| Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society proudly hosts the only Michif Metis Museum in the Province of British Columbia that is solely dedicated to the preservation of the Michif Metis Culture and Traditions. There are Aboriginal People recognized by the Canadian Constitution: Who are the Metis people? People of mixed First Nations and European ancestry who identify themselves as Metis people and are accepted as such by a Metis community and or its leadership. They are distinct from First Nations, Inuit or non-Aboriginal peoples. The Metis history and culture draws on diverse ancestral origins such as Ojibway and Cree, Scottish, Irish, French. (Government of Alberta definition) Metis are people who self-identify as Metis and are not registered under the Indian Act (Government of Manitoba definition) Article 10 of the Metis Nation Saskatchewan Constitution defines "Metis" as: 'Metis' means an Aboriginal person who self-identifies as Metis, who is distinct from Indian and Inuit & is a descendant of those Metis who received or were entitled to receive land grants and / or Scrip under the provision of the Manitoba Act, 1870 or the Dominion Lands Act, as enacted from time to time. A person of Aboriginal descent who is accepted by the Metis Nation and / or Metis Community. ( Amended Dec. 13 / 97 ) We are a proud nation who's history and traditions date back to the early 1600's. Our culture is a rich and vigorous one. We invite you to share and learn about our people here on our site. This page is dedicated to preserving our culture and our proud heritage. We have 2 locations in BC. Main address of the location for the museum is: 337 Bernard Rd. Vavenby BC. ph# 250-676-0096. The secondary location which houses a small display of artifacts is at: 7726 Edmonds St. (upstairs) Burnaby, BC. Ph# 604-521-1908 for a reservation to tour museum. Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit society registered with the Registrar of Companies in Victoria, BC The purposes of the Society are: To record and document the history of Metis people; To preserve the unique cultural identity of the Metis people; To record and preserve the unique language of Metis people; To educate Metis people as to their traditions and distinct cultural identity; To educate the public at large as to the important historical role that the Metis people have played in the development of Canada as a Nation; To promote and preserve the advancement and preservation of Metis Literature, Music and Dances; To establish and operate a museum for the purposes of educating the public about the unique history, culture, language, music, dance, traditions and identity of the Metis people. Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society can provide a Receipt for the Purposes of Income Tax, if the donation meets the minimum requirements as defined by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. For more information, please contact : Dale Haggerty (Curator) Phone: 1-250-676-0096 Famous Figures History is full of Metis Men and Women who have contributed greatly to the history of Canada. Unfortunately we don't have the space available to devote to all of them so we have chosen the four that we feel have contributed immensely to the Metis people. Click on the appropriate name below to begin your journey into the lives of these famous men. If you'd like to see some information about someone who isn't listed here, please feel free to email us and we'll see what we can dig up for you. Louis Riel Cuthbert Grant Jim Brady Gabriel Dumont A few of our favorite links: If one that you particularly like is not present. Please let me know & I'll do my best to update this page NAPE Aboriginal Links: An Indigenous Peoples Web Directory The Native Trail Metis Family Services The Other Metis The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The Centre for World Indigenous Studies Native American Links Saskatchewan Aboriginal Employment BC Metis Communications Centre Eastern Fraser Valley Metis Society Kootenay Region Metis Association NAHO New Breed Magazine On Line Language Information: Metis Resource Centre KIM: an interactive language learning CD for Children teach seven native languages, including Michif Radio interview with Peter Bakker ( pre-eminent linguist of Michif ) and Michif speakers Michif Language samples with transcription and translation from the Creolist Archives Michif pronunciation guide Manitoba Metis Federation's program to preserve Michif bibliography of Michif Language materials My apologies to all who have previously had links on this page. If you know of any that were here that are no longer here. Please do not hesitate to email me and let me know. Meegwich |
| . |
| TEMPORARY WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION |
| Welcome to the Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society (also known as) The Michif Metis Museum in British Columbia |
In short, wanting to escape the hectic life in the Lower Mainland, we
purchased a home in Vavenby almost three years ago, took an early semi-
retirement and a year last June finally moved up from the Surrey area. The
Michif Métis Museum was located in Surrey, but after 25 years in the same
building, the Society was given a months notice to vacate their premises
after the property was purchased by a new owner.
