Métis Storytelling
In grade four, me and my friend were the only ones who knew the word Métis. We were the only ones who knew our history and how long we had been there. A lot changed between my childhood and teenage years as non-Indigenous students learned more about Indigenous history, but there was still a poor understanding about what Métis was and what made us distinct.
Threads Through the Sash
Like many people, I did not always know I was Métis. Understanding that there was a period in our history when it was not always safe when it was not always positive to be identified as Métis. “Ce n’est pas beau d’être Métis.” Like threads through the sash family history and symbols of our collective Métis identity ground me in the fabric of my culture.
My family grew up racing dogs during winter in the 70s. During the summer months, my dad taught us kids to play instruments at just five years old. We played our first gig when I was 12 years old. At the end of the gig, we got walked out and praised for how well we did. This shaped my life as a Métis woman and who I have become today.
My Family's History
When I was young, we moved from Winnipeg to Kingston. I never realized that I was growing up outside of my community. A grade school project allowed me to learn about my family’s history and Métis identity.
Growing Up Métis in the Prairies
From a very young age, when confronted about my Métis identity, I would go blank. During university, I discovered that a lot of my family quirks were a part of my Métis culture, and I continue to bring my identity forward to teach future generations.
Our Blood Runs Deep
I remember when I was a young boy, family gathering together in our small kitchen around the table, playing cards, telling stories, teasing, and laughter. Racism never ends, it changes over time, but it is always there. We are proud people; we should never be ashamed of where we are from. Not everyone can be Métis.
Blood Ties
My father spent his childhood in Winnipeg where generations of my Métis family lived in kinship with the land. Now, I live in Calgary; here I am a fly on a globe, no trees to protect me from the sun and the wind of the plains.
I've Learned
My family didn’t know we were Métis when I was growing up, but the spirit seeped through. When I made the difficult decision to change careers, I learned about my culture and the resiliency of our people.
The Saddle
My grandpa started out as a ranch hand on horseback, and he was at the centre of our Vaness family history. One day, my grandfather gifted me a brand-new Riley & McCormick barrel racing saddle. I carry on my family history with the saddle my grandpa gave me.
A Moment In Time
My family never used labels to define who we were. In high school, my ethnic ambiguity led to a lot of questions from people around me. I was confused about who I was when I just wanted to be liked and accepted.
Gathering
Every summer, our family from across Canada would come to the homestead in Smoky Lake, Alberta, to gather. Some of my greatest memories are the stories. This is where I learned about the land, the animals, our family, and the importance of being together and gathering together.
Gigi and Grandpa
I am a mix of Ukraine and Métis, but I identify as Métis. Growing up, my grandparents played an important role in my life and their names, Grandpa and Gigi, were their identity. When I found out that I was going to be a grandparent, I struggled with this shift in identity because I was neither Grandpa nor Gigi.
kiskêyihtamowin
As a sight learner, I faced discrimination in the traditional school system. Back then, I learned women’s work by watching and paying close attention to my mom because we couldn’t waste anything. Evenings were spent around the fire, telling stories in a mixture of Cree, English, and French.
