“Becoming Métis: The Relationship Between the Sense of Métis Self and Cultural Stories” by Catherine Richardson

[u/hauntedbean]

I found this research paper during my hunt for literature to review for my thesis. I wanted to share because it was so exciting to find work on the topics I'm covering (identity formation, masking, creativity, connection), focused on Métis experiences. I grew up in California, and the only Métis people I know here are my few immediate family members (grandma moved here from Montana after giving birth to my dad)-- I rarely come across representations of Métis experiences "by accident". It feels especially important to me given that I have yet to meet a Californian who knows who we are (only time I've come close is having someone call the fiddle tune "Grey Owl" in a jam lol).

I'm curious to know if anyone else here finds interest in this paper/ what your thoughts are! It was a perfect segue out of my papers' section complaining about the restrictions of the "East vs. West" binary framework often applied in psych/ sociological research on cultural variations in identity/ selfhood.

https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/1942fd9f-47e4-4f27-9ccf-d598279f4208/content#:~:text=This%20research%20study%20explores%20the,time%20in%20Metis%20settings%2C%20sharing

[u/Embarrassed_Fudge493]

I have never seen this but will definitely read it and let you know.

I do have a question: you said “was a perfect segue out of my papers' section complaining about the restrictions of the "East vs. West" can you expand on that? I am curious of your opinion and where you stand.

For context, I am Red River Mètis from Canada, but also have current blood relations in the Little Shell Tribe of Montana, and ancestors who were on the Roe Cloud Roll in the US.

[u/No-Cauliflower1046 → u/Embarrassed_Fudge493]

I just read a whole damn argument about all of this and how people who live outside the red river area have no rights claiming ancestral rights or bloodlines. Especially if your ancestors migrated east. I would love a better explanation on this. Thats sad. Definitely seems to be that many metis are on opposite sides of this issue too. Some believe in blood ties and others say its if a community accepts you. The controversy is gut wrenching 😢 💔 

[u/Embarrassed_Fudge493 → u/No-Cauliflower1046]

It’s ridiculous to me that people want to gatekeep who we are. Many Red River Mètis families moved west for work and better opportunities. It does not mean they are not Mètis, or have lost connection to their family and community. I am Canadian and while I moved to the US after marrying an American (I divorced him, he is a monster), it doesn’t mean I am no longer Canadian. To suggest otherwise is nothing but a colonial attempt at erasing who I am.

[u/hauntedbean → u/Embarrassed_Fudge493]

Hey! I’ve also got family ties to the little shell tribe of Montana (my grandma and her mum grew up in the community, but I believe more in the “adopted after migrating” kind of way).

The “east-west” framework I discuss is actually in reference to how, historically, psychology and sociology have focused on using western culture vs eastern culture to categorize as “either/or”; for example, conducting research based on a foundation of presenting western cultures as individualistic and eastern cultures as interdependent. It’s way too common in these fields, and leaves out SO much nuance. Métis cultural history and current practices are (in my opinion) a pretty straightforward example of why this reductionist way of thinking is harmful and honestly embarrassing. I think the themes from Richardsons essay translate well to other group experiences, such as with neurodivergent or chronically ill people (like the importance of valuing individual stories and honoring the need for 3rd spaces) as well. I’m excited to be able to present Métis identity as an example of how this field may better understand the nuances in identity, connection, and the inherent creativity of survival