LAC LA BICHE - In addition to flag-raising ceremonies at the Portage College Lac La Biche and St. Paul campuses, bannock and stew lunches as well as other social gatherings, the Lac La Biche Museum also had a series of displays highlighting traditional colourful and intricate Métis clothing in honour of Métis Week, which ran from Nov. 14-16.
According to Jennifer Mueller, the director of the Lac La Biche Museum, the temporary Métis cultural and historical exhibit titled "Threads: Exploring Métis Material Culture," will until Jan. 7, 2025.
Métis Week coincides with the recognition of Louis Riel Day, which takes place on Nov. 16. Riel, a Métis leader who also led the Red River Rebellion, was tried for treason and executed on Nov. 16, 1885, in Regina, Saskatchewan. A reversal and exoneration of his conviction continues to be a demand by many Métis groups as he continues to be a leading figure of the Métis history.
‘Threads’, Mueller continued, showcases examples of contemporary and vintage Métis clothing including embroidery and beadwork. As visitors go through the exhibit, she explained, they can reflect on how the garments presented illustrate the unique cultural heritage of the Métis.
According to information from the Lac La Biche Museum, each garment tells a personal or cultural story that connects generations.
“The exhibit also provides an opportunity to learn more about the history of Métis clothing such as the iconic toque, capote, and sash,” she said, adding that those who come to view the exhibit can also see shawls as well as several examples of Métis beadwork.
According to Mueller, the garments displayed in the exhibit were crafted from local Métis artists as well as artists from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Throughout the year and during Métis Week, Mueller continued, the Lac La Biche Museum hosts events and exhibits that are focused on the Métis culture of the region. She added that these exhibits are usually at the main location in the hamlet of Lac La Biche or at one or more of the museum’s off-site locations that explore the history and heritage of the Métis people for Métis week.
As for how the idea came about to create this exhibit showcasing and highlighting traditional Métis clothing styles and jewelry, she says the history of Métis clothing is both unique and fascinating in the sense that it reflects both First Nations and European styles.
Conversely, the Métis also incorporated distinctive components that expressed their own unique culture, such as the development of floral beadwork which Mueller says led to the Métis to be referred to as ‘The Flower Beadwork People.’
“With such a fascinating and complex history, Museum staff decided it would be wonderful to create an exhibit that would explore this topic,” she stated. “It's important to share the history and cultural heritage of the Lac La Biche region so that the public has an opportunity to explore these topics and learn more about the multicultural heritage of the region.”