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Social Science Indigenous Studies

Stories of Métis Women

Tales My Kookum Told Me

by (author) Oster Bailey & Lizee Marilyn

foreword by Poitras Audrey

translated by Morin Mary Skyblue

cover design or artwork by Leddy Krista

Publisher
Durvile Publications
Initial publish date
Aug 2021
Category
Indigenous Studies
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781988824680
    Publish Date
    Aug 2021
    List Price
    $16.99

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Description

This book, and accompanying Vimeo link, contains stories about culture, history, and nationhood as told by Métis women. The Métis are known by many names — Otipemisiwak, “the people who own ourselves;” Bois Brules, “Burnt Wood;” Apeetogosan, “half brother” by the Cree; “half-breed,” historically; and are also known as “rebels” and “traitors to Canada.” They are also known as the “Forgotten People.” Few really know their story. Many people may also think that Métis simply means “mixed,” but it does not. They are a people with a unique and proud history and Nation. In this era of reconciliation, Stories of Métis Women explains the story of the Métis Nation from the women’s own perspective. The UN has declared this “The Decade of Indigenous Languages” and Stories of Métis Women is one of the few books available in English and Michif, which is an endangered language.

About the authors

Bailey Oster is a Métis woman with roots in the Red River Settlement and St. Paul des Métis. Bailey received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a research focus in restorative justice. She currently works as a manager within the Youth Programs and Services Department at the Métis Nation of Alberta. She was elected as the youngest ever Vice President of New Dawn, the Métis Women’s Organization within Alberta at nineteen years old and still currently holds the position.

Oster Bailey's profile page

As President of New Dawn Metis Women’s Society, Marilyn Lizee has had a long career in Métis politics that goes back prior to 1996. She continues to take many responsibilities within her Métis community, including her role as Senior Cultural Chair of the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Cultural Committee. She also works with, and for, President Audrey Poitras. It is her passion for her culture and her identity as a strong Métis woman that gives her pride and motivation to continue her journey forward.

Lizee Marilyn's profile page

Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) President, Audrey Poitras, is one of the highest profile Métis women in Canada. Audrey’s career in Métis politics began in 1996 when she was elected to lead the Métis Nation of Alberta as its first female President. From Métis identity to Métis rights and recognition, Audrey remains a key figure among Canada’s political leaders. From being named the 2016 Indigenous leader of the year, to being one of the most influential people in 2005 and among Canada’s 100 in the same year, in 2011, Audrey received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Politics, and today, elected for her 8th term as President of the Metis Nation of Alberta, Audrey is the longest serving President in the history of the Metis Nation

Poitras Audrey's profile page

Mary SkyBlue Morin is a Michif cultural knowledge keeper and a speaker of the Michif Cree and Ile-a-la-Crosse Michif language. She learned the language as a child and has continued to speak it to this day. She has been working as a Michif Cree writer, translator, and teacher since 2010.

Morin Mary Skyblue's profile page

Krista Leddy is a proud Métis woman whose family comes from the historical Métis communities of St. Albert and Lac Ste. Anne. She is an artist, storyteller, and a holder of traditional knowledge and skills. She is also an advocate for Métis reconnecting with the community, using art and stories as ways to weave them back into the beautiful sash of Métis identity.

Leddy Krista's profile page

Editorial Reviews

The stories of Métis women’s lives—both their histories and present day—are not often told. “Stories of Métis Women: Tales My Kookum Told Me” aims to remedy that …. The [Michif] translation was part of the work toward revitalizing the endangered language. —­? THE GLOBE & MAIL