Spirituality

The common misconception is that the Metis practiced only the religion of their fathers (Catholicism or Protestant). The truth is that like the Metis Nation itself, the spiritual mixture is as complex as the people who make up the nation.

From the beginning, the Metis child absorbed the teachings of both father and mother. Those teachings were made up of the Father's religious background and the traditional teachings of the Aboriginal Nation of the Mother. The child learned to live in both the Aboriginal and White worlds encompassing both in their spirituality.

As we see this ability to learn from all of nations they came in contact with added to the future spirituality of the Metis. Today Metis practice all forms of religion, from mainline Christianity to New Age concepts and everything in between. From their Catholicism they have the Patron Saint of Metis People, St. Joseph of Narareth. From their Aboriginal Relatives they encorporate the sweat lodge, medicine wheel, sacred pipe and Long House ceremonies, and many other Aboriginal spiritual beliefs.

Many Metis People, as with other Aboriginal communities, have lost their spiritual connections to the past because of marginalization or poverty and decimation of their communities and their way of life. The healing has begun and the renewal of their spirituality is an exciting journey that many Metis People are taking.

It is very common to encounter a prayer and a smudge at the opening and closing of meetings of Metis People.

Customs

Medicine and plant lore is a common practice in Metis communities, with individuals consulting with the Elders. Many, but far too often not enough, individuals still speak the Metis languages. Elders are highly honoured and respected and are an intrical part of the social and policital life. Young girls are still taught to weave baskets and to braided rugs for their homes. Hand-crafted decorations, flower bead work and clothing are a treasured source of pleasure and self expression today. The practice of celebrating and honouring the Elders in the community still occurs on New Year's Day. Almost all gatherings of Metis People today, whether political or social, will include a feast, fiddle music and dancing.