Author: louisrielinsti

Staff:

General Manager – Sharon Parenteau

Executive Assistant, HR Administrator – Kandace Geurts

Finance Officer – Jenn Dzuba

Administrative Assistant – Margaret Flett

Director of Community Programming – Louise Gordey

Métis Cultural Historic Tours Coordinator – Teresa Byrne

Coordinator of Métis Heritage and History Research – Lawrie Barkwell

Adult Learning Centre Program

Education Director – Joel Boyce

Instructor – Chris Yorke

Instructor – Krista Reimer

Retention/Support Worker – Terri-Lynn Habinski

Louis Riel Vocational College

Director – Sharon Varga

Training Instructor – James Connery

Standing Tall Program

Provincial Coordinator – Brittany Ross

Education Support Staff – Roxanne Harel

Education Support Staff – Jacqueline Jerome

Education Support Staff – Jordan Chudrick

Education Support Staff – Amy Desjarlais

Education Support Staff – David Orvis

Education Support Staff – Destiny Breland

Education Support Staff – Alyssa Ducharme

Education Support Staff – Daniel West

Riel House Summer Program

Coordinator – Janelle Poiron

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Please see each topic heading for Métis cultural information.

The Métis are well known as speakers of many languages. In the past many Métis spoke up to five or six languages, including Michif, French, English, Cree, Ojibway and Bungee.

Historically, the Métis were the lifeblood of the west. Their ability to communicate in so many languages was incredibly useful in the many occupations of the Métis. The Métis were the voyageurs, the buffalo hunters, boatmen, fisherman, traders, small business owners, lumbermen, farmers, cattlemen and of course, highly regarded interpreters. To this day many Métis people still speak or understand multiple languages.

“The Métis also have a long tradition of adapting aspects of First Nations and European culture to better suit their needs. Language is no exception. The languages most widely used by the Prairie Métis people were Michif-French, Michif-Cree and Bungee. The first language is a dialect of Prairie French; the second is a distinct language like no other in the world. All the nouns and associated grammar are Plains Cree. These are both very unique adaptations of the Métis people. Bungee or Bungi (see M Stobie, 1968; and E. Blain. 1989, 1994), a now extinct language, consisted of Gaelic and Cree mixed with French and Saulteaux.”

Deconstructing Métis Historiography: Giving Voice to the Métis People, L. Dorion, D. R. Préfontaine, in Métis Legacy, Pemmican Publications, 2001

The Michif language which was once common in Métis Communities and is now considered an endangered language as there are fewer that 1000 people who speak it.

Today the Michif language is making a comeback due to the cultural resurgence of the Métis people. Speaking Michif, and Speaking Michif-French, both developed by the Louis Riel Institute provides teachers, interested individuals and families with beginner lessons.

The Little Métis Series has been developed to meet gaps in Métis themed children’s literature. The series will have new books continually added to it, always striving to present Métis children with themselves in books, both historic and contemporary. Many books are created to meet the specific needs of programs or communities.

• It’s Great to be Métis
• What Could You Do in Your Canoe?
• What Will You Be Little One?

Children’s titles containing Michif language:

• Wa-nish-ka / Wake up
• La Jhoornii D’aen Pchi Taan-faan / A Child’s Day
• Lii Pchi Gaar-soon / The Little Boy
• Kay-kwaay Oo-shi-ta-yenn Anoosh? / What are you Doing Today?
• La Pchit Fii / The Little Girl
• Pa-piw / Laughing
• Miit-shook! / Eat up!

This book tells of the life of two school age children who are involved in different expressions of their Métis culture. It shows how contemporary Métis culture reminds us of the past and makes a new history for tomorrow.

Written by Louise Gordey

Illustrated by Sheldon Dawson

French Translation provided by Carole Freynet-Gagne

Price $2.95

24 pages – paperback

Suggested Grades: Pre-school to Grade 4

English and French Available

ISBN # 978-0-9865369-9-1 (English)

# 978-0-9881036-0-3 (French)

This book combines open ended questions and colourful illustrations in a pre-school rhyme book that will ignite the imagination of all readers. This book is a great discussion starter, with lots of answers to be found right in the illustrations. A fascinating introduction to the Métis culture for little ones.

Written by Louise Gordey

Illustrated by Sheldon Dawson

Price: $9.95

26 pages – paperback – full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school and up

ISBN # 978-0-9865369-0-8

What Will You Be Little One?