It went into storage for about two years, bye and bye, through a very
generous offer made by the North Fraser Métis Association, the opportunity
came to set up a smaller display in a room near the Association at a location
on Edmonds Street in Burnaby. This left about half the museum artifacts
needing to have another new home. It was recently decided by the Michif
Historical and Cultural Preservation Society Board members that my
husband, Dale who is the President and curator, bring the remaining
artifacts up to the Clearwater area. Fortunately, at the same time, a mini-bus
was kindly donated to the Society by Métis Family Services in Surrey.
This bus is now in the process of being set up as a Mobile Museum and
when completed will transport the Museum displays to many areas
throughout B.C. and parts of Alberta. In the meantime, the Museum remains
active in our own Vavenby and Clearwater communities by being displayed
at the local schools along with presentations, as well as being displayed at
community events such as the July 1st Canada Day celebration.
Next event, the “Great Canadian Music Explosion” family festival in
conjunction with a “BC Day Celebration” August 5, 6 and 7th. We look
forward to seeing everyone come by to meet and visit us and enjoy the
Michif Métis Museum displays, which will be located in the "Spirit Bear
Village"!
purchased a home in Vavenby almost three years ago, took an early semi-
retirement and a year last June finally moved up from the Surrey area. The
Michif Métis Museum was located in Surrey, but after 25 years in the same
building, the Society was given a months notice to vacate their premises
after the property was purchased by a new owner.
It went into storage for about two years, bye and bye, through a very
generous offer made by the North Fraser Métis Association, the opportunity
came to set up a smaller display in a room near the Association at a location
on Edmonds Street in Burnaby. This left about half the museum artifacts
needing to have another new home. It was recently decided by the Michif
Historical and Cultural Preservation Society Board members that my
husband, Dale who is the President and curator, bring the remaining
artifacts up to the Clearwater area. Fortunately, at the same time, a mini-bus
was kindly donated to the Society by Métis Family Services in Surrey.
This bus is now in the process of being set up as a Mobile Museum and
when completed will transport the Museum displays to many areas
throughout B.C. and parts of Alberta. In the meantime, the Museum remains
active in our own Vavenby and Clearwater communities by being displayed
at the local schools along with presentations, as well as being displayed at
community events such as the July 1st Canada Day celebration.
Next event, the “Great Canadian Music Explosion” family festival in
conjunction with a “BC Day Celebration” August 5, 6 and 7th. We look
forward to seeing everyone come by to meet and visit us and enjoy the
Michif Métis Museum displays, which will be located in the "Spirit Bear
Village"!
| ' |
| BRIEF HISTORY OF MICHIF HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY LAST 7 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE 1999 November – Patrick Reed steps down and retires as Museum curator after three years, Dale Haggerty was invited to take his place by the Society Board members. December 31st - Millennium First Night Festival – first on-tour display of the Michif Métis Museum 2000 March – after many days and hours of negotiations, artifacts dating back to 1830 and held in a church vault were finally returned to the Métis people, represented by the Métis Museum and into the Museum’s care, from the Bishop of the Victoria Archdioceses of the Anglican Church – in a special ceremony held called Bringing the Past Into the Future (Dale Haggerty’s first assignment as curator). May – Michif Historical Society’s first organized multi-cultural dance (New Westminster) May – Cloverdale Rodeo Powwow – SACS (Surrey Aboriginal Cultural Society) – museum display on-tour June – National Aboriginal Day – celebration in City of Vancouver – museum display on-tour July – Harrison Hot Springs – Folk Festival museum display on-tour – first time in a Provincial event – Folk Festival organization commented on our museum display, he noted that it was the largest attended display in the history of the Folk Festival. November – Helped set up and organize Elder’s dinner – Louis Riel Day (Dale Haggerty’s first assignment as elected President of the Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society) Sept – Dec – Surrey, Langley, Delta School District – museum cultural presentations (approximately 