20.12M: A SHORT STORY COLLECTION OF A LIFE LIVED AS A ROAD ALLOWANCE MÉTIS
$20.00
Unit price per20.12M: A SHORT STORY COLLECTION OF A LIFE LIVED AS A ROAD ALLOWANCE MÉTIS
$20.00
Unit price per20.12m: A Short Story Collection of a Life Lived as a Road Allowance Métis celebrates and acknowledges the humble living conditions of Métis Road Allowance families and it exemplifies their grit and tenacity to survive and indeed succeed in the face of so many hardships. “20.12m” refers to the narrow width of many of the road allowances throughout the prairies. This unoccupied crown land became one of the meagre options for many impoverished Métis families as so few owned land.
In this passionate coming of age book, Arnolda Dufour Bowes honours the true-life experiences of her father, Arnold Charles Dufour, a resident of the Punnichy, Saskatchewan Road Allowance community. The strength of the oral tradition has kept these stories solidly in place in Arnolda’s memory. Weaving true elements with those drawn from her own creativity, these five engaging stories share a lived experience that is little-known to most Canadians. This collection of cherished remembrances of this Métis family will also strongly resonate with many other Métis families who lived similar lives. In keeping with the family focus, Arnolda’s sister, Andrea Haughian, skillfully complements these poignant stories with expressive illustrations, which both honour and richly portray road allowance life.
ISBN: 978-1-926795-99-7
Author: Arnolda Dufour Bowes
Illustrator: Andrea Haughian
Grade Level: Secondary/Post Secondary/Adult
Hiding In Plain Sight Print by Adele Arseneau (9x12)
AArseneau 9x12 Limited Edition Print.
Medium: Beadwork on watercolour paper, watercolour and acrylic painting
Hiding in Plain Sight, is an example of re-imagining bridging tradition and innovation. Drawing from both my Cree and Metis heritages and the transformative power of neurographic art, it is my hope to define the world –and ourselves – through a lens of curiousity and possibility.
This work began with a serendipitous encounter: a Pacific Tree frog I encountered on the door frame to my new home. It’s vivid colours and delicate form inspired me to create a visual meditation on hidden beauty and resilience. Using Neurographica, a method rooted in psychology and visual thinking, I beaded the frog’s representation on a watercolour painting, then mounted it on an acrylic painted cradled panel, creating a dialogue between traditional beadwork and contemporary modern art. This fusion, reflects the interconnectedness of culture, nature, and healing, themes central to my practice.
Winter Flowers Custom Blanket by Adele Arseneau
A limited edition 9x12 giclee print- Here the relationship between mischief and medicine is explored—two energies seeming to stand apart, yet often traveling together. This piece reflects my understanding that life requires us to hold both at once: playful and serious, disruptive and healing. Fox appears here as a central figure. In many stories, Fox is clever, unpredictable, and spirited. But Fox Woman, is more than a trickster—she is a helper, a guide, someone who shows up when needed, though not always in the ways we expect. That duality is
important to me. It reminds me that not all medicine comes gently. Sometimes it arrives through challenge, humour, or disruption. Medicine is not just about healing the body—it’s about how we move through the world with intention, how we engage with
what’s around us. Medicine can restore, uplift, or teach. But it also has the power to harm if handled carelessly or with negative intent. That’s the balance represented in this work: how we carry and respond to both energies in our lives. What do we choose to focus on? Where do we place our attention, and how do our perceptions shape the meaning of what we
experience? We don’t always control what happens, we are participants—we decide how to carry it. Mischief and Medicine is about that tension. It’s about recognizing that every moment holds potential for both harm and healing, and that balance lives in the choices we make.
Edited by Laura Forsythe, Michif, and Jennifer Markides, a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
When surveying the field of Indigenous studies, Laura Forsythe and Jennifer Markides recognized a critical need for not only a Métis-focused volume, but one focused on the contributions of Métis women. To address this need, they brought together work by new and established scholars, artists, storytellers, and community leaders that reflects the diversity of research created by Métis women as it is lived, considered, conceptualized, and re-imagined.
