DVD: Métis Women’s Traditional Arts Series

Details:

Grade Level: All Ages

Narrators: Penny Condon, Anna Flaminio, and Cheryl Troupe

To showcase and celebrate the artistic talents of Métis women, the Gabriel Dumont Institute produced The Métis Women’s Traditional Arts Series. This DVD contains the four-video series, which provides in-depth instruction and direction in the production of various forms of Métis cultural expression.

Aen Kroshay aen tapee avec mi gineey: Métis Hooked Rugs

Margaret Harrison, and her mother, Adeline Pelletier dite Racette, provide the viewer with step-by-step instructions on how to make a hooked rug. As well, Margaret and Adeline share their stories about living on a road allowance in the Qu’Appelle Valley in southern Saskatchewan.

Mashnikwawchikun avec la sway di fil: Métis Silk Embroidery

With instruction from Margaret Harrison, viewers have the opportunity to learn basic embroidery stitches, and receive direction in working with patterns, designs, needles, and fabrics. Margaret also shares her experiences and thoughts on the importance of preserving and promoting this traditional Métis art form.

En saencheur flechey: Métis Fingerweaving

Combining Aboriginal fingerweaving techniques with European materials, the sash remains an integral and highly symbolic aspect of Métis identity. In this video, Penny Condon provides fingerweaving lessons to grade seven and eight students from St. Frances School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Our Shared Inheritance: Traditional Métis Beadwork

This documentary discusses the Métis beading tradition of Cumberland House, Saskatchewan, and centres on Isabelle Impey and her efforts to preserve Métis beadwork. It also provides instructions on how to bead and make moccasins.