The paper deals with cultural, historical and social aspects of today’s Métis in Canada. The intention is to describe and evaluate Métis cultural achievements and to prove that the Métis are a unique and distinctive people whose culture, which has been long oppressed and marginalized, is precious and equal to the culture of Canada’s First Nations.
The structure is subordinated to the aim. After some introductory demographic data, I want to present the most important cultural features which still influence the life of Métis in Canada. In a further step I focus on the marginalized situation of the Métis, and finally their achieve-ments and the newest judicial success will be discussed before an evaluation of the results of my research finishes the paper.
Although the Métis are enjoying increasing attentions from scholars due to their latest achievements in the struggle for recognition, there is still no up to date standard work about them. Magosci offers the best overview of the Métis and their culture , whereas the special-ized Troupe describes the Métis clothing and a detailed description of the struggle for recog-nition is supplied by Howard Adams, who was the first Métis intellectual.
For the latest demographic developments and legal cases, the internet and especially Canadian government websites have been a reliable source.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Demographical features
- Métis definition
- Demographical factors
- Short overview of the Métis history
- Métis cultural heritage
- National Identifiers
- The Sash
- Fiddling and Jigging
- Flower beadwork
- Michif
- Arts and social life
- Oppression and Marginalization
- The struggle for recognition
- Contemporary situation of the Métis
- Racism and Disadvantages
- Achievements
- Conclusion and outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the cultural, historical, and social aspects of the Métis people in Canada. It aims to describe and evaluate their cultural achievements and demonstrate that the Métis are a distinct group with a rich and valuable cultural heritage. The paper explores the challenges they have faced due to historical oppression and marginalization and highlights their ongoing struggle for recognition.
- The definition and historical context of the Métis people
- The cultural heritage and traditions of the Métis
- The historical and contemporary challenges faced by the Métis, including oppression and marginalization
- The ongoing struggle for Métis rights and recognition
- The achievements and resilience of the Métis community
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by exploring the complexities of defining the Métis people, highlighting the diversity within the group and the ongoing debate about their identity. It then delves into the demographic features of the Métis population in Canada, examining their distribution and growth. The paper further explores the rich cultural heritage of the Métis, showcasing their unique traditions, including the Sash, fiddling and jigging, flower beadwork, and the Michif language. It concludes by focusing on the historical oppression and marginalization experienced by the Métis, examining the struggle for recognition and highlighting the contemporary challenges they face.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the paper include: Métis culture, Métis identity, Aboriginal peoples, cultural heritage, oppression, marginalization, recognition, rights, Canadian history, demographic factors, and indigenous communities. The paper explores the distinct cultural traditions of the Métis and examines the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for this unique and important group within Canadian society.
- Quote paper
- Robert Quast (Author), 2007, The present Métis culture in Canada, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/81890