With writing by Maria Campbell, Emma LaRocque, and other pioneers of Métis studies, Around the Kitchen Table looks beyond the patriarchy to document and celebrate the scholarship of Métis women. Focusing on experiences in post-secondary environments, Around the Kitchen Table necessarily traverses a range of methodologies. Spanning disciplines of social work, education, history, health care, urban studies, sociology, archaeology, and governance, contributors bring their own stories to explorations of spirituality, material culture, colonialism, land-based education, sexuality, language, and representation. The result is an expansive, heartfelt, and accessible “community of Métis thought” as articulated by Markides in her introduction to the volume.
Reverent and revelatory, this collection centres the strong aunties and grandmothers who have shaped Métis communities, culture, and identities with teachings shared in classrooms, auditoriums, and around the kitchen table. This book contains 10 illustrations.
asowacikanisa: A Guide to Small Métis Bags is a continuation in the series of “how to” books on Métis material culture. This resource will guide you in the step-by-step process on how to create two different bags, a tobacco pouch and a sash bag, which were traditional utilitarian items used by the Metis. These bags are used today to carry traditional medicines and other treasured items. Complete with historical information, easy to follow instructions, detailed photos and accompanying DVD, this resource provides everything you need to know to make your own traditional bags. (Materials not included).
In 1885, Batoche is a dangerous place to be! The discovery of a magic pocket watch at the Batoche National Historical Site hurls Max, Kaeleigh and Liam back in time to the eve of the greatest battle fought in the North West: the Battle of Batoche!
The North West Field Force sent by Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald is about to attack the Métis of the small village. Soldiers march and the bell of Batoche rings out in warning as the three time-travelling siblings, together with their new friend Isidore, find a way to help Gabriel Dumont and Louis Riel lead their people during the North West Resistance. It's an adventure like nothing they could have imagined, full of danger, intrigue and mystery!
ISBN: 978-0920915-76-9
Authors: Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton
Illustrator: Sherry Farrell Racette
Translator: Norman Fleury
Format: Book/CD, English/Michif-Cree
Awards: Nominated—2007 Regina Book Award, Children’s Literature Award, and First Book Award,
Saskatchewan Book Awards
Nominated—2007 Children’s Book of the Year, Ânskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival
Nominated—2009 Shining Willow Award, The Willow Awards
Grade Level: Primary
Fiddle Dancer tells the tale of a young Métis boy, Nolin, and his growing awareness of his Métis heritage and identity while his “Mooshoom” or grandfather, teaches hime to dance. Authors Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton masterfully weave a childhood story rich in Métis culture and language. This delightful story captures the importance of Elders as role models, a child’s apprehension at learning new things, and the special bond between grandparents and children. Sherry Farrell Racette provides many beautiful illustrations for the book.
Fingerweaving Untangled: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide Including Detailed Patterns and Common Mistakes
$24.95
Unit price perFingerweaving Untangled: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide Including Detailed Patterns and Common Mistakes
$24.95
Unit price perAn Illustrated Beginner’s Guide Including Detailed Patterns and Common Mistakes
Carol James presents a 64-page, full-colour guide to fingerweaving. The book includes beginners’ and advanced methods that are fully illustrated with drawings, sketches, and photos. There is also a section on mistakes—how to prevent them and how to fix them. However, the maker may consider that while “a skilled weaver identifies errors quickly and corrects them. A creative weaver sees the potential, repeats the ‘mistake’ several times, and calls it a design element (p. 7).” To complement the guide, there are reproductions of historical sashes from different collections, including that of St Boniface Museum and of the Manitoba Museum. The book is divided in three main sections: Getting Started; Tips, Tricks and Troubles; and Traditional Patterns. In the last section, the author shares instructions for traditional patterns, including the Arrowhead, the Assomption, and the Acadian. In the last few pages, graph patterns are offered as well as a glossary.
