A cultural and academic center for Métis students opened at Brandon University in Manitoba on Nov. 16. The centre was opened to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the execution of Métis political icon Louis Riel, according to a university press release. Lorraine Mayer, the director of native studies at the university, said the centre’s goal is to educate non-Métis about the cultural distinctiveness of Métis people and to provide Métis students with a place to learn about themselves and strengthen their cultural identity.
“[Non-Métis] students may not understand or appreciate the role that the Métis nation played in early Canadian relations, economically and politically,” Mayer said. “There is a lot of misunderstanding.”
She said the centre hopes to eliminate these misunderstandings, educate other students aboutthe background of their Métis classmates and provide students with mentoring from prominent Métis people. Other events the centre plans on hosting include traditional potlucks, storytelling from elders, and political and literary events. The centre will also provide a place for students to work on assignments and seek academic assistance.