Stories of Métis Women Tales My Kookum Told Me by Bailey Oyster & Marilyn Lizee

Stories of Métis Women Tales My Kookum Told Me by Bailey Oyster & Marilyn Lizee

This book, and accompanying Vimeo documentary link, is a collection of stories about culture, history, and nationhood as told by Métis women. The Métis are known by many names — Otipemisiwak, “the people who own ourselves;” Bois Brules, “Burnt Wood;” Apeetogosan, “half brother” by the Cree; “half-breed,” historically; and are also known as “rebels” and “traitors to Canada.” They are also known as the “Forgotten People.” Few really know their story.

Many people may also think that Métis simply means “mixed,” but it does not. They are a people with a unique and proud history and Nation. In this era of reconciliation, Stories of Métis Women explains the story of the Métis Nation from a their own perspective. The UN has declared this “The Decade of Indigenous Languages” and Stories of Métis Women is one of the few books available in English and Michif, which is an endangered language.

Bailey Oster, Author/Editor

Bailey Oster is a Métis woman with roots in the Red River Settlement and St. Paul des Métis. Bailey received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a special research focus in restorative justice. She currently works as a manager within the Youth Programs and Services Department at the Métis Nation of Alberta. She was elected as the youngest ever Vice President of New Dawn, the Métis Women’s Organization within Alberta in 2014 at 19 years old and still currently holds the position.

Marilyn Lizee, Editor

As a consultant for the Métis Nation of Alberta, Marilyn Lizee has created unique cultural training programs for the general public as well as for the Métis Nation. She has also developed a Métis Elder’s Abuse training program for both Elders and Seniors, as well as their caregivers, which she has implemented right across the province both in Métis and First Nation Communities.