ISBN: 978-0-9784695-0-4
Author: Carol James
Illustrators: Carol James and Janet Lafrance
Grade Level: Secondary/Post Secondary/Adult
Leah Marie Dorion Ribbon Skirt Kit by Found Feather Creations
About the Fabric Designer: Leah Marie Dorion is an interdisciplinary Métis artist raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Leah is a teacher, painter, filmmaker, and published writer, who holds three degrees: a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts. She views her Metis heritage as giving her a unique bridge of knowledge between all people.
Leah has numerous creative projects to her credit. They include gallery showings of her paintings, children’s books, academic papers written for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal Peoples, and documentaries that showcase Metis culture and history.
Leah’s paintings honor the spiritual strength of Aboriginal women and the sacred feminine. She believes that women are the first teachers to the next generation, and they hold a key role in the passing of vital knowledge onto all of humanity. This ideal is heavily reflected in her artistry.
Tutorial Video: Ribbon Skirt Tutorial — Galt Museum & Archives
Kit Contents
2M 100% cotton fabric
10M double sided satin ribbon
1M elastic
1 thread spool
1 glue stick
*Fabric width 44”
Roxanne Shuttleworth Ribbon Skirt Kit by Found Feather Creations
About the Fabric Designer: Roxanne Shuttleworth is a Métis woman (of Saulteaux/Cree/Dakota/British/Scottish/French descent) from Ebb & Flow First Nation.
A single mother of two, Roxanne’s greatest joy comes from her two grandsons Aiden and Calvin. Roxanne learned the thread arts from her mother, grandmothers, and maternal aunties. At six years old she learned to crochet, then added beading, knitting, cross stitch and embroidery. Sewing since she was 9 years old, it was the frustration of not finding any fabrics that represented her, and her people that led her to search for ways to design her own fabric.
Tutorial Video: Ribbon Skirt Tutorial — Galt Museum & Archives
CONTENTS
2M 100% cotton fabric
10M double sided satin ribbon
1M elastic
1 thread spool
1 glue stick
*Fabric width 58”
Shannon Gustafson Ribbon Skirt Kit by Found Feather Creations
About the fabric Designer: Shannon Gustafson (Ojibwe) is a member of Whitesand First Nation and a long-term resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario, She works as a full time artist and has experience in various artistic mediums such as beadwork, textiles, traditional clothing/regalia, woodworking and painting. She is well known for her floral beadwork which is inspired by the ancestors of her tribe. As an indigenous artist she is committed to cultural preservation through continual learning and sharing her gifts.
Tutorial Video: Ribbon Skirt Tutorial — Galt Museum & Archives
Kit Contents
2M 100% cotton fabric
10M double sided satin ribbon
1M elastic
1 thread spool
1 glue stick
*Fabric width 44”
Tracey Metallic Ribbon Skirt Kit by Found Feather Creations
About the Fabric Designer: Tracey Metallic is a Mi’gmaq artist born and raised on the shores of the Restigouche River. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from St. Thomas University and a Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University.
She lives in the community of Listuguj, in the territory of Gespe’gewagi and is a founding member of Pugwalesg, a Mi’gmaq women’s hand drum group.
Her painting career was launched as a therapeutic outlet, painting cartoon characters for her grandchildren. After sharing her work on social media Tracey began receiving requests for abstract paintings.
Tutorial Video: Ribbon Skirt Tutorial — Galt Museum & Archives
KIT CONTENTS
2M 100% cotton fabric
10M double sided satin ribbon
1M elastic
1 thread spool
1 glue stick
*Fabric width 44”
FABRIC ARTIST BIO: Cree Nisga’a Clothing
Cree Nisga'a Clothing is a fashion business that blends First Nations traditions with modern design, specializing in fabric, custom-made boots, moccasins, and other footwear. Mother, father, and son create ‘wearable art, and the business, run by Linda Lavallee and Patrick Stewart, is based on the Tzeachten First Nation in Chilliwack, B.C. They create unique pieces, often featuring Nisga'a or Cree designs.
