Métis Memories of Residential Schools: A Testament to the Strength of the Métis will be open to the public July 28, 2022 in the Community Corridor at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This is the first official installation in this new community‐inspired space, which shares important human rights stories and perspectives.

The Community Corridor is located in The Forks North Portage Partnership Classroom Lobby on the main level and can be viewed free of charge.

Project statement from the Métis Memories team

Residential schools, industrial schools, and day schools have had a long‐lasting impact on Métis communities. However, Métis experiences have consistently been left out of Canada’s national narratives, including limited recognition of the harms caused by colonial schooling systems (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Final Report, 2015).

Influential Métis scholars are working to relay the authentic history of the Métis to counteract a biased historical account that has resulted in racism and misunderstandings about the Métis. The involvement of Métis peoples in national initiatives honours the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Métis Memories of Residential Schools, A Testament to the Strength of the Métis shares 24 impactful stories about this neglected chapter in Canadian history. This project honours the unique experiences and Métis survivors and families in colonial schooling systems and showcases authentic Métis community voices in an ethical and collaborative way. It invites viewers to engage in a deeper understanding of the injustices brought to all First Peoples in Canada. The original paintings are displayed at Métis Crossing in northern Alberta.

Funding for this initiative was provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

This project was made possible by:

Angie Crerar, Métis Elder
Jude D. Daniels, Author, Lawyer, Mediator
Billie‐Jo Grant, Associate Director, Rupertsland Institute
Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt, Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Emma Grant, Métis Graphic Designer
Samantha Pratt, Métis Artist
Lewis Lavoie, Artist, Mural Mosaic Team