Using rhyme and repetition, this book introduces preschool children to a world of careers ranging from traditional Métis livelihoods to contemporary opportunities. Created for use with the “Little Métis Sing With Me” program, it would also be a wonderful addition to any daycare, preschool or Kindergarten classroom.

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Price: $2.00

22 pages – full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9865369-6-0

Little Métis Michif Series

These books were developed to fill gaps in Métis specific literature for young children. Using rhyme, repetition and other predictable storytelling methods, children are introduced to historical and contemporary Métis children doing the things that all children do. These books include Michif and introduce children and their families to this unique Métis language.

This Michif/English language book takes children through the day from waking up to bedtime. (16 pages – full colour)

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Michif translation provided by: Norman Fleury

Price: $2.00

16 pages – full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-1-927531-00-6

This Michif/English language book uses rhyming to comfort children as they go through their daily routines.

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Michif translation provided by: Norman Fleury

Price: $2.00

20 pages – full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9865369-8-4

This Michif/English language book shows little boys playing during the day. The book is sung to the tune of Frère Jacques.

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Michif translation provided by: Norman Fleury

Price: $2.00

20 pages – full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9881036-9-6

This Michif/English language book explores teaching the Michif language through everyday activities.

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Michif translation provided by: Norman Fleury

Price: $2.00

19 pages – full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9865369-7-7

This Michif/English mini-book showcases a little girl helping her parents around the house with different household chores. The book is sung to the tune of Frère Jacques.

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Michif translation provided by: Norman Fleury

Price: $1.00

8 mini pages (cut & fold book) full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9881036-1-0

This Michif/English mini-book shows families and children laughing while playing and interacting.

Written by: Louise Gordey

Photos by: Clara Kusomoto

Michif translation provided by: Norman Fleury

Price: $1.00

8 mini pages (cut and fold book) full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school – Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9881036-2-7

This Michif/English language book takes children through the steps needed to eat a healthy nutritious lunch.

Written by Louise Gordey

Photos by Clara Kusumoto

Michif translation provided by Norman Fleury

Price: $1.00

8 mini pages (cut & fold book) full colour

Suggested Grades: Pre-school to Grade 3

ISBN # 978-0-9881036-3-4

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• Métis Veterans of Manitoba: From Buffalo to Battlefields
• The Battle of Seven Oaks: A Métis Perspective
• The Boundary Commission’s Métis Scouts: The 49th Rangers
• Women of the Métis Nation
• Métis Firsts in North America
• Veterans and Families of the 1885 Northwest Resistance
• The Métis – Memorable Events and Memorable Personalities
• Louis Hébert and Marie Rollet – Canada’s Premier Pioneers

Métis Veterans of Manitoba: From Buffalo to Battlefields

When World War One was declared, volunteers from all areas of the Métis nation came forward to join the Canadian Army. They had to forget the inhumane treatment which other Canadian soldiers had recently inflicted on their fathers and mothers during the dark days of 1870 and 1885. They set aside these sad stories and feelings to fight a common enemy. Germany was waging war against France, a country that many Métis felt a bond with as many of their ancestors had come from there. They were as anxious to visit France as a child would be to visit a grandparent.

Written by: A. Brian Cyr CD

Price: $29.95

210 pages – paperback

Suggested grades: High School – University (or as a teacher’s resource)

ISBN # 978-0-9809912-2-2 (Volume 1)

The Battle of Seven Oaks: A Métis Perspective

The Battle of Seven Oaks was a culmination of the Pemmican Wars and the escalating fur trade disputes between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. Most of Governor Semple’s men who were killed in this confrontation were part of an Irish paramilitary force hired by Selkirk to cut off the North West Company’s trade. Most accounts of this encounter are one-sided and do not list the men from both sides who were involved in this battle. This monograph will correct these omissions. The widely held beliefs that the battle was against the Selkirk Settlers and that Cuthbert Grant attacked Governor Semple are shown to be false.

Written by: Lawrence J. Barkwell

Price: $9.95

40 pages – paperback

Suggested Grades: High School to University (or as a teacher’s resource)

ISBN # 978-0-9809912-9-1

The Boundary Commission’s Métis Scouts: The 49th Rangers

In 1872, the formal survey of the border between Canada and the United States began. The Commission surveyed from the Northwest Angle of the Lake of the Woods to the Red River over the winter of 1872-73. They used Métis guides and Chippewa men to assist them with this task.

