Talking Sticks: There are no bad color, only bad color combination

There are many shades of orange and different meanings. It all depends who is talking. These sticks talk about visual story of Metis in Canadian history. Notice that color orange is widely use in Metis art as well as crafts.

“Elders remind us there are different points of view and that it is up to each of us to respect the perspective of others. We create balance and harmony by treating one another with kindness and respect.” – In The Words of Our Ancestors: Métis Health and Healing

Métis were also known as the “Buffalo Hunters”. The buffalo is a sacred animal by Aboriginal people. The buffalo was their main source of food, clothing, household articles, and livelihood.

“If there was good food, there were stories, music and laughter, and from this came a richness that no amount of poverty or violence could completely take away. We were then and we continue to remain kah tip aim soo chick: “the people who own themselves.” -Maria Campbell, Métis Elder and writer
From the point of view of women: “To respect women as givers of life, to teach self-respect to young girls and women, and recognize children as gifts, are teachings that need to be shared.” -Angie Crerar, Métis Elder

“My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.” – Louis Riel, prominent Métis political figure and leader

These images are the four panels of The Metis: A Visual History created by Sherry Farrell Racette. Each panels represents different time of Metis history.

At work, photos of these panels are posted along the corridor of the Aboriginal Education Department.