katawashishin

(you are beautiful)

“I am proud that I am Métis, there are no two ways about it, but I should be proud that I’m going to be able to pass this on to my younger generation” (Bouvier E. , 2009)

Ni'wahkomakanak (my relatives), who shared their stories with me to better understand myself as Michif but to also, hopefully, help in generating possibilities for Métis spaces and places that are full of shakihi (love), aen paahpihk (laughter), and li maanzhii (food). As nishtayshi (my big brother) Graham Andrews made clear to us, katawashishin (you are beautiful).

To my son, Bradon Malcolm, thank you for choosing me as your mother. Thank you for cheering me on when I was questioning if I could do this — you’ve always been wise beyond your years.

I am indebted to Dr. Reg Crowshoe and Rose Crowshoe for guiding my through life and for all the knowledge they shared with me — I am a better human because of this.

My friends and family, thank you for supporting me through text messages and long distance phone calls, beautiful walks, fire pit chats, prayers, love, and laughter — you lifted me up when I couldn’t stand alone.

Dr. Jim Field - thank you for journeying with me, even when I said I am not taking no for an answer — your advocacy made this dissertation possible.

Graham and Edmee — thank you for believing in me and this project.

To my committee — you gave me questions that I carried with me and was able to use as a guiding force, these were such a wonderful gift.

To all the Métis and Michif who I met along the way and saw value and expressed the importance of this work — those sentiments kept me going.

To all the Métis and Michif that might find themselves in this inquiry, I hope this is helps you in some way.

Mom and Dad - I love you.

kishchii itaytamihk (grateful)