During 1873 and 1874, the Boundary Commission surveyed from Pembina to the Rocky Mountains. The British Commission employed William Hallett and 30 armed Métis guides and scouts, the subject of this monograph.

Written by: Larry Haag and Lawrence J. Barkwell

Price: $9.95

56 pages – paperback

Suggested grades: High School to University (or as a teacher’s resource)

ISBN # 978-0-9809912-4-6

Women of the Métis Nation

This book is intended to give the reader an overview of Métis history through the biographies of a very diverse cross section of North America’s Métis women. We attempt to correct the oversight of previous historical treatments which have failed to document the lives of Métis women.

Métis women were integral to all endeavours. Métis women played important roles in commercial and domestic production and in the political life of what was to become the Canadian and American Northwest. Métis women were the clothing designers, doctors, pharmacists, midwives, peacekeepers, teachers, artists and agriculturalists. Métis women were the children’s teachers and keepers of the Métis languages.

Within this volume, well-known Métis personalities (such as writers Louise Erdrich and Maria Campbell) as well as the unsung heroes of Métis communities and families are documented.

Written through the contributions of various authors. Edited by: Lawrence J. Barkwell

Price: $24.95

188 pages – paperback

Suggested Grades: High school to university (or as a teacher’s resource)

ISBN # 978-0-9809912-5-3

Métis Firsts in North America: Many Little Known Facts About the Métis

Métis contributions to North American life and history. Many other entries relate interesting Métis trivia.

Compiled by: Lawrence J. Barkwell

Price: $5.95

76 pages – paperback

ISBN # 978-0-9865369-5-3

Veterans and Families of the 1885 Northwest Resistance

One hundred and twenty-six years ago, approximately 250 Métis men took up arms to fight for their rights against an oppressive political regime. In this timely monograph, Lawrence J. Barkwell documents the Métis resistance in 1885 and the South Branch Métis Settlement’s military and political structures. Besides methodically listing all the Métis participants in the 1885 Resistance, this useful genealogical resource also documents the Métis heroines of Batoche as well as the First Nations and Euro-Canadians who rallied to the Métis cause. Perhaps most importantly, this monograph provides a tangible link between contemporary Métis community people and their ancestors who desperately fought to preserve their way of life so long ago.

Written by: Lawrence J. Barkwell

Published by: Gabriel Dumont Institute

Price: $25.00

301 pages

Suggested grades: High School – University (or as a teacher’s resource)

Paperback

ISBN # 978-1-926795-03-4

The Métis – Memorable Events and Memorable Personalities

This book provides an insightful picture into the history, heritage and culture of the Métis people. It brings to life many of their fabulous feats and magnetic personalities. It is a book written by a Métis to provide an accurate well-researched account of who the Métis people are, some of the memorable events and some of the memorable personalities in their unique history.

Written by: George and Terry Goulet

Published by: Fabjob Inc.

Price: $19.95

336 pages

Suggested grades: High School – University (or as a teacher’s resource)

Paperback

ISBN # 13: 978-1-894638-98-2

Louis Hébert and Marie Rollet – Canada’s Premier Pioneers

Louis Hébert made his first visit to Acadia in the early 1600s. After initial attempts to settle in Acadia were thwarted, Louis and his family immigrated to Quebec in 1617, thereby becoming the first permanent colonial family to settle in Canada. These intrepid pioneers blazed a path for the millions of newcomers who would follow their example by immigrating to Canada in order to find a better life.

Written by: George and Terry Goulet

Published by: Fabjob Inc.

Price: $19.95

192 pages

Suggested grades: High School – University (or as a teacher’s resource)

Paperback

ISBN # 978-1-897286-15-9

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The following books were created by the Louis Riel Institute for use in teaching school aged children about Métis history. All titles are available in French and English.

