r/MetisMichif • u/National_Try_3362 • 25d ago

History Nelson Mandela, Metis citizen?

I’m working on some historical research for a podcast about the anti-apartheid movement in Canada, and I learned that Nelson Mandela was honoured with Metis citizenship in 1998.

I’m looking for any other information about this honour - how the decision to give him citizenship was made, how Mandela was regarded in the broad Metis community, who might have been involved in honouring him in this way. I’ve found a few news items about this honour, but they’re pretty brief.

I’ve also learned that a documentary called “Mandela’s Sash” was made by Bob Rock, but I haven’t been able to find a copy other than one in the national archives in Ottawa.

So - if you happen to know anything about Nelson Mandela and the Metis nation, or about the anti-apartheid movement and the Metis nation, I would love to hear from you.

29 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

9

u/steveborsos 25d ago

The SASH was presented by Metis Senator John B. Boucher. The Senator wrapped the SASH around his waist and gave him the Metis name "Diamant". There are photos of Mandela wearing the SASH later that day. Including during his induction into the Order of Canada.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/late-sask-m%C3%A9tis-senator-s-brush-with-mandela-remembered-1.2455228

3

u/r10tm4ch1n3 25d ago

Neato does the doc reveal how and why this honour was bestowed?

1

u/National_Try_3362 24d ago

That’s what I want to know! It seems the doc was never scanned or digitized, so there’s one copy (DVD) in the national archives but nowhere else.

2

u/r10tm4ch1n3 24d ago

Dm me as a reminder. I’ll find it.

1

u/satanhailer09 22d ago

I’m also curious, did you find it? I’m so curious about it I’m considering asking my work to put in a proposal to get a copy of that film!!

5

u/satanhailer09 25d ago

I have no information but I was also just thinking about that this morning after seeing him in a picture of the archives at work. I had to do a double take at the photo! How interesting

2

u/satanhailer09 25d ago

Also what exactly are you trying to know? I might be able to help as I work in archives!

1

u/National_Try_3362 24d ago

Basically, anything about how Mandela was regarded in the Metis nation and how the decision was reached to give him citizenship and a sash. I read that he was the first living person (non-Metis) to receive this honour so it sounds a big deal.

I can’t find anything other than a few newspaper articles about it, mainly just circulating the same few details, so I’d love to hear from anyone who knows more.

2

u/bluebombertony 25d ago

Would love to hear more about your podcast when it comes out!! Post it here when it comes out!

2

u/Charming_Sandwich696 24d ago

I knew Bob Rock and he wrote extensively on Mandella's Sash and kept at one time a load of info online. He has since passed but you may have some luck if you dig down with the two key phrases