Melanistic Magazine - Vol. 11

“Nestled in the Alberta prairies, just North of Edmonton- in Smokey Lake Alberta, is a place that plays homage to the history of the first peoples of the Land”

MÉTIS CROSSING

Images courtesy of: NiLo

Story By: NiLo

For hundreds of years, buffalo were sacred creatures all across Turtle Island, commonly known as North and Central America. For hundreds of years in many parts of presettlement Colonial Canada, First Nations and Metis peoples were able to live off of the buffalo – able to move around freely and hunt these massive herds that roamed across the plains. Nestled in the Alberta prairies, just North of Edmonton- in Smokey Lake Alberta, is a place that plays homage to the history of the first peoples of the Land, while providing first hand experiences into the Métis way of life. With a buffalo and elk sanctuary, you can have a once in a lifetime experience of seeing a white buffalo. With over 150 acres of land, the wildlife sanctuary allows you to view them up close, and gives you the unique opportunity of seeing woods, plains and buffalo. There is even a white stag, elks, and Percheron horses, for the horse lovers.

If the river is co-operating, you can spend 4 hours paddling downriver, learning about different points in the fur trade and about trappers. Discover also the lives of canoe men, while visiting Victoria Settlement, an early fur trading colony. On the shore, the farm, the farm houses, and much of the plants and herbs are reflective of the original Métis way of life. Elder Lilian generously shares her life experiences growing up and becoming a fur trapper for over 10 years.

She recounts the memories of being raised in the houses much like the ones on the land, and describes her unique relationship with all of the plants on the land. Lilian was also skilled at traditional Métis craft work such as tufting, and beadwork. Creating porcupine earrings means learning about the porcupine and its quills, and their uses in ceremonial wear, while also learning to skillfully thread through the center of a quill.

The large property is beautiful and with a lodge attached, and camping accommodations, it seemed like the perfect place for weddings and other special events. Day to day however, many people from the community came to gather, have coffee, or have one of their Bison Burgers, on baked Bannock served by the cafeteria. One of our favorite parts of the space was the gift shop. In addition to commemorative t-shirts, the gift shop boasts a variety of hand crafted items from Métis artisans, and books.

All in all, Metis Crossing is a must visit for every Albertan Family, especially as it’s important for us to have a full understanding of these lands and her people.

“On the shore, the farm, the farm houses, and much of the plants and herbs are reflective of the original Métis way of life.”