Full Description
At a time when the Métis are becoming increasingly visible in Canadian politics, this unique book offers a practical guide for understanding who they are, how they govern themselves, and the challenges they face on the path to self-government.
The Métis have always been a political people. Kelly Saunders and Janique Dubois draw on interviews with elders, leaders, and community members to reveal how the Métis are giving life to Louis Riel's vision of a self-governing Métis Nation within Canada. They look to the Métis language - Michif - to identify Métis principles of governance that emerged during the fur trade and that continue to shape Métis governing structures. Both then and now, the Métis have engaged in political action to negotiate their place alongside federal and provincial partners in Confederation.
As Canada engages in nation-to-nation relationships to advance reconciliation, this book provides timely insight into the Métis Nation's ongoing struggle to remain a free and self-governing Indigenous people.
Contents
Foreword by Clément Chartier
Foreword by Jason Madden
Introduction
1 La Noovel Naasyoon / Métis Political Organization in Historical Perspective
2 Lii Valeur di Goovarnimaan di Michif / Principles of Métis Governance
3 Lii Goovarnimaan di Michif / Métis Governments
4 Kiihtwaam Ooshtaahk lii Goovarnimaan di Michif / (Re)building a Métis Civil Service
5 Lii Faam di Naasyoon di Michif / Mothers of the Métis Nation
6 Li Shmayn ishi Tipaymishoohk / The Road to Métis Self-Government
Conclusion: Lii Drway di Naasyoon di Michif Ka Paashpiiwahk / The Ongoing Struggle for Métis Rights
Notes; References; Index
