Case Study: Marginalized People


For a long time, Métis people were considered neither First Nations nor Europeans. After Riel's execution, most Métis people believed that the government would never recognize them as unique and would never negotiate with them.
First Nations Canadians had land reserves and treaty rights, but the Métis on the other hand had no legal status as a unique Canadian culture. As a result, Métis people were in danger of losing their distinct culture. Politically, they had very little voice because they were lumped in with other Aboriginal groups, yet they did not belong there because they were unique. More and more Métis people were being pushed to the side of the Canadian fabric as they became more marginalized.

Marginalization of a culture can have devastating impacts on it and the people who live within that culture. When people are marginalized, they live on the fringes of society. They feel like they don't belong which isolates them and makes them subject to poverty. People who live in cultures which have lost their vibrancy become demoralized and lose their sense of self-worth. Because of this sense of living on the margins of society, people who live this way are susceptible to unemployment, addictions, and violence.

However, over the past several years, there has been an increased interest in the Métis culture. Many people, especially those whose families have lived in Canada for generations, are interested in tracing their ancestry. Being Métis is no longer considered an embarrassment but a source of pride for thousands of Canadians. The Métis also represent a hybrid culture that shows how a mix of ancestry, values, cultures, and tradition can create a culture that is adaptable and strong. In many ways, the Métis are uniquely Canadian.

Government attitudes slowly changed. Land claims in Alberta and Saskatchewan were successful in the 1930s thus establishing a land base for Métis. During the 1960s, new political organizations dedicated to empowering Métis were created. Finally, in the 1989 constitutional debates, Métis were finally recognized as one of the three Aboriginal people(s) of Canada.

The Métis sash is a handwoven cloth worn over the shoulder (by women) or around the waist. It uniquely demonstrates the interweaving of cultures and the marks of history of the Métis. The blue and white stands for the national flag of the people. The red represents the other national flag of the Métis. The black symbolizes the dark era of the Métis people when they had their land taken away and were beaten and shot on the streets of Winnipeg. Yellow represents those who are honoured by the community. Green symbolizes expansion and success of the Métis Nation and the reclaiming of honourable status in Canada.

Genealogy: The Métis Nation of several provinces offers workshops on tracing people's ancestry. There are many services available which provide people with the means of tracing their roots. If your ancestors received Métis scrip in Manitoba or Saskatchewan, you can claim Métis ancestry.

Michif: This is the Métis language. While Michif-speaking parents once discouraged their children from learning the language out of the fear that they would be persecuted, now Michif is spoken with pride.

Glenbow Archives NA-1406-23L

Jigging: This is another unique aspect of Métis culture. Jigging is a kind of dance done to fiddle music. It incorporates aspects of French, Scottish, and First Nations rhythms.