Titles:

• Louis Riel
• Louis Riel and the Resistance of 1885
• The Buffalo Hunters
• Cuthbert Grant and the Battle of Seven Oaks
• The Métis Nation
• Times of Trouble
• The Life of Big James McKay
• The Upper Fort

This book explores the life of Louis Riel and the events leading up to the Resistance of 1869.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson

Price: $5.95

36 pages – paperback

Suggested Grades: 4-6

ISBN#

• 978-0-9809912-0-8 English version
• 978-0-9809912-7-7 French version

This book is a companion volume to “Louis Riel” – it examines the powder keg that was the Canadian Northwest in 1885.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson

Price: $5.95

48 pages – paperback

Suggested grades: 6

ISBN#

• 978-0-9809912-3-9 English version
• 978-0-9809912-8-4 French version

The days of the buffalo hunts come alive in this book which also explains how the hunts helped shape Canada.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson

Price: $7.95

36 pages – paperback

Suggested Grades: 4

ISBN#

• 978-0-9809912-1-5 English version
• 978-0-9809912-6-0 French version

The origins of the Métis in the Canadian West inform this enlightening history.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson – Full Colour

Price: $9.95

36 pages – paperback

ISBN#

• 978-1-896150-56-7 English version
• 978-0-9881036-8-9 French version

Taken from the memoirs of Isabelle Branconnier, this story captures Canadian history in the latter 1800s through the eyes of a young woman. Events Isabelle experienced include the 1869-70 and 1885 Métis Resistances.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson

Price: $7.95

40 pages – paperback

Suggested Grade: 6

ISBN #

• 978-0-9865369-3-9 English Version
• 978-0-9881036-7-2 French Version

This book explores the life of James McKay, a member of the Manitoba Legislative Council. James McKay was in many ways larger than life. From wrestling grizzly bears to riding buffalo, a look at the life of this Métis adventurer brings life in the Red River Settlement in the 1800s into focus.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson

Price: $7.95

44 pages – paperback

ISBN#

• 978-0-9881036-6-5 English version
• 978-1-927531-01-3 French version

The birthplace of Winnipeg and the doorway to the West, Upper Fort Garry served not only the settlement which surrounded it but was the back drop to the creation of the Canada we know today. Throughout the mid-to-late 19th century, Upper Fort Garry was the home of the administration of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Written by: Jean LaPrairie

Illustrated by: Sheldon Dawson

Price: $7.95

44 pages – paperback

ISBN#

• 978-0-9881036-5-8 English version
• 978-0-9881036-4-1 French version

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Our Métis Educational Resource Kit comes chock full of resources for all grades! Includes picture books, educational books and history texts. Academic articles are included in the Teacher’s Guide along with artifact photos and information. Help your students understand the fur trade with samples of real furs, sinew, deer hide and Hudson’s Bay blanket. Each kit also includes iconic Métis symbols such as a sash and the Métis flag. Above all, the Métis Educational Resource Kit is a way to complement the curricular needs of your students to learn about the Métis and have your Métis students see themselves in your resources.

The full kit currently consists of the following:

• Complete 16 book set of Louis Riel Institute’s “Illustrated Métis History Series” in French and English (see “Resource” tab for list of titles)
• Variety of picture books and non-fiction texts for all ages about Métis culture (new titles added recently)
• Pictures of modes of travel, homes, artwork, Métis people, etc.
• Samples of pelts/deer hide/sinew
• Métis sash
• Métis flag
• Sample of Hudson’s Bay blanket
• Speaking Michif Language Lessons (DVD& Guide)
• Teacher’s Guide
• Poster featuring information on Louis Riel (French / English)

Mini kit: $140.00 each (plus shipping if required)

The mini kit currently consists of the following:

• Complete 16 book set of Louis Riel Institute’s “Illustrated Métis History Series” in French and English (see “Resource” tab for list of titles)
• Pictures of modes of travel, homes, artwork, Métis people, etc.
• Speaking Michif Language Lessons (DVD & guide) 
• Teacher’s Guide
• Poster featuring information on Louis Riel (French / English)

Orders can be placed by emailing lri@mmf.mb.ca or calling our office at 1-204-984-9480.

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Resource Catalogue

For a printable version of our catalogue, please click this link

Read more…

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In honor of the late Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, it seemed only fitting to name this program after such a man whom, at his very heart, desired to see young people discover and experience who they are as individuals and the potential they possess.

All children are welcome. The Oscar Lathlin Summer Camp at Fort Whyte is a world class facility that allows young Métis constituents to participate in Métis historical events. Applicants may register at the LRI in early June of each year. Students can register for a free one week block according to their age group. They are transported daily from the LRI to Fort Whyte and will be brought back to LRI to be picked up by parents/caregivers at days end.

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Small groups are taught the basics of beading by one of our most talented beaders.  Each participant will create their own small project – such as the medicine bag featured.

Workshops are eight hours long.  The instruction hours can be split up into suitable time periods depending on the instructor’s schedule and the site schedule.

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