Ni'wahkomakanak

(my relatives)

Becoming relatives

Within an oral system, becoming relatives is inherently part of the process. Relationality is a natural consequence of coming together to share, discuss, learn, and to determine a shared future, particularly when we gather with smudge and prayer. Becoming relatives expands beyond our humanness to include all beings that have life and are a part of Creation. I felt this personally with the individuals in the research inquiry (see back to the video: making relatives as to why I chose to call them Métis kin).

I sent recruitment information via FaceBook, Instagram, the Métis Nation of Alberta membership list, and the respective Indigenous student centres at the post-secondary institutions in Calgary. Ten people contacted me and were interested in participating in the research project. As mentioned in the Maachipaypin section, the criteria I relied on was: an individual that self-identities as Métis, is connected to a historical Métis community that is held and bounded within unique and distinct political, historical, and kinship processes, who grew up knowing of and practicing their identity, and born and raised in an urban environment, not bound to Calgary,

Many of the individuals were uncertain if they were eligible for the study and were hesitant to step into the research because they didn’t necessarily view themselves as aligning with the criteria above. Because of people’s hesitancies, it was evident that I would have to meet with individuals, listen to their stories , discuss the project, and see if the inquiry was a good fit for the us both. I did speak to a few individuals about the inquiry that did not participate in the study because it was determined they were not eligible. This process was uncomfortable for me because I did not enjoy what seemed and felt like gatekeeping and assessing one’s identity. However, from the onset of wanting to explore this topic, I knew narratives that were premised on persons seeking to reclaim their Métisness was not the path that I wanted to explore. I specifically wanted to focus on those who grew up knowing who they are and are trying to understand themselves in urban environments. I understand that many Métis people have grown up not knowing who they are and are understanding their identity later in life. These are extremely important narratives to hear and understand, but this was not the purpose of this inquiry. In the criteria, I expected people to step into the circle as storied beings and have practices of Métisness ready to share.

Through meeting with individuals, it became apparent that engaging in a recruitment process is already pursing relationship connections and formations. I remember specifically meeting one individual who so graciously shared their stories with me to which I felt so honoured; however, they were not eligible for the study. The need to have one-on-one conversations prior to the gatherings challenged my assumptions that the research process begins when the recruitment process is complete, when you get into the ‘thick’ of the inquiry. I learned that regardless of the potentiality of the individuals joining the research family, the process of hearing their narratives influenced my research and enabled me to ascertain a different perspective of the questions that guided the inquiry. Additionally, the interviews allowed for further contemplations of whether research kin needed to be in attendance for all the gatherings and whether they could attend remotely via online interfaces. Because of the process being guided by an oral system which includes smudge, in discussion with Reg, it was decided that it would be more suitable for individuals to be able to attend in person. After discussions with interested individuals, seven Métis were invited to the first of seven gatherings. All seven individuals come from diverse backgrounds with respect to age, gender, upbringing, and place of ancestral connections. 

Below are the biographies of the seven Métis kin who participated in the research inquiry. Each photo is their own and accompanied by a self-written biography. This part of the dissertation has not been edited as to keep their words intact.          

Devonn

Tanisi! My name is Devonn Drossel (Métis, settler Russian and settler German). My Métis family names include Ballendine/Ballenden, Turnor/Turner, Brass, and Humphreyville/Umfreville. Many of my ancestors are listed in census and scrip documents as Scottish or English Halfbreeds who spoke Cree as their first language. Tracing my Métis family lines illuminates a pathway which follows along the North Saskatchewan River all the way from Opaskwayak (The Pas) and the Umpherville Settlement in Manitoba, through to Cumberland House and Fort-a-la-Corne in Saskatchewan, and eventually to Edmonton, Alberta. I currently live in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) in Treaty 6 Territory where I am working on my Master's degree at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Native Studies. I am also an artist, and I use beadwork as my primary medium to examine and contend with themes related to Métis kinship, foodways, and my own familial connections to land and food.

Bob

Thirty years experience

Oil & gas - two majors Calgary

Provincial Government - Alberta Research Council - Edmonton

Métis Nation of Alberta - Edmonton

Focus on Project development, community program development and agreements.

