métis Family Connections
(Click image for PDF)
Louis Riel and Reconciling the History of the North-West Resistance
Each year on November 16, Métis commemorate the wrongful execution of Louis Riel in 1885. Most Canadians however, don't know the truth about what happened in 1885, or its enduring legacy.
Keith Henry, BC Metis Federation President, will present an overview of what actually happened in Batoche and a personal perspective on its intergenerational impacts.
Sunday, February 9th, starting at 1:00pm to 4:30pm
at Surrey Nature Centre Hall (14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC V3T 0J2)
(Near Fraser Hwy + 140th St)
Please RSVP by email toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Space limited to 45 people)
We invite all our Nova Métis members, family and friends, of any age.
Food and Beverages, Door Prizes, 50/50 raffle
Parking is Free
Connect with your Métis history and community
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.
Music and dance are very important aspects of Métis culture.
They are famous for their fiddle music and dancing. The origins of Métis jigging lies in the traditional dances of their Irish and Scottish ancestors and was also influenced by tradition First Nations dance; however, it is important to note that Métis Jigging is different.
The traditional music of the Métis was up-tempo and lively, which made it perfect for dancing. Extra and irregular beats were added to give bounce to the music, making the dance a lot faster. The traditions of Métis song and dance have survived over the centuries, and still maintain an important role in their culture.
Traditionally, Métis food included dried meat, pemmican, bannock, berries, wild game and buffalo. The Métis made bannock, which was introduced by the early 18th century fur traders. Bannock is traditionally made from lard, water and flour and was cooked over an open fire. Many Métis people today still enjoy this snack.
Nova Métis Office:
Currently Portaging Some Rapids,
Phone: 778-358-2777
Email: info@novametis.ca
Previously hosted by Ken Fisher
Every Wednesday at 5pm PST
Listen Live at CoopRadio.org or on CFRO 100.5 FM
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