Importance of Metis Ways of Knowing in Healing Communities

Abstract

Indigenous research draws upon Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and connectingwith self and spirit. This position is evident in a research program focused on examin­ing Metis storylines, histories, cultural contexts, and pedagogies ivith four Metis Eld­ers. Three grandfathers and one grandmother shared understandings of storytelling.Each of these Elders is involved in healing and spiritual ceremonies and all are PipeCarriers and spiritual leaders. Within their discussions of storytelling, these Eldersshare understandings of spirituality and ways that it is understood in communitiesand in ceremonies. This paper explores spirituality as sources of strength for MetisElders, the importance of ceremonies in Metis communities, and challenges to main­taining spiritual practices that exist in communities. Elders suggest that there is con­siderable resistance in communities to ceremonies and spiritual practices because ofresidential schools, Christianity, and government policy that have restricted and lim­ited belief in the traditions and have separated people from these spiritual practices.But scholars must open themselves to hear the voices of those they are in relationwith, including the Elders and the traditions of the ancestors.