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Etienne Rivard, University
of British Columbia
"Quebec Metis Territoriality:
In-Betweenness, Genealogy, and Space"
This presentation explores Quebec Metis territoriality and, in so doing,
the nature of aboriginality. The Metis - individuals of mixed Native
and non-Native ancestry - have been constitutionally recognised as aboriginal
people(s) in Canada since 1982. Although the Quebec Metis might be considered
among the oldest Metis peoples in Canada, they have been comparatively
understudied. The lack of clear historical evidence about them, and
the ambiguity of categorisation probably explain this relative academic
indifference. Yet they identify themselves as Metis. I investigate how
this group conceives of history and the future, and how this affects
(or supports) its self-identification process. This inquiry is primarily
based on interviews I recently conducted with Metis living in different
regions in the province of Quebec. "In-betweenness" appears
to be the principal feature of their territoriality, and challenges
prevailing ethnic categorisations in Quebec, Canada, and in aboriginal
societies.
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