20 schools) 2001 January – MNC AGM – museum display on-tour February – Invitation by New Westminster School District to put on presentation March – White Rock Secondary School powwow – museum display on-tour March – May – three month youth project – from proposal accepted by MPCBC – Youth Council – many projects were created such as sash weaving, jigging, beading, Michif language classes March – Cranbrook Aboriginal Youth Conference – museum display on- tour as well as cultural presentations and teachings (crafts) April – Delta School – powwow April through to 2002 – March – BC Aboriginal Youth project May – Cloverdale Rodeo powwow – SACS – museum display on-tour June – National Aboriginal Day – celebration in City of Vancouver – museum display on-tour July - Red River West Rendezvous – museum on tour November – Helped set up and organize Elder’s dinner – Louis Riel Day Sept. – Dec. – School Métis cultural presentations 2002 March - White Rock Secondary School powwow – museum display on-tour March – Cranbrook Aboriginal Youth Conference March – June – attended approximately 6 Aboriginal powwows – museum display on-tour June – National Aboriginal Day – celebration in City of Vancouver – museum display on-tour July – Red River West Rendezvous – museum display on-tour July – First international invitation to Yakama, Wash. USA All – Nations Powwow – museum display on-tour and parade (Red River Cart) August – Métis Family Services/Michif Historical Society – created the first Métis children’s camp – project was named – Mooshum and Kookum’s Children’s Camp held at a local band’s (Scowlitz First Nation) recreational RV camp. November – Helped set up and organize Elder’s dinner – Louis Riel Day Sept. – Dec. – School Métis cultural presentations 2003 June – Aboriginal Day – Cultural Awareness Day BBQ at museum parking lot and helped feed the homeless. July – Opening of the Métis Outpost celebrations – museum on-tour display invitation August – First inter-provincial invitation to Alberta – Big Valley – The Hivernant Métis Rendezvous August – Aboriginal Elder’s Conference – Museum display on-tour August – Métis Family Services/Michif Historical Society - Mooshum and Kookum’s Children’s Camp held at a local band’s (Scowlitz First Nation) recreational RV camp. November – Helped set up and organize Elder’s dinner – Louis Riel Day 2003 – 2005 Museum was put in storage, but displays and presentations were still being done up to and including the present time including teepee displays, e.g. New Westminster Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Day, Vancouver Métis Association celebrations, Surrey Art Gallery, Veteran displays at the Vancouver Burrard Armory for November 11th, Veteran’s week participations in BC Place Stadium and continuing the tradition of the yearly Elder’s dinners as well as presentations facilitator in all the school districts in the Lower Mainland by invitation. 2005 Museum was totally and finally taken out of storage and set up on Edmonds Street in Burnaby, next to the North Fraser Métis Association. 2006 March – Small Métis museum display (first in the Interior) was set up at the Clearwater Secondary School Powwow. March - Museum was partially brought up from Burnaby to Vavenby in mini- bus that was recently donated by Métis Family Services main branch to be set up June 21-22 – National Aboriginal Day Museum presentations and craft participations – Clearwater Elementary and Vavenby Elementary schools July 01st – Canada Day teepee display at the Clearwater Information Centre August 04-07 – B.C. Day (Great Canadian Music Explosion), Clearwater Festival Celebrations, teepee displays and Museum Trading Post and Gift Shoppe. August 09-12 – Museum teepee display and Museum Trading Post and Gift Shoppe - Hivernant Métis Rendezvous – held this year at Big Valley, Alberta August 13 – Formation of partnership with the opening of the Museé Michif a section of the Delia Museum in Delia, Alberta September 09 – As a representative of the Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society. I was honoured to attend the ‘Dedication’ Ceremony of the opening of the Museé Michif in Delia, Alberta Present Much more to follow…. More museum branches planned to be set up by request in the near future around various BC communities as well as on- tour Museum displays and presentations by invitation and a mobile Museum (mini-bus) covering BC and parts of Alberta…. |
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
| Dale Haggerty (Museum Curator) |
| FRIENDS & FAMILY OF THE MICHIF METIS CULTURAL & PRESERVATION SOCIETY |
| FRIENDS & FAMILY OF THE MICHIF METIS CULTURAL & PRESERVATION SOCIETY |
