Métis Crossing Summer Student Program
October 20, 2020
If you had the chance to visit Métis Crossing this past Summer season, you probably met some of our wonderful summer students! From acting as our interpreters for the Meet the Métis Experience, to helping out in the kitchen, our summer students were essential to helping Métis Crossing run successfully!
We are so pleased that we were able to keep this program operational, in spite of the challenges presented by COVID19. The contribution of our summer students has been invaluable to Métis Crossing and we can not wait to welcome a new team in 2021.
Keep reading this blog post to hear about some of our students’ experiences.
Larissa
How did you become involved with MC?
I became involved with Metis Crossing when I applied to be a summer student in the summer of 2019.
What was your favourite part of your summer at MC?
My favorite part of this summer was learning traditional living skills in a hands-on way and being able to share it with visitors and Métis people alike.
What did you learn about Métis culture that you didn’t know before?
This year I was able to solidify a lot of knowledge within traditional plant use. I had not known before how expansive this type knowledge is and how a lot of what we do as Métis people is deeply rooted within the land. I also learned valuable skills on how to manage groups and plan big events. I have achieved an array of skills that will definitely help me throughout my life.
Describe your experience at MC in three words:
1. Thought provoking
2. Exciting
3. Fun!
What skills did you learn that you will take away with you?
I have learned valuable skills on how to manage groups and plan big events. I have achieved an array of skills that will definitely help me throughout my life.
What do you hope a visitor will leave knowing that they didn’t know before?
I hope visitors will leave knowing that Métis people are more abundant and complex than they might think. We exist in places you may not expect and carry a strong sense of culture wherever we go!
Maria
How did you become involved with MC?
I became involved with Métis Crossing through the interpreter summer job. I applied because I thought it would be a great way to learn more Métis culture and history.
What was your favourite part of your summer at MC?
My favourite part this summer was the connection with my history that I got to make. I loved learning the traditional arts and skills as well at the history that we got to interpreter through the areas on site.
What did you learn about Métis culture that you didn’t know before?
Quite a lot. My own knowledge coming in was essentially a combination of what was taught in school but also the small snippets that I got to learn from family members. I learned not only about our history, but also our habits and some values. But my favorite was the traditional arts and the beliefs and values that went around those.
Describe your experience at MC in three words:
1. Invigorating
2. Empowering
3. Entertaining
What skills did you learn that you will take away with you?
I learned how to start a fire and kind face my fears about using an axe, so that was sweet. But I have already continued on with my beading skills, I have several projects on the go. I also have a goal to get better at finger weaving before summer of 2021.
What do you hope a visitor will leave knowing that they didn’t know before?
I hope that they will walk with a better understanding of who the Métis are. There is a lot of interpretation out there and varying opinions, so have the ability to be in an environment that encourages people to ask questions to clear their understanding is very important, so I hope that is what they can find and learn at Métis Crossing.
A big thank you to all of our Summer students and we wish you the very best in your bright futures ahead!
