Michif

This book, and accompanying Vimeo documentary link, is a collection of 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 their 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.

Reviews
"With this book, some of these important and unique perspectives and worldviews about who we are as a people, how we have survived as people and how we will carry on and thrive as a people are shared through the writings of the daughters, mothers, aunties and grandmothers of the Métis Nation. I congratulate the Métis women who have taken the time to share and write down some of this knowledge for generations to come." —­Jason Madden, Métis rights lawyer and citizen of the Métis Nation

Additional Information
240 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | 50 black and white illustrations | Paperback

The Big Tease is a timeless story because we’ve all been involved in teasing to some degree, and often it has involved family. Time with family has always been important to Métis families. Like most families, there is usually at least one person who likes to tease others. In this story, it is Eliza, grandmother to author Wilfred Burton, and cousin to Édouard Beaupré. The Big Tease provides a lovely human touch to Édouard Beaupré’s life before his fame as the “Willow Bunch Giant” and his early tragic death took him from his beloved family.

Wilfred Burton’s imaginative narrative passes his grandmother’s story to today’s generation of story lovers. Illustrator George Gingras brings this true but somewhat embellished story to life with colourful images reflective of the Métis lifestyle at the time.

Educator Information
Grade Level: Primary (recommended by Gabriel Dumont Institute).

Dual-language: English & Michif 

Additional Information
Michif translation by Normal Fleury.

This charming story, richly steeped in Métis culture, focuses on the boyhood reminisces of Moushoom as her describes finding the "great giving tree" with his mother and father. The story emphasizes the Métis core values and beliefs including strength, kindness, courage, tolerance, honesty, respect, love, sharing, caring, balance, patience, and most of all, the important connection with the creator and Mother Earth.

Additional Information
50 Pages | 27.9 cm H x 21.5 cm W

The Story of the Rabbit Dance is a picture book about the origin of the Métis dance known as the rabbit dance. In the book, Jeanne Pelletier tells about a Michif hunter by the name of Jacques. One night when returning from checking his traps, Jacques sees dogs and rabbits dancing together. Jacques then joins a Métis dance gathering and teaches his companions the new rabbit dance.

The text for the story is presented in both English and Michif-Cree, with the Michif-Cree translation provided by Rita Flamand. The book features an accompanying CD recording of the story in both languages. The CD also contains three fiddle music recordings.

The Voyageurs: Forefathers of the Métis Nation tells an old story—integral to both the birth of the Métis Nation and to the development of Canada—in a new and engaging format. Zoey Roy has eloquently transformed the history of the voyageurs into a spoken-word performance poem which she has shared live at numerous events over the last several years. In this innovative resource, Zoey masterfully informs the reader and listener of the voyageurs’ history, background, and lifeways in a format popular with today’s youth. To fully appreciate Zoey’s masterful delivery, a DVD to accompany this book was essential. Combined with Jerry Thistle’s evocative illustrations and Norman Fleury’s Michif narration, this resource becomes a teaching tool, a work of art, and the impetus for further research all in one.

Educator Information
Grade Level: The publisher of this book recommends it for all ages.

Dual-language: English and Michif.

Includes a DVD.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020 resource list as being useful for grades 5-10 with regard to these subjects: English Language Arts, Art, Social Studies.

Additional Information
45 pages | 10.98" x 8.42"