Tutorial Video: Ribbon Skirt Tutorial — Galt Museum & Archives
KIT CONTENTS
2M 100% cotton fabric
10M double sided satin ribbon
1M no fold elastic
1 thread spool
1 glue stick
*Fabric width 58”
In the ballroom of a seaside villa, the party is just getting started.
A Greg McGillis 12x15.5 inch acrylic face mounted print with floating hanging apparatus. Using ink and watercolour for his paintings with a dot push stroke for unique textures and style. The hanging hardware gives the piece the appearance of floating, as it suspends the painting 22mm off the wall. A reusable self-adhesive wall mount is included.
Acrylic face mount fine art print
The acrylic face mount process begins, when a high resolution fine art
print is adhered to an artist quality, acrylic sheet. This introduces a 3D
effect to the print. The edges are then beveled and polished to bring it
to a glass like state. An aluminum backing is applied and you have a
durable, weatherproof, piece of art.
This flamboyant fellow jumped off the page. It was the spirit of Cosmo Kramer smiling back at me.
A Greg McGillis 12x15.5 inch acrylic face mounted print with floating hanging apparatus. Using ink and watercolour for his paintings with a dot push stroke for unique textures and style. The hanging hardware gives the piece the appearance of floating, as it suspends the painting 22mm off the wall. A reusable self-adhesive wall mount is included
Acrylic face mount fine art print
The acrylic face mount process begins, when a high resolution fine art
print is adhered to an artist quality, acrylic sheet. This introduces a 3D
effect to the print. The edges are then beveled and polished to bring it
to a glass like state. An aluminum backing is applied and you have a
durable, weatherproof, piece of art.
The Slinky family's vacation selfie, luggage and all.
A Greg McGillis 12x15.5 inch acrylic face mounted print with floating hanging apparatus. Using ink and watercolour for his paintings with a dot push stroke for unique textures and style.
The hanging hardware gives the piece the appearance of floating, as it suspends the painting 22mm off the wall. A reusable self-adhesive wall mount is included.
Acrylic face mount fine art print
The acrylic face mount process begins, when a high resolution fine art
print is adhered to an artist quality, acrylic sheet. This introduces a 3D
effect to the print. The edges are then beveled and polished to bring it
to a glass like state. An aluminum backing is applied and you have a
durable, weatherproof, piece of art.
The interdimensional Queen of Hearts welcomes you to her island paradise.
A Greg Mcgillis12x15.5 inch acrylic face mounted print with floating hanging apparatus. Using ink and watercolour for his paintings with a dot push stroke for unique textures and style. The hanging hardware gives the piece the appearance of floating, as it suspends the painting 22mm off the wall. A reusable self-adhesive wall mount is included.
Acrylic face mount fine art print
The acrylic face mount process begins, when a high resolution fine art
print is adhered to an artist quality, acrylic sheet. This introduces a 3D
effect to the print. The edges are then beveled and polished to bring it
to a glass like state. An aluminum backing is applied and you have a
durable, weatherproof, piece of art.
Gerry St. Germain's story begins in "Petit Canada" on the shores of the Assiniboine, growing up with his two younger sisters, his mother and his father--a shy Metis trapper and construction worker who sometimes struggled to put food on the table. St. Germain was initially troubled in school, scrapping with classmates and often skipping out to shoot pool, but an aunt and uncle with some extra cash paid his tuition to Catholic school, where a nun recognized his aptitude for math and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. He would go on to become an air force pilot, undercover policeman and West Coast chicken farmer. Business gave way to politics, and in 1988 he became one of a tiny number of Aboriginal Canadians named to a federal cabinet. That milestone was just one of many for a man who played a critical role in Canada's Conservative movement for a generation.
