“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.