Tansi;
Although Metis people are mixed blooded, there are also a number of other criteria which certainly do not include everyone or anyone who is only mixed blooded. Since this has been extensively written on in other areas of this forum, I did not go into all of the criteria for the Metis people. I would suggest that you learn about this, rather than only being disrespectful in your responses.
Our people have fought for generations to ensure that our people became recognized as a distinct Aboriginal people in the Canadian Constitution, under section 35, which recognizes Indian, Inuit and Metis as Aboriginal people in Canada. Although there are Metis people in the US, the US government has not recognized them, in this way. There is a great deal of blood on our backtrail and the recognition of the fact that our people have survived and remained Culturally distinct has cost the lives of many. This sacrifice is being abused when people who are not Metis try to use our peoples struggles and successes, in ways that may give themselves an assumed and false identity.
One of the issues that continually comes up, is that there are many people who can not find ways of being recognized by the Aboriginal groups that they claim to be descended from, who will often identify themselves as Metis, thinking that no one can challenge this. Our Culture is very much alive and many of us spend a great deal of time and energy working to Maintain our Traditions and ensure the survival of our people.
Please consider this and hopefully you will learn about us. This forum is one in which Respectful dialogue is encouraged and can be a valuable tool in learning about some of the issues that are being faced by Aboriginal peoples all over Turtle Island.
Ekosi
Ric
