Michif

Indigenous-authored novels: 5 great contemporary reads for young adults

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023

First Voices is a Grade 11 English course that replaces works by authors like Shakespeare and Fitzgerald with texts authored by Indigenous writers like Cherie Dimaline and Richard Wagamese.

Key Points: 
  • First Voices is a Grade 11 English course that replaces works by authors like Shakespeare and Fitzgerald with texts authored by Indigenous writers like Cherie Dimaline and Richard Wagamese.
  • Over the summer, our Indigenous literatures lab, led by Haudenosaunee scholar Jennifer Brant at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, examined contemporary Indigenous-authored young adult texts that are well-suited for the First Voices course.

Importance of Indigenous perspectives

    • With the replacement of long-read literature comes the task of selecting texts that centre Indigenous resurgence and what Indigenous literary scholar Gerald Vizenor refers to as survivance.
    • We hope to see the stories in classrooms across the country that centre Indigenous community narratives from the voices of Indigenous Peoples.

Upholding responsibilities

    • As Cherokee author and scholar Daniel Heath Justice writes, good stories are needed that give “shape, substance and purpose” to Indigenous Peoples’ existences and shed light on how to uphold responsibilities to one another and to creation.
    • These stand in contrast to stories Justice discusses as “bad medicine,” stories often imposed from the outside, from the perspective of the colonizer.

Engaging with books

    • We encourage educators to take a strength-based perspective when discussing Indigenous literature, and also to take an anti-racist approach.
    • Anti-racist approaches acknowledge varied experiences of racism, and would help students think critically about their own lives in relationship to these books.
    • Read more:
      Why you shouldn't be afraid of critical race theory — Podcast

      Books featured here are highly acclaimed, and show narratives of Indigenous resurgence.

    • It is a story about a Métis-Anishinaabe teen and her family who are drastically impacted by a violent crime in Winnipeg.
    • As investigations uncover many unknowns, readers get meaningful insights into the realities of various characters whose lives are intricately woven together.
    • Maracle followed Ravensong with Celia’s Song, a finalist in the 2020 Neustadt International Prize for Literature.

CELEBRATING CULTURAL REVIVAL AND THE TRADITION OF PASSING ON GENERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE THROUGH A NEW ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COIN HONOURING THE RED RIVER MÉTIS

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 2, 2022

This latest coin in the Mint's "Generations" series, tells the story of the Red River Mtis through the intricate beadwork patterns of Manitoba Mtis artist Jennine Krauchi.

Key Points: 
  • This latest coin in the Mint's "Generations" series, tells the story of the Red River Mtis through the intricate beadwork patterns of Manitoba Mtis artist Jennine Krauchi.
  • "Today is a proud day for the Manitoba Mtis Federation as the National Government of the Red River Mtis," said David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Mtis Federation.
  • La Rivyeer Rooz, meaning the Red River, is inscribed at the base of the design, above which roots represent the Red River Mtis homeland and ancestry.
  • From the infinity symbol symbolizing the Mtis Nation's eternal and unbreakable spirit flow two bands representing the Red River.

CELEBRATING CULTURAL REVIVAL AND THE TRADITION OF PASSING ON GENERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE THROUGH A NEW ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COIN HONOURING THE RED RIVER MÉTIS

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 2, 2022

This latest coin in the Mint's "Generations" series, tells the story of the Red River Mtis through the intricate beadwork patterns of Manitoba Mtis artist Jennine Krauchi.

Key Points: 
  • This latest coin in the Mint's "Generations" series, tells the story of the Red River Mtis through the intricate beadwork patterns of Manitoba Mtis artist Jennine Krauchi.
  • "Today is a proud day for the Manitoba Mtis Federation as the National Government of the Red River Mtis," said David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Mtis Federation.
  • La Rivyeer Rooz, meaning the Red River, is inscribed at the base of the design, above which roots represent the Red River Mtis homeland and ancestry.
  • From the infinity symbol symbolizing the Mtis Nation's eternal and unbreakable spirit flow two bands representing the Red River.

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Congratulates Governor General Designate Mary Simon

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 13, 2021

OTTAWA, ON, July 12, 2021 /CNW/ - Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) / Women of the Mtis Nation, the National Indigenous Women's Organization representing Mtis women across the Mtis Nation Motherland, is honored to congratulate Governor General Designate Mary Simon, as Canada's first Indigenous governor general.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, July 12, 2021 /CNW/ - Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) / Women of the Mtis Nation, the National Indigenous Women's Organization representing Mtis women across the Mtis Nation Motherland, is honored to congratulate Governor General Designate Mary Simon, as Canada's first Indigenous governor general.
  • Ms. Simon comes with a long record of accomplishments as she becomes Queen Elizabeth II's representative as Canada's head of state.
  • It has been an incredibly historic week for Indigenous women, and Indigenous peoples in Canada with the appointment of Governor General Designate Mary Simon, and the historic win of National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, the first ever female National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
  • Said President Melanie Omeniho, of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, Women of the Metis Nation.

