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Pihtikwe

Our Story

Listen to our knowledge holder Lily Rose tell you about the Métis people…

The Métis   are a post-contact Indigenous nation, born from the unions of   European fur traders and First Nations women   who through the generations formed, a culture and   identity distinct from both the Europeans and   First Nations.

Mayshkootonna (trade)

The Métis were at the heart of the fur trade. We acted as guides, interpreters, clerks, canoe men, fur packers, trade negotiators, and provided provisions to the Hudson’s Bay Company, Northwest Company, and European fur traders.

mayshkootoona 

Lii bufloo (buffalo)

For many years, the Métis lived a nomadic life, following the buffalo across the plains to harvest and sell to the European trading companies. Laws of the hunt were created and enforced by the Buffalo Councils.

Nishtawamiht (identity)

Symbols of Métis culture include the red river cart, decorative beadwork, fiddle music and the Red River jig. The Métis sash became the most recognizable part of the Métis dress and a symbol of the Métis people. Today, the sash continues to be an integral part of Métis culture and heritage.

For centuries,   we’ve been a distinct Indigenous Nation   with our own   customs, language and traditions.

Li terriwayr (territory)

Métis people settled along fur trading routes in Canada’s historic northwest forming communities, with the largest being the Red River Settlement in Manitoba.

Li terriwayr 

La sayzoon (seasonal)

Métis people have a strong relationship to the land and seasons; fishing in the spring, berries in the summer, hunting in the fall and trapping in the winter. Métis communities survived on Indigenous foods shared with them by the land; pemmican, dried fish and bannock.

Kinwaysh aen pimatishihk (longevity)

In 1870, The HBC transferred Rupert’s Land and the Northwestern Territory, to the newly created Dominion of Canada. Concerned their rights and freedoms would not be respected, the Métis, under a provisional government led by Louis Riel, sent petitions to the government, and later resisted through armed conflict to protect Métis land and rights.

Otipemisiwak (The people who own themselves)

Since the end of the 19th century, Métis in Alberta have stood together and pressed governments to respect our Métis rights. The newly elected Otipemisiwak Métis Government, formerly the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), is the first elected group to govern under a recently ratified constitution. Through the decades, we have had a singular focus: to build a strong Métis Nation embracing Métis rights.

Today, Métis Crossing   is a place of inspiration, sharing the warmth and strength   of our rich and distinct Métis culture, offering legendary experiences that elevate the spirit   and enrich lives.

We invite you to come and experience the healing power of this sacred place.