Retired 2017 - Cancer support volunteer with PROSTAID Calgary, Wellspring Calgary and AHS patient and family cancer advisory group at the new Calgary Cancer Centre.

Patricia

Tan’si! My name is Patricia Grimwood, and I am a Métis woman living and working in Moh’kinsstis, on traditional Treaty 7 territory. My mother and father are Anglo-Métis, with some French-Métis connection. Our roots extend back through Métis communities in Northern Saskatchewan and the Red River Valley. I am the second to youngest of four siblings. Our maternal grandparents passed when we were children, and we were disconnected from our paternal family when we were younger still. These circumstances left many questions unanswered for me, and I did not reconnect to community until adulthood. Today I am mindful of the great privilege I have in the (relative) safety with which I can engage in Métis cultural practices, and deeply grateful for the rich community that is my home.

Matt

Matt Hiltermann is a Métis artisan, historical researcher, and museum professional. With roots from the areas around Edmonton, Fort Carlton, York Factory, and Red River, he descended from the Pruden, Breland, McDonald, Calder, Setter, Spence, Ross, and Sabbiston families. He has worked in the museum and heritage field since 2008 at sites including Heritage Park, Fort Edmonton Park, Fort Calgary, and Lougheed House. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology and International Indigenous Studies from the University of Calgary, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Heritage Resource Management through Athabasca University. Since 2017, he has undertaken a series of research projects for several of the sites in question, as well as Métis Nation of Alberta – Region 3. These projects have focused on identifying and making visible Métis individuals and communities in southern and central Alberta during the latter half of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries using archival documents, such as scrip, census, and land claims. When he's not researching, Matt enjoys reading, fingerweaving, and time with friends and family.

Charmaine

My name is Charmaine Bouvier. I am from Calgary Alberta. A self employed hairstylist, mom of two beautiful daughters. My family heritage is from Boggy Creek, MB. I am a Métis trying to reconnect with my family traditions and culture. When I had children it made it even more important to discover my roots without shame.

Berkley

A filmmaker currently living in Treaty 7 territory. She is the daughter of Pat Grant-McCulloch, of Scottish and European descent, and Joe Brady, Métis. On the paternal side, we descend from many generations of Métis families, including the Garneau's, who were based in Edmonton during the early part of the 20th Century, and who's ancestors were from the Red River Valley and fought with Louis Riel during the resistance. 

 She is currently working on her first feature, a horror called "Dark Woods" which has received funding from Telefilm's Indigenous division. She is also developing a feature-length adaptation of Maria Campbell's iconic book, Halfbreed, with Michelle Thrush.  

Sharon

Sharon Goulet, MSW, RSW is a Red River Métis and member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Sharon was born in the Treaty 1 territory or “Winnipeg” and is related to the Millers, Spence's and Irwin's who lived in the area during the time of Louis Riel. Many of Sharon's family fled during the Red River Rebellion which eventually led to the establishment of the provisional government by the Métis leader Louis Riel and his followers at the Red River Colony in 1869.

At a young age Sharon moved to the traditional territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka or Montreal with her family. The island called “Montreal” is known as Tiotia:ke in the language of the Kanien'kehá:ka, and it has historically been a meeting place for other Indigenous nations, including the omàmiwininì or Algonquin people. While in the area, Sharon completed a Bachelors degree in Cultural Anthropology at McGill University. During this time Sharon witnessed the Oka crisis that took place, which was a catalyst towards the eventual Royal Commission on Aboriginal People, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and today’s TRC Calls to Action.

Sharon later moved to Treaty 7 territory to complete her Bachelors and Master degrees in Social Work, focusing on Indigenous leadership, policy and community development. Sharon has worked at the City of Calgary for the past 25 years in a variety of positions starting as the assistant to the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committees, working in Indigenous Community Development and then working as the Indigenous Social Planner with FCSS for 15 years. Her work has involved social planning, community development, research and advocacy on issues that concern the Indigenous urban community.

Sharon has 4 cats, 2 dogs, a snake and fish. Your may see her Anya daughter at City and community events when she is not in school or, at the pool where she swims with the Calgary Aquabelles the National A 13-15 Team. As a past swimmer herself, Sharon spends most of her time at the pool either judging at Synchronized swimming events or writing which she loves. All My Relations – Maarsi.