Hopefully this will end the "Fireworks"

Ok – Métis Mama is on a learning curve with Blogging. When I set up the post the other day about the “Cultural Genocide” I was not referring to the Métis Nation. I was sent a post that was copied from another Blogger that I do not know. I was not impressed and I did not post it – It was more then disgusting, racist and defamatory to First Nations people. Now I know that everyone has an ability to express their personal opinion but in my opinion racial profiling of any group of people is just wrong. The cultural genocide/assimilation that I was inferring to is more the genocide of the First Nation people. For anyone that does not believe it existed read the history about the Beothuk people of the east coast when the Vikings arrived. Or refresh your history around the documented stories in relation to the alleged germ warfare that Lord Jeffery Amherst allegedly perpetuated during the Seven Year War in the mid 1700’s when he took Canada from the French from the British.

I am humored though – now we have gone from sharing views about a Métis Land Claim Case to somehow being identified by Frank Goden as a non working, non functional race of people seeking government handouts. I do understand that we are a part of our experiences and I do not know Frank’s experience – but I do know this – I frankly (no pun intended) do not have the experience of my community looking for handouts. I believe I have expressed in the past the great pride that so many in our community have that government hand outs were not my experience. In fact, I do not believe that I have ever presented us as a disadvantaged victim group of people. In spite of our history – we are strong, vibrant and working to right the wrongs of our community by setting an example of contributing citizens of our nation.

As for ‘Cultural Assimilation’ - I do not need to assimilate or support its’ existence neither – I much prefer ‘Cultural Pluralism’. Cultural Pluralism is what Louis Riel wrote about and it values all the members of society including the uniqueness of everyone’s cultural identity. In a pluralistic culture no one has to alter their identity to co exist. The last issue that I wish to address is the marginalizing of our culture by trying to define it through a fiddle, jig and sash. Anthropological definition of culture is the sum total of ways of living built by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another. Our culture developed through our shared history and experiences. It is what our forefathers passed down through us that assisted us in being the defenders of our rights, that we continue even today. We were an egalitarian society that have always demonstrated their strong connection to community and family. The term ‘Otipemisiwak’ the people that own themselves was another component of the sense of independence that was passed down through the generations. Our culture is a result of our combined ancestor’s cultures and was modified because of the experiences that are grandmothers and grandfathers experienced because of the lifestyles of the voyageurs, buffalo hunters and rebellions. Even the Supreme Court of Canada has supported these views in the Powley decision and the Manitoba Court ruling in relation to the Land Claims does not try to separate the issue of our own cultural identity and heritage.

As for Mr. Frank Goden – I am not angry with him – I respect the fact that he also is a result of his experiences – whether that is Métis, Canadian, American or Russian. As our world changes – maybe the future generations will be a great deal more like Frank’s ideology – where the cultural differences are more confused and cultural integration is more prevalent. In the meantime I will attempt to ensure that my descendents remember our forefathers history, culture, values and beliefs.