THE WESTERN SUBARCTIC

THE WESTERN SUBARCTIC

HI, we hope you enjoy our little presentation. Sit back and enjoy.

THE GROUPS

TRANSPORTATION

FOOD

Whether by the water or by land traveling long distances was normal for the Metis.

red river carts were very important for traveling long distance.

The wheels could be removed so they could floated over the streams and rivers.

Red river carts were another way to transport items to different trading post.

The carts were pulled by horse and oxen.

Men, women, and children used red river carts to hunt for bison.

Some groups traveled 100 of kilometers to hunt bison.

In the 1800's at least 30 million bison roamed north America.

The metis hunted for geese moose and deer. It was necessary to make sure that there is enough food for families to survive the long cold winter. Fishing was also a very important for getting food.

They blended flour and bison grease fried to create bannock.

BLUEBERRIES were one type of berry that could be used to make pemmican.

Coke Cherries, Raspberries, and Saskatoon berries could also be used.

THE METIS PEOPLE

The metis people(pronounced may-t).

homes

Religion

• YELLOWKNIFE,
• CHIPEWYAN,
• WESTERN WOODS CREE,
• KASKA DENA,
• ISLAND TLINGIT,
• DENA-ZAA,
• TELLICO,
• METIS,

AND MANY OTHERS.

The Metis held a variety of spiritual beliefs.

These teachings involved ceremonies and beliefs about respecting the nature world and other people.

A crucifix is a cross. In christian religions, it symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The hunters believed that the spirits of animals watched them.

If the animals were offended in any way, they would not let them selves be caught again.

the killing of a bear was especially important and required ton show his respect he would honor the bear by placing its scull on a tree over looking the water.

the ceremonies and celebrations

CLOTHING

Language

Today, many Metis people speak an Aboriginal language, such as Cree or Saulteaux.

The Niwasa head start Preschool in Hamilton, Ontario, is just one program that teaches First Nations language to its Aboriginals students.

In Matis stories, the black dog often appears unexpectedly.

The Metis even created their own language called Michif.

In the past the biggest gatherings was for the bison hunt.

Metis communities continue to hold culture celebrations to pass on there traditions younger generations of Metis. As well as to display these traditions to the general public.

The Rendezvous was a chance for Metis from many different places to come together. this event often lasted up to a week.

Today, the Metis communities commemorate Luis Reil day on November 16 of each year.

Luis Reil was a Metis leader who stood up for Metis rights and land claims.

ART

The bead work on Metis clothing is so colorful and detailed

that it has become an art form.

Metis bead work was greatly influenced by embroidery patterns.

Today many Metis artists make a living selling their art work, including embroidered clothing.

After the arrival of European nuns, many Metis continued to use traditional materials, such as porcupine quills, to decorate stuff with these new patterns.

music and dance

Metis houses could have more than 1 family in them.

Their log homes were more permanent than aboriginal homes.

They had no central heating or electricity for warmth.

To protect them from the cold they made their houses out of logs and sod.

It was warmed by a fireplace made from clay and hay.

The log houses were constructed by first creating a wooden frame.

The wood was peeled and dried.

the gaps were patched up with mud and prairie grass.

Instead of windows deer hides were scraped thin enough for sun light to shine through.

In side the log house there were wooden poles that would be used for drying animal hides.

Music and dance are very important forms of entertainment for the Metis.

Metis fiddlers were tradtionily accompanied by the tapping of heels, spoons, or tin pans.

The Metis fiddle is tuned different than other types of fiddle.

The unique turning creates a faster beat, making it perfect for jigging.

The clothing was made out of elk skins velvet and cotton.

Metis women made all of the clothes.

They used deer skins and moose hides for stitching and shaping .

special tools such as snow shoes,pouches, moccasins, and jackets where constructed by metis women as well they made there own businesses selling clothing.

They combined european style with there own traditional clothing to create there own unique style.

there warm clothing kept them warm in the winter.

There are more than 200,000 metis people

more than 400 years ago european men traveled to the CANADIAN territories for the fur trade.

During there time in CANADA they began families with the first nations women. The kids where called metis.