From the Brian Mulroney era to the roller-coaster leadership of Kim Campbell, then to the collapse of the Progressive Conservative party in 1993 and the subsequent rebuilding of the movement under Stephen Harper, St. Germain remained a trusted confidant of prime ministers and a crucial and often daring behind-the-scenes broker in bringing warring factions together. But he is most proud of his efforts during his later years in the Senate, when he was a quiet hero to Canada's Aboriginal community. He spearheaded major Senate reports on key issues like land claims and on-reserve education during the Harper era, when there were few friendly faces for First Nations leaders on Parliament Hill. That role reflected St. Germain's profound determination to help people who are still dealing today the brutal legacy of residential schools and the paternalistic Indian Act. Memories of his humble beginnings, and the shame he once felt over his Metis heritage, bubbled to the surface in his final address to Canada's Parliament in 2012, when he said in a voice quaking with emotion: "I am a Metis."
*PLEASE NOTE: BOOKS ARE NOW PRINTED WITH SOFT COVER*
We are thrilled to share with you the completion of Métis Nation British Columbia’s book “Kaa-wiichitoyaahk: We Take Care of Each Other” a cultural wellness guide that explores the rich history and unique identity of Métis people in British Columbia.
This book is the first of its kind in British Columbia, likely all of Canada, and was developed through engagement with Métis Elders and Youth across the province in 2019. We are thankful for the generous contribution of Provincial Health Services Authority and the Province's Ministry of Mental Health Addictions.
The title, Kaa-wiichitoyaahk, means we take care of each other in Michif and is an important cultural Métis teaching. It is our hope that this book will not only teach non-Métis Canadians about the rich history and culture of the Métis but also help connect Métis individuals to their cultural and community.
Kristi Bridgeman and Lisa Shepherd
This map shows the trade routes and historical landing places of Métis people in BC, indicated by “mousetracks” and flower beadwork. Each flower is numbered and the legend tells the name of the relating fort or landing place of significant Métis interest. The four directions are indicated in the Michif language. The land geography and its relationship to Métis people, kinship ties and the birth of British Columbia are described, making it an excellent learning tool for the home, office or classroom. To read about this artist collaboration, see this web page.
Mixed media: glass beads, porcupine quills, sepia ink, watercolour, stroud.
*ART MAP (POSTER): 22"x30". Printed locally, 100% recycled FSC-certified paper.
Authentic Kristi Bridgeman Hand Painted Ornament
2” Hand painted Métis Rose glass ornaments with box and tissue. Black ornament with hand painted flower. Designs may vary.
Authentic Kristi Bridgeman Hand Painted Ornament
2” Hand painted Métis Rose glass ornaments with box and tissue. Red ornament with hand painted rose. Designs may vary.
Hand-made, this lanyard's design is based off of Louis Riel's 1860 Coventry sash currently exhibited in the Saint-Boniface Museum. Perfect as a keychain or for nametags.
19 ″ length (Without ring)
50cm length (Without ring)
38 ″ circumference.
100cm circumference.
1 ″ ring diameter.
2.5cm ring diameter.
We’re excited to share that Lii fil di nutr istwayr, Threads of our History is now available from MNBC and the Amelia Douglas Institute. This book explores the connection between Métis clothing and identity from the birth of the Métis Nation to today. Clothing and accessories have always been a vital part of Métis culture, inspired by history, shaped by economic and political change, and carried through resistance and displacement. The Métis style of dress blends traditional and contemporary elements, serving as a meaningful expression of identity.
This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history and significance of Métis clothing and accessories.
Slip cast porcelain mug with underglaze image of Louis Riel. This mug was designed and made by local Métis potter, Lindsay Gowler. Available in Small (roughly 10 oz) Medium (12-14oz and Large (14-16 oz).
Cultural Lindsay Gowler 12 oz Handmade Porcelain Louis Riel Mug
Slip cast porcelain mug with underglaze image of Louis Riel. This mug was designed and made by local Métis potter, Lindsay Gowler. Available in Small (roughly 10 oz) Medium (12-14oz and Large (14-16 oz).
Slip cast porcelain mug with underglaze image of Louis Riel. This mug was designed and made by local Métis potter, Lindsay Gowler. Available in Small (roughly 10 oz) Medium (12-14oz and Large (14-16 oz).
