Forward from the Author
Canada’s Métis are the only mixed blood people in the world recognized by every level of government as being a nation. We Métis have our own language, flag, songs and stories. We have exciting traditions and a proud history.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of Métis have grown up in the aftermath of the resistance of 1885, an event often referred to in Canada as the North West Rebellion. This event was the beginning of a sad but inevitable time in Canadian history when Métis people, much like our First Nation cousins, were manipulated and deceived and finally robbed of our land, our pride and much of our culture.
Many Métis began denying Native ties in favour of acceptable European bloodlines. Many of our grandparents were beaten down and humiliated until they came to deny their own bloodlines. They did whatever they could to appear white. My own grandfather, born and raised Narcisse Beaudoin, died Nelson Bowdwin.
Today, many Métis are seeking out the names of their grandmothers and grandfathers. Because European explorers and adventurers were usually men who took Native wives, we speak of our grandmothers as being Native and our grandfathers as being European. However, this is often not the case.
I am one of many whose grandmothers were Anishnabe, Ojibwe Menominee and Innu.
I am one of many stepping forward to say that I am proud to be of mixed blood; that I am Proud to be Métis. This is for the many who live my story. This is for our grandmothers, our Kokums.
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