Senior’s Centre Without Walls (SCWW) is hosting Metis classes in memory of Louis Riel starting Nov. 17 from 1 to 2.30 p.m. Classes will be coordinated by Alison Kimbley.
The session will start with a reflection on “Louis Riel” as Nov. 16 marks “Louis Riel Day” in Saskatchewan. Kimbley will discuss Riel’s important role in the development of Canada’s history and his tireless effort for protecting Metis rights. She will also talk about some of the misconceptions surrounding Riel’s leadership and tactics.
On November 18th, he will also discuss the Sash and its importance in Metis culture. She will explain why and how Metis started wearing a Sash. The Sash was worn by French-Canadian voyageurs who used to dress lightly and were travelling constantly. A list of Metis events during and after the 1870s, Riel’s joining the resistance in Saskatchewan, the start of the fur trade, and the battle of Batoche are going to be the main highlights.
The program is designed to teach about Riel’s influence and examine his life’s timeline in a game format.
Kimbley is a proud Metis woman and is committed to contributing to her Indigenous community. Although her ancestral lineage originated from Beauval, Saskatchewan, she was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Her commitment to her Indigenous heritage made her learn the Cree language, lead Metis dance groups and work as an Indigenous Advocate in the public school system. Kimbley has always expressed pride in her Metis culture and recognizes the value of promoting her culture in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
“I don’t have a lot of experience working with seniors,” she said, although she coordinated Cree language lessons for the senior home in Regina. That was an in-person session. Working over the telephone session will be a new experience for her.
She finds it interesting to teach history over the phone. She believes visuals and plannings are necessary to make such sessions more interactive, but she is happy to be part of the program. “I am happy that seniors with limited technology skills and/or no access to technology can still form a community and participate,” she said.
Kimbley wants her participants to have a deeper understanding of Riel’s role in Canadian history and hopes for a deeper appreciation of the Metis culture.
All materials required for participation in the Metis classes will be delivered free of charge by the SCWW. All SCWW programs are free and everyone within Saskatchewan can join, those 55 years of age or over. All programs are coordinated through conferences over the telephone. Interested participants are requested to contact Senior’s Centre Without Walls Saskatchewan by calling them at 306-631-4357 (no texts). You can also email them at swwsask@gmail.com.
