Group 20 Discussion 1 Summary

“The Metis-zation of Canada” Key Questions: How have Metis people helped shape Canada? How can/should Metis and Canadian identities live side-by-side?

A 2016 census revealed that there are 587,545 Metis-identified people living in Canada (Wikipedia, 2018).

(Metis Flag)

Our group discussed the influence that the Metis people had on Canada. While they are generally thought of outside of Canadian identity, their struggles actually helped to shape Canadian identity as we know it today. The Metis people’s fierce will to protect their identity and sovereignty had a great impact on the country. “For instance, the Canadian Pacific Railway was a significant transportation link for the country that stretched from sea-to-sea, which was only manifested through the revolutionary actions of the Metis.” – Alejandro

Additionally, we discussed how Metis and Indigenous identity interacts with a Canadian one. The author argues that a pan-Canadian identity (part Indigenous, part European) is just another form of colonialism (Gaudry, 2013, pg.64). Steafan brought up the point of a “modern” society in which non-Indigenous and Indigenous identities could understand each other without having to assimilate each other. Ashlee found it interesting, for example, that treaties could be used to assist in helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous people live side-by-side.

Landscape and Mythological Characters

(Te Fiti in Disney’s Moana is a goddess that creates the island of Polynesia)

Indigenous people often used myths to explain the natural world around them. Our group related the use of these myths in Mesoamerica (discussed in class) to some North American myths. For example, the myth of the Sedna, the goddess of the seas in Inuit culture. This myth explains the unpredictable nature of the sea and the respect and awe the Inuit people had for it. Another example is the Devil’s Tower, located in Wyoming. The Indigenous myth of “The Bear Woman/Girl and her Seven Brothers” explains the creation of this rock tower and the constellation above it. Finally, the Right Handed Humming Bird God demonstrates a Mesoamerican landscape myth. Animals and plants common to the area became metaphors in the story.

Alejandro relates Indigenous mythology to our modern idea of “mother nature” and how these myths can teach us to respect our natural environment in modern times. As environmental issues/climate change are such important topics today, these myths are still very relevant today. “If people take action towards comforting our life, animals, land, etc. We may find peace and more life to follow, yet if we mean harm it could potentially create issues that alter our surroundings through horrifying catastrophes” – Alejandro.

Etic and Emic Perspectives on Myth Key Questions: How can we understand “truth” as outsiders? Do each of our personal “truths” represents a small piece of a larger puzzle?

(Etoro people, Papua New Ginea)

The myth of the blind men and the elephant represents the value of experience and how it relates to truth. Our group discussed the myth as it relates to understanding each other and valuing others’ experiences. Izza described how people tend to believe that their experiences are the complete truth and how truth can be composed of many people’s experiences put together.

Cultural differences and practices can be discussed through etic and emic perspectives, as well. For example, certain practices of the Etero people in Papua New Ginea have been condemned by outsiders as abuse, while in this culture, they are a part of tradition. Controversy often arises when etic and emic perspectives collide.

What do you think about these takes?

(by Dana)