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Congratulates Newly Elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, RoseAnne Archibald

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, July 10, 2021

OTTAWA, ON, July 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) / Women of the Mtis Nation, the National Indigenous Women's Organization representing Mtis women across the Mtis Nation Motherland, is honored to congratulate the new National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, RoseAnne Archibald, of Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, July 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) / Women of the Mtis Nation, the National Indigenous Women's Organization representing Mtis women across the Mtis Nation Motherland, is honored to congratulate the new National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, RoseAnne Archibald, of Taykwa Tagamou Nation.
  • This is a historic moment for First Nations women, and all Indigenous women across Canada, as National Chief Archibald is the first woman to ever hold this position in the39-year history of the Assembly of First Nations.
  • President Melanie Omeniho, on behalf of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak and the Women of theMtis Nation,congratulates"National Chief Archibald on her historic win, and we look forward to continued and strengthened work alongside the Assembly of First Nations Women's Council.
  • We send National Chief Archibald our sincere best wishes andweare excited to witness her leadership in action."

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Presents Métis Perspectives on Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada's Health Care Systems

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 28, 2021

Joyce's brave actions have truly brought the issues of racism in health care to the fore and have demonstrated clearly the irreparable impacts of systemic racism on Indigenous people.

Key Points: 
  • Joyce's brave actions have truly brought the issues of racism in health care to the fore and have demonstrated clearly the irreparable impacts of systemic racism on Indigenous people.
  • "It is really important that we work together and that Mtis women are part of the conversation," says Melanie Omeniho, President of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak/Women of the Mtis Nation.
  • Recently, LFMO held an engagement session to further understand the experiences of Metis women in accessing health care.
  • LFMO heard distinctly how harmful and pervasive systemic racism is in the lives of Mtis Women, 2-spirited and LGBTQQIA+ folks in Canada, and this racism in the health care system puts them at grave risk.

'Paykiiwikay,' Métis Culture Podcast keeps the Michif Language and Culture Alive

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 12, 2021

OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 12, 2021 /CNW/ -Canadian Geographicand Mtis NationSaskatchewan (MNS) present 'Paykiiwikay' Mtis Culture Podcast, a new online series exploring the rich Mtis culture and Michif language.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 12, 2021 /CNW/ -Canadian Geographicand Mtis NationSaskatchewan (MNS) present 'Paykiiwikay' Mtis Culture Podcast, a new online series exploring the rich Mtis culture and Michif language.
  • Working with Leah and the Mtis NationSaskatchewan on this series has opened my eyes to the depth and richness of Mtis history, language and culture.
  • The range of topics is as varied as the personalities; from the impact of Michif language loss on Mtis identity, to Michif cultural expression in the arts and Mtis food and cooking.
  • "Through these podcasts, we will share important stories about Mtis history, language and culture.

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Honours October 4th as a Memorial Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA People

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, October 3, 2020

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 3, 2020 /CNW/ -Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak/Women of the Mtis Nation are standing in support of our families and communities.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 3, 2020 /CNW/ -Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak/Women of the Mtis Nation are standing in support of our families and communities.
  • Every October, communities across Canada come together at vigils to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit and LGBQQTIA folks (MMIWG).
  • We stand alongside these families to offer support, educate the public, and commemorate the lives of our Indigenous women and girls including our Mtis families.
  • Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak is engaged with other Indigenous partners, families of MMIWG, and government partners in the development of the National Actional Plan to address MMIWG.

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Supports a Careful Approach to National Inquiry's Calls for Justice

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 3, 2020

OTTAWA, ON, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ -Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) is awaiting the government's careful response to the Calls for Justice as laid out in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' (MMIWG) Final Report as well as LFMO's Calls for Miskotah, or Calls for Change.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ -Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) is awaiting the government's careful response to the Calls for Justice as laid out in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' (MMIWG) Final Report as well as LFMO's Calls for Miskotah, or Calls for Change.
  • It was due to be released following the first anniversary of the release of the Final Report on June 3, 2020.
  • President Melanie Omeniho of LFMO stated the importance of a solution-focused and strengths-based approach to the Calls for Justice and Calls for Miskotah to ensure lasting systemic change.
  • "A careful approach includes not just the federal government's response, but a collective response from all levels of government and all Canadians," said President Omeniho.

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Calls for Gendered Lens in COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 30, 2020

OTTAWA, March 30, 2020 /CNW/ - Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's (LFMO) is calling for additional resources to ensure that a gendered lens is used in implementing the federal government's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, March 30, 2020 /CNW/ - Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's (LFMO) is calling for additional resources to ensure that a gendered lens is used in implementing the federal government's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
  • Mtis women's and girls' physical, cultural and security needs are not being considered in the development of this funding.
  • In areas with insufficient access to medical care, Mtis women risk contracting the virus through the use of public transportation.
  • In these cases, and where Mtis women are employed in the healthcare field, they risk rapid transmission of COVID-19 to vulnerable family members.