Beaded map from a 1970’s book featuring various Canadian tourist stops at that time. Batoche is an historical site that used to house 500 Métis residents. It was depopulated after its residents fought in 1885 for cultural rights; to continue to live according to their unique identity and way of life. Now Métis people gather there each summer for a cultural festival called “Back to Batoche”. I added the beaded flower pattern from the top right corner of the map, to the bottom left. This symbolizes the movement over time of certain Métis families as they journeyed from Eastern Canada to Western Canada, and the return of Métis people to this site each year to celebrate their culture. Flower beadwork is an expression of a worldview that values connection to nature as nature provides all that is needed to live a good life. Métis were historically called “The Flower Beadwork People” by other indigenous groups. This beaded vintage map is mounted on painted deer hide (parfleche), that was processed by the artist according to teachings from her elders.
Beaded map from a 1970’s book featuring various Canadian tourist stops at that time. Batoche is an historical site that used to house 500 Métis residents. It was depopulated after its residents fought in 1885 for cultural rights; to continue to live according to their unique identity and way of life. Now Métis people gather there each summer for a cultural festival called “Back to Batoche”. I added the beaded flower pattern from the top right corner of the map, to the bottom left. This symbolizes the movement over time of certain Métis families as they journeyed from Eastern Canada to Western Canada, and the return of Métis people to this site each year to celebrate their culture. Flower beadwork is an expression of a worldview that values connection to nature as nature provides all that is needed to live a good life. Métis were historically called “The Flower Beadwork People” by other indigenous groups. This beaded vintage map is mounted on painted deer hide (parfleche), that was processed by the artist according to teachings from her elders.
