Description
The blossoming of Métis society and culture in the 19th century marked a fascinating and colourful era in western Canadian history. Drawing from journals and contemporary sources, Irene Ternier Gordon presents a vivid account of Métis life in the area that is now Saskatchewan and Alberta. Here are the stories of the masters of the plains—Métis buffalo hunters, traders and entrepreneurs like Louis Goulet, Norbert Welsh and the legendary Gabriel Dumont. Many enjoyed lives of freedom and adventure, yet also faced heartbreak as their way of life came to an end. From the delightful details of marriage customs, feasts and fancy clothing to the sad consequences of the events of 1885, this book is a vivid chronicle of Métis life.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 14
- Grade:
- 9
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Librarian review
A People on the Move: The Métis of the Western Plains
This engaging book tells the history of the Métis of Canada’s Western Plains through the stories of a variety of individuals. Topics such as who the Métis are, family life, food, transportation, the importance of the buffalo and the 1885 rebellion are covered. The author uses various personal accounts and retellings of events so that the reader can get a sense of what the people involved were like, how they viewed their lives what daily life may have been like for them.
Part of the series Amazing Stories. The author’s other books include The Battle of Seven Oaks: And the Violent Birth of the Red River Settlement and Marie-Anne Lagimodiere: The Incredible Story of Louis Riel’s Grandmother.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2009-2010.
