SASKATOON — A new book giving Métis Elders a direct voice in the story of self-determination was unveiled Wednesday, marking a milestone in nation-building.
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan senior director of policy and research Dorothy Myo was pleased with a book project that captured the reflections of several Métis Elders on self-determination documents — not only stories, but also the hard, often unseen work of building Métis governance from the ground up.
Myo was among the speakers at the Self-Determination through the Eyes of Lii Vyeu Moond, Kihtêyak, Ąłnëdhë book launch on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Remai Modern, a project that took almost a decade of work within MN-S.
She said that when she joined the Métis government almost eight years ago, many of the systems that exist today had not yet been built. Policies, procedures and governance structures had to be created largely from scratch to ensure the government worked for Métis citizens.
Myo said the book is not just a work by one person, but a collective effort by the team that made it happen, emphasizing the roles of the policy and self-determination team and the many staff members who translate Elders’ knowledge into living documents that guide governance.
“The knowledge really comes from the Elders, to be able to inform our work in a way that makes sense. And that brings a community together. It brings your views into the documents we work on and brings life to them,” said Myo.
She added that the Elders’ reflections give life to Métis self-determination by grounding it in lived experience, kinship, humour, responsibility and resilience, as the nation has done for more than 250 years, facing and surviving struggles for recognition, from being included in the Constitution to fighting in the courts to gain acknowledgement from the federal government.
Myo said that, rather than conducting structured interviews, the book was built on open, respectful visits with Elders, allowing them to speak freely — an approach that resulted in stories that can inspire future research and even create new books on topics such as Métis control of education, harvesting rights and regional histories.
“We also identified places where we could do more research, we can write whole books in different parts, and the histories about Île-à-la-Crosse and the school that they took over. That's a whole book in itself, and others who shared their struggles with hunting and harvesting. That's another piece of work we can work on,” she added.
“It'll take us probably a lifetime to just understand them in a way that you shared. It brings to light many other things that are important not only today but also for future generations, because we don't do this for today as much as we do for those yet unborn, who I think will benefit from your years. This book is history-making. It is really the only book I'm aware of that speaks to Elders and gives Métis Elders a voice. It is a glorious moment.”
Myo also highlighted the care taken to preserve Elders’ exact words, noting that the final publication went through multiple drafts without altering their language. That decision, she said, honoured the trust built throughout the process and reflected Métis oral storytelling traditions.
The launch also featured commissioned artwork by Métis artist and historian Leah Marie Dorion, whose four pieces visually interpret Métis history, governance and self-determination. Myo said the artwork complements the Elders’ stories by expressing those themes through Métis perspectives and relationships.
The book is the result of meetings held in 2024 with Elders from all 12 Métis Nation regions in Saskatchewan as part of the Voice of the People constitutional reform process. The stories, now preserved in print, reflect shared values of independence, family, respect and deep ties to the land.
Myo concluded by thanking the Elders for their trust and collaboration, saying the book stands as a testament to Métis resilience and as a foundation for continued nation-building rooted in Elders’ knowledge.
Elders Norman Fleury and Joanna Potyondi led the prayer. MN-S Ministers Brennan Merasty and Beverly Fullerton gave opening remarks. Susan Shacter and Ted Whitecalf were the other speakers. Elder readings followed the program, led by Fleury and Potyondi.
Gerald Morin, Sandy Briere, Joann Morrisseau Dickson, Rita Ducharme, Dennis Falcon, Emile Janvier, Ingrid MacColl, Max Morin, Leone Neville, Louise Oelke, Calvin Racette and Ken Roth were the other Elders who joined the short readings.