Artist: Lisa Berry
Lisa draws on her Métis heritage to bring her unique artistic vision to life. She enjoys inspiring others and celebrating her culture through her artwork. Her illustrations and colouring books are a reflection of her journey of learning, connection and taking pride in who she is, where she comes from and where she is going.
www.floralfeathers.ca.
Design: The five-petal flower represents all Métis children who attended residential schools. The infinity symbol is small, as if it’s hiding and represents holding onto the culture while trying not to forget who you are. The Métis flowers are blooming and encircling the flower and infinity symbol as a representation of the enduring strength of Métis culture and identity.
Design: The five-petal flower represents all Métis children who attended residential schools. The infinity symbol is small, as if it’s hiding and represents holding onto the culture while trying not to forget who you are. The Métis flowers are blooming and encircling the flower and infinity symbol as a representation of the enduring strength of Métis culture and identity.
Artist: Lisa Berry
Lisa draws on her Métis heritage to bring her unique artistic vision to life. She enjoys inspiring others and celebrating her culture through her artwork. Her illustrations and colouring books are a reflection of her journey of learning, connection and taking pride in who she is, where she comes from and where she is going.
www.floralfeathers.ca
Lisa Shepherd Blue Jay at the Crossing Tote
This tote bag is functional and looks great, too. It has inside pockets! To help you organize, there are two open pockets large enough for a wallet and cell phone, as well as a zippered pocket. The lining is 100% cotton sateen with a magnetic brass closure. The brown strap is vegan leather.
Koshkona Toque Large / Extra Large by Lisa Shepherd
Koshkonâ is a Michif word that describes awakening. Our people know who we are and where we come from. Koshkonâ is our celebration. The future is now and we proudly wear our colours. The Koshkonâ beanie is a lightweight toque with bead print shows forget-me-not, kinnikinnik and Métis rose in a pretty plum colour! The outer shell is a spun polyester that is highly pill resistant so it look great over time. The inner liner is a comfortable, soft and sustainable bamboo spandex knit.
Print that won’t ever fade
Easy to care for. Wash it in a washing machine in cold water, or hand wash in cold water. Air dry.
Made in Canada.
Koshkona Toques Small / Medium by Lisa Shepherd
Koshkonâ is a Michif word that describes awakening. Our people know who we are and where we come from. Koshkonâ is our celebration. The future is now and we proudly wear our colours. The Koshkonâ beanie is a lightweight toque with bead print shows forget-me-not, kinnikinnik and Métis rose in a pretty plum colour! The outer shell is a spun polyester that is highly pill resistant so it look great over time. The inner liner is a comfortable, soft and sustainable bamboo spandex knit.
Print that won’t ever fade
Easy to care for. Wash it in a washing machine in cold water, or hand wash in cold water. Air dry.
Made in Canada.
Rendezvous at the Crossing Tote by Lisa Shepherd
You bring the fiddle! Every great rendezvous has a fiddle, and this one dances with Métis flower beadwork. Connecting us across the great diaspora, the fiddle brings us our Michif language as music, in all its dialects of tempo. Across the land and through time, our heart knows the language that the fiddle sings.
This extra big tote bag is functional and looks great, too. It has inside pockets! To help you organize, there are two open pockets large enough for a wallet and cell phone, as well as a zippered pocket. The lining is 100% cotton sateen with a magnetic brass closure.
20” wide, 15” tall and 4” deep
Strawberries at the Crossing Neck Tie by Lisa Shepherd
Strawberries at the Crossing shows heart berries and flowers gracefully wrapping around a Métis infinity vine. The beadwork is printed with a lustrous sheen on this smooth elegant satin tie. Four helpers tend to the plants; dragonfly, bumble bee, grandmother spider and a tiny ladybug.
A note on Appreciation vs. Appropriation. Is it appropriate to wear Métis artwork if you are not Métis? Yes! Provided the work has been created by a Métis person (rather than appropriated for the sake of consumerism), it is absolutely okay. It shows an appreciation for the work, as well as support for the Artist. Supporting Indigenous Artists is one of many ways to be a good ally.