Church Point, NS, February 27, 2017 - The Canada Research Chair in Acadian and Transnational Studies (CRÉAcT) at Université Sainte-Anne, Clint Bruce, invites you to the second workshop of the CRÉAcT's series of Master Classes for 2016-2017, presented by Michel Bouchard, Chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Northern British Columbia. Dr. Bouchard recently co-authored the book Songs upon the Rivers: The Buried History of the French-Speaking Canadiens and Métis from the Great Lakes and the Mississippi across to the Pacific (Baraka Book, 2016).
The workshop, entitled L'identité métisse contestée: où existe-t-il une identité métisse légitime en Amérique du Nord ?, will be held at the Church Point campus on Monday, March 6, at 6:30 pm in the Bernadin J. Comeau Building, Room B-34. The event is free and open to the public.
The use of the word "Métis," or its older equivalent, "Métif," is disputed, and some want to appropriate the use of this word for a single meaning. However, a critical reading of historical narratives shows that the Métis / Métif designation existed at the beginning of the 18th century, several generations before the "François" who became Canadians arrived at the Red River. The presentation will thus explore how a Métis identity can correspond to several names (Métis, Métif, Meitiff, Mitif, Mitchif, Bois-Brûlé, Chicot, among others), and how this identity would have emerged on a continental scale.
"This workshop is of particular relevance at the current time," says Clint Bruce, Chairholder. "The recent Daniels v. Canada Supreme Court decision on the status of Métis and Non-Status Indians should prod us to understand more fully the historical realities that are at the root of today's identity issues - particularly in Nova Scotia. "
In keeping with the format of the Master Class workshop, the public will have the opportunity to attend a seminar, led by Mr. Bouchard, which will include a group of professors and students from Université Sainte-Anne as well as members of the community. The activity will also include a period of discussion with the public. Registered participants are:
- Jocelyne Comeau – Story-teller and Director, Maison La Bouche Rouverte
- Louise D'Alessio-Doucet – Student, Education/ History
- Carmen d'Entrement – Coordinateur, Centre acadien
- Cody Donaldson – Student, Education and a CRÉAcT Assistant
- Roger Gervais – Professor, Sociology, Department of Social Sciences
- Kamel Khiari – Professor, Law and Economics, Department of Administrative Sciences
- Lorianne LeBlanc – Student, Education
- Francis Robichaud – Executive Director, Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse
- Paul Tufts - Outgoing President, Association of Acadian Métis Souriquois (AAMS)
Members of the public who wish to read more on the subject can find two readings proposed by Mr. Bouchard (in French only) on the CRÉAcT's blog Les Carnets Nord / Sud.
This event will kick off the third edition of Université Sainte-Anne's Research Week, March 6-10, 2017. Coordinated by the Centre acadien, Research Week is aimed at researchers, decision-makers and all community members who are interested in the future and the influence of Acadia. Details of this event will follow shortly.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Rachelle LeBlanc, Director of Communications and Marketing
Université Sainte-Anne
Tel. : 902-769-2114 Extension 7222
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