Moon River Métis Council

“In Our Blood” Oral History Project

In 2006, the Moon River Métis Council carried out a study to document the origins and development of the Métis community in the Penatengueshine region. The study provided detailed historic documentation of locations of early settlements and themes of livelihood and land use over time. The report identified the strong historic roots for the community in the region, but identified a gap: a lack of oral history being documented of the community’s living members for the coming generations.

Community leaders selected a documentary as a method to fill this gap, a statement that would reflect back to the community and travel out to the world to share a glimpse into Métis culture with its viewers. The creation of a documentary that wove together the various strands of history, personal narrative, skills demonstrations and other areas of knowledge and experience required a thoughtful and holistic approach.

Our team worked closely with community liaisons to design and carry out the research process. We conducted interviews with Métis individuals and families throughout the Penetanguishene area to record their first-hand experiences and personal accounts of their current and past way-of-life. Our team captured the interviews through film and photographs and produced a feature length documentary and coffee table book. The film journeyed alongside individuals as they searched for and shared the process of learning to live into their Métis identity.

Project Impact

The documentary we produced with the Moon River Métis Council illuminates the experience of Métis people in the region and provides insight into the ongoing narrative of who they are as individuals and together as a people. It can be shared with future generations, neighbouring communities or proponents considering development within Moon River territories to build an awareness and understanding of the community’s history, heritage and their ongoing relationship with the land.