Métis Nation of Alberta (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

'The True Canadians: Forgotten Nevermore'

New book by Métis Nation of Alberta puts spotlight on reconciliation

Jan 31, 2023 | 4:01 PM

The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) has released a book putting the spotlight on reconciliation.

‘The True Canadians: Forgotten Nevermore‘ chronicles the challenges and achievements of the Métis since their rights were recognized in the Constitution Act of 1982. Officials say the book also reflects on the Métis lineage to the original inhabitants of the land and their struggle for acceptance as a proud, independent people.

“Truth is the first element of reconciliation. I hope The True Canadians encourages Canadians to engage in conversation about reconciliation-in-action for the Métis Nation. The Métis experience will no longer be overlooked or ignored,” said Audrey Poitras, President of Métis Nation of Alberta.

According to a release, the book provides a history of the Métis that is often at odds with traditional colonial accounts, thereby presenting Canadians with a more accurate and clear understanding of the role the Métis played in the economic and cultural development of the nation.

“This book is an earnest re-telling of the history of the Métis people, a version most Canadians have never seen. Readers are introduced to a sweeping narrative depicting the strength, pride, and independence of the true Canadians,” said co-author David Wylynko.

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Published by the Métis Nation of Alberta, they say the title was inspired by the Métis Nation’s anthem and is intended to generate passionate conversation. The book is also being distributed by Sandhill Book Marketing Ltd., one of the most recognized suppliers of non-fiction single titles and independently published Canadian books in the industry.

Officials state The True Canadians details the history of the Métis extending back hundreds of years to their ethnogenesis, the forming of their ethnic group, and the status they enjoyed as a proud and independent people before becoming dispossessed by European colonialism.

With a particular focus on Alberta, the book describes the rise of the Métis Nation of Alberta since its founding early in the 20^th century. It also details the Métis pursuit of reconciliation and the recent agreement with the federal government recognizing the right of the Métis Nation within Alberta to self-government, especially the work leading up to the ratification, in 2022, of their own Constitution.

The passage of the MNA Constitution, with more than 96 per cent of the Métis vote, represented the final step for the Métis of Alberta to becoming a fully recognized order of government within Canada, with increased authority to manage their own affairs and strengthening their position to negotiate rights and claims.

“The True Canadians is an account of our Métis Nation’s deep and longstanding connection to the west,” said co-author Patricia Russell. “We can proudly trace our Métis families back to the fur trade of the 1700s when our traditional homeland extended from the Great Lakes, across the prairies to Rocky Mountains, into the Northwest Territories, and even south of the American border, long before the Dominion of Canada existed.”

A gathering to launch the book will take place on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre in Edmonton and will be livestreamed at facebook.com/ABMetis. The authors will do a book signing Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Audreys Books in Edmonton.

“With The True Canadians, the record is set straight and ensures Métis rights are forgotten nevermore,” it was added.