MP-0000.1453.29 | Susan, a Swampy Cree Métis, MB, 1857-1858
Susan, a Swampy Cree Métis, MB, 1857-1858
Humphrey Lloyd Hime
1857-1858, 19th century
Silver salts on paper mounted on paper - Albumen process
17 x 13 cm
MP-0000.1453.29
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords: Ethnology (606) