Honour Louis Riel Day by plugging into upcoming Métis virtual events
Whether you are looking to get more active, or are eager to learn more about Métis history, there’s a virtual event for you
When Laura Forsythe came across a quote by Métis Elder Rose Fleury, she was inspired to create a space that would allow people to gather and honour the ways of their ancestors. The quote by Elder Rose Fleury states that “women need to gather again as this is how we evolved socially, politically, spiritually and economically.” Forsythe, the Métis inclusion coordinator for the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), responded by creating a virtual meeting circle called ‘ee-kaakiihtwaami-maawachihitoyaahk lii faam’, which translates into ‘women gathering together once again.’
The women’s group is one of many opportunities for UM students, staff, faculty and community to plug into the wide-scope of virtual opportunities to engage in Métis culture.
With Louis Riel Day just around the corner, consider checking out some of the upcoming events, organized by various groups across campus, including the ISC, Métis University Students’ Association (MUSA), Native studies department and Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF):
Mondays – Métis Awareness Mondays hosted by the ISC and MMF. Watch for videos posted to the U of M Métis Facebook page each Monday.
Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – A virtual Métis Women’s Circle for those who self-identify as Métis women hosted by the ISC, MMF and MUSA. Find Zoom login information in the events calendar.
Feb. 15, 9 a.m. – Virtual Louis Riel Day celebration hosted by the MMF. Join the Facebook event page for updates.
Feb. 21, 12 – 3 p.m. – Métis 101 with Louis Riel Institute instructor of Métis history and culture Shirley Delorme Russell. All are welcome to register for this dynamic overview of Métis history supported by the MMF, MUSA and ISC.
Feb. 22 – March 22 – Follow U of M Métis social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to participate in the Maaschiitak (Let’s move) movement challenge. Enter daily by posting stories and photos of keeping active and tagging each page for entries to win gift cards and prizes!
Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – ‘Education and the Holistic Well-being of Youth’ with Dr. Jennifer Markides. Watch live on the Native studies department’s Facebook page.
Feb. 25, 12 – 1 p.m. – ‘Two-Eyed Seeing: Weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Western Knowledge Systems’ with Dr. Sara Goulet hosted by the Office of Indigenous Engagement. Join the Zoom meeting or watch live on ISC’s Facebook page.
March 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Daniels v. Canada: In and Beyond the Courts – A book launch with editor Dr. Nathalie Kermoal. Watch live on the Native studies department’s Facebook page.