Misc. Musings
During the 1900's trapping, hunting and transporting of merchandise was done almost exclusively by the Metis people with their carts which came to be known as the Red River Carts. In those days it was a common way of life, there were no questions of a persons future like there is today. There were no schools and the priests were busy converting souls as were many other religions as well. Education was not a concern. Some churches began to teach school but it was only for a few short years. After this time was over there were no other means of getting an education. The men of the times became trappers, hunters, pilots on the rivers and interpreters. Most worked for the North West Fur Company or the Hudson's bay Company. Some of my great grandfathers served for the fur companies.
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Before the churches or teachers came the Metis mostly adopted the Indian beliefs and the white forefathers did not influence them as they all joined the Indian ways. The missionaries arrived to teach the Metis and the Indian the ways of religion without taking away the right of the people to worship in their own way as well. This slowly changed as the a la Facons du Pays was becoming extinct as the church did the vows of marriages. A reverence of the Indian ways is evidence to the flexibility and acceptance of the new ways.
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In the Metis families of yesteryear the mothers and grandmothers passed all of their cultures onto their children. The Whitman's influence was significant and also played a role in the emergent way of life. This accounts in part and fact that the Metis life style closely followed the Indian customs.
The Metis, equipped for survival and having the mechanism to survive in both cultures, could hunt, trap, and live off the land as their fathers and grandfathers had done. Their greatest asset was the teachings from the women of this time. They also took advantage of the white man's ways with education and technology, and still maintained the traditional relationship with the Indians. They succeeded in building creatively to sustain their unique way of life.
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As mixed blood families it was a struggle to maintain an identity. This was a mixture of two different cultures and it was difficult for the Metis. The women made major bonds to create the culture, far beyond keeping house and raising children while still dealing with the problems of inside and outside the home as well as keeping the family unit strong. These women provided substance and strength; the symbols of the Metis families. A significant contribution was made by these women to sustain the institution of the Metis culture.
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The Metis were not experienced of the impact that the white man's change would make to the Indians. The change for both these cultures of modern technology and influences of southern lifestyles had a serious impact. This worked to advantage for this reason; they were able to cope, accept and adapt to a readily rampant change. This cushioned social mishaps and negative aspects to a large degree; this allowed them to go along with the changes brought about to their culture.
It was common of the north prior to the development for the Metis to be working for trading companies, churches, and for themselves. Some communities stayed together year round. The Metis men could work in the bush, trap and hunt, leaving the area only to sell their merchandise. They then could stay home for the summer as it was very difficult moving on the marshy ground. They would then return at freeze-up and begin anew. This summer rest would have everyone is good sorts as most all debts would be paid up. These cultures could only survive by having credit with trading posts or with someone else who would help in hard times. Such was the ways to live in the "North Country", helping one another. An amazing culture it is.
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This was written for all the children who died too young and for my own daughter who also died too young
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A CHILD DIED
We miss you from our home
We miss you not in your place
We miss the sunshine of your face
We miss your kind and helping hand
We miss the fond and dearest care
We miss you everywhere
Our home is dark without you
We miss you
.Marcel
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