What is one question you would like to have answered about the Métis through this course?
WEEK 1 TRIVIA:
Métis in Alberta have spoken four languages traditionally. Which one is missing?
Michif, French, English and ?
WEEK 1 REFLECTION:
"Michif language is the essence of the [Métis] culture. If you learn the language, you will learn who we are as a people."
- Vice-President Dan Cardinal
The languages spoken by Métis are inherently connected to Métis culture and identity. As you learn about the languages traditionally spoken by Métis, what do you learn about Métis identity and culture?
WEEK 2 TRIVIA:
The core Métis value of kinship, community, and networking is evident in which of the following traditions?
a) celebrations
b) sharing extra wild game
c) traditional house design
d) all the choices are correct
WEEK 2 REFLECTION:
“Without [their] culture, without that strong line from [their] forefathers, no [person] knows who [they] really [are]. If one does not know who [they are], [they] cannot possess pride or dignity for [themselves] or [their] people.”
-Dr. Anne Anderson, Métis scholar and leader
Dr. Anne Anderson highlights the key relationship between a person's identity and their cultural heritage. Why would it be important to celebrate distinct Métis culture in an educational community?
WEEK 3 TRIVIA:
Why do people commemorate Louis Riel on November 16th?
WEEK 3 REFLECTION:
“Through the hunt, Métis could understand themselves as a web of kin relations, expressing a collective political will through an assembly of inter-related families that choose a mutually agreed upon leadership.”
–Adam Gaudry, “Kaa-tipeyimishoyaahk—‘We Are Those Who Own Ourselves’:
A Political History of Métis Self-Determination in the North-West, 1830-1870” (PhD)
dissertation, University of Victoria, 2014), 29.
Dr. Adam Gaudry highlights how wahkohtowin (being related or relationality) is a core framework guiding Métis governance. Is this a narrative you have encountered before when learning about the Métis? Why would it be important to reinforce wahkohtowin and otipemisiwak as Métis Ways of Being for learners?
WEEK 4 TRIVIA:
Match each term to the correct definition.
Terms:
1) Wahkohtowin
2) Otipemisiwak
Definitions:
a) A word in the Cree language expressing the idea that the Métis lead, govern, care for, and own themselves.
b) A word in the Cree language describing the importance of kinship among family, extended family, and relationships built extending to natural and spiritual worlds, human and non-human, living and not living worlds.
WEEK 4 REFLECTION:
Métis resilience is expressed in the way Métis name themselves as otipemisiwak. In what ways do Métis live out resilience?