It’s almost Métis Week! Here are some of the Métis-themed history talks we have that you can book!
TRIPMEN, BRAROES, AND BOURGEOIS: Stories of Life, Labour, and Class in the Fur Trade
Length: 1 hour. Recommended audience: 3-30 persons
Delivered via: Zoom; Google Meets.
For over a hundred years before the first settler arrived, the fur-trading companies built outposts, bought beaver, and lived their lives in Edmonton and throughout the North-west. Peel back the curtain and take a trip back in time and meet Paulet Paul, John Rowand, and Margaret McKay – some of Edmonton’s forgotten figures.
Length: 1 hour. Recommended audience: 3-30 persons
Delivered via: Zoom; Google Meets.
MR. AND MRS MONTOUR GO WEST: An early 19th century Métis Couple’s Journey from the Saskatchewan to the Snake
A look at the life of a Métis freeman and freewoman from the Forts de Prairies. He was called the ‘leader of the Edmonton’ Métis. She spoke no English and collected names as a convenience. They ended up in Oregon as their lives followed historical events on both sides of the new border, and are remembered in French Prairie and in Canada.
Length: 1 hour. Recommended audience: 3-30 persons
Delivered via: Zoom; Google Meets.
MIXED MEDIA: Mixed-descent Indigenous Representations in Pop Culture
From historical figure Louis Riel to fictional Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games, mixedbloods have been seen in tv, movies, and comic books. Join Tom, a Métis storyteller, in talking about what we can learn from such representation.
FAKE NEWS AT FORT EDMONTON: The 1885 Resistance comes to the River City…Kind Of.
Fake news, rumours, and ignorance on the edges of the North-West Resistance contributed to panic spreading far from the sites of any actual battles. Edmonton had its own distinct experience, with a rumour of massive Indigenous uprising, supposed secret ambushes, daring horse messengers, and a mischievous cat out for a midnight stroll. The stories of Edmonton’s experience in the Resistance are more relevant than ever.
Length: 1 hour to 1.5hours. Recommended audience: 3-30 persons
Delivered via: Zoom; Google Meets.
REMEMBERING EDMONTON’S FORGOTTEN FIRST LADY: Louise Umphreville
Length: 1 hour. Recommended audience: 3-30 persons
Delivered via: Zoom; Google Meets.
For over forty years, Louise Umphreville was probably the most powerful Métis woman on the prairies. She owned a vast herd of horses, lived in the largest building west of Hudson’s Bay, and held a position of some authority over the women and children of Edmonton. Today there is nothing named after her and most Edmontonians could not bring her name to mind if asked. This presentation explores what we know of Louise and her life, labours, tragedies, and legacy.
Tom is a citizen of Métis Nation British Columbia. My Métis family names are Desmarais and Favel. You can read about my family history here.
Drop me a line if you want to talk about any of the presentations above!
