Explore the rich history of the Métis Nation by visiting ‘Hiding in Plain Sight: Discovering the Métis Nation in the Archival Records of Library and Archives Canada’.
The travelling exhibition is on display at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG) from Dec. 15th through to March 10th.
This exhibition explores the portrayal of the Métis people—some of whom are ‘hiding in plain sight’ — in reproductions of artworks and photographic collections, and in the accompanying archival descriptions.
Local Métis citizens have generously shared their family histories and treasures from their personal collections for the exhibition, along with items loaned from several institutional collections, according to a release.
The exhibition aims to foster a better understanding of the history and culture of the Métis Nation.
The exhibition was developed by Library and Archives Canada in collaboration with the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Métis National Council with the support of the Government of Canada.
“The story of the Métis people in Central Alberta is one of the keystones of our history,” said Lorna Johnson, the MAG’s executive director.
“This exhibition presents a great opportunity to explore Métis culture and history across Canada, and to place our own history into that larger context. We are very grateful to the members of Central Alberta’s Métis community who have helped us to assemble local stories to supplement the touring exhibition.”
The Métis emerged as a distinct people or nation in the historic northwest during the course of the 18th and 19th centuries.
“I am very excited by this exhibit, I think it is a great beginning to increase the awareness of Métis Nation, its history and contributions in Central Alberta.” Raye St. Denys, Métis Nation of Alberta, Local 492 president.
Library and Archives Canada has a wide variety of archival documents pertaining to the Métis Nation, including textual records, photographs, artwork, maps, stamps and sound recordings.
-Submitted by the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery
