My sister was unresponsive when I told her I was Native American, and thus she was. It was during one of the few phone conversations we had, since I found her in my late 40s after the grueling process of finding her after the closed adoption. I question whether or not telling her was wise looking back, but I've left it at that, leaving what was my favorite excuse to drink nearly 20 years ago in peace. Life would suck if it wasn't for sobriety (well, I'd be dead) and family. With the blessing of the Clan Mother of the Metis Nation of the US, “I tend to agree with you today regarding the blog. Educating people & recruiting others to join the Metis is always welcome,” that old drinking excuse is transformed by answering an inner call to be of service with moderation. But if my sister was interested, and she probably never will be, here's what I’d say.
Don't tell our mother you're even considering learning and joining. It's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. In general, here's what it is – and what it isn't.
Métis
http://nativeamericannetroots.net/diary/1949
While the first Native American-European fur trade exchange happened about the year 1000 with Norse (i.e. Viking) entrepreneurs from Greenland, the fur trade didn’t really have a major impact on Native cultures until the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The fur trade not only brought new goods into Indian nations, but also resulted in the emergence of a distinct cultural group known as Métis in Canada.
The French approach to American Indians was very different from that of the English, Spanish, and Russian invaders. The French viewed Indians as trading partners and potential markets for their goods. Instead of requiring their Indian partners to learn European ways as a prerequisite for trade, the French learned Indian ways.
http://metisnus.tripod.com/metis1ht.htm
Are the metis nation of the united states a band of Indians?
The answer is no! The Metis Nation Of The United States is not a tribe of Indians. Nor are we wannabe`s. We are Metis (mixed-blood). As Metis people of today,we are like the other nations in the world. Today we represent a mixture of genetic heritage. Our identity lies in our collective life,our history, ancestry, culture, values, traditions and ties to the land, rather than a "race". We do not fit totally in either world,but we live in both.
Are we American metis recognized by our government?
The answer is no! Over the centuries the Metis people have developed into a distinct ethnic race of North American People. But we are not! recognized by the United States Goverment. Nor are we recognized by the Canadian Goverment as a tribe or as Indians.
Furthermore, it definitely is this.
http://www.oocities.org/metisnation/index.html
We are loyal citizens of the host countries in which we reside. We are not a "militia" group and if you are the kind of person who thinks violence is the answer to a problem, you will not find a home here.
Our very conservative mother may agree with this though; that is, if the information I got about her husband being an Iraq War veteran is true: the best way to defend this way of life as “a distinct ethnic race of North American People” is being “a loyal citizen of (this) host country,” by defending this democracy at the voting booth and with civic action. Right now, that’s the Democratic Party.
I don't ever think my sister will ever go against my biological mother or change, but I leave the door open for contact but closed for staying with us since she's still a practicing alcoholic. That's what I’d tell my sister I’ve never met in person.
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I recently became a member of the Metis Nation of the United States; I’ve shared what I have been through below.
I shared my story at length here (a previous diary is linked to).
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/10/15/1707133/-Me-as-a-Mixed-Blood-Conclusions-Brazilian-Amazonian-83-84
7th Generation Of American Indians Has Right To Know Their Heritage
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/7/9/1397664/-7th-Generation-Of-American-Indians-Has-Right-To-Know-Their-Heritage
If you are in the general OKC area and would like to contact me to attend either a Wellbriety meeting, an inipi ceremony (sweat lodge), or just want more information, send a message or leave a comment. If I don't know something, I can find out with some time. Last, if we can gather ourselves enough, perhaps we could speak with the hopefully new democratic governor after the next election about respecting our religious freedom, or whatever we decide. Peace, and I’m sorry I can’t post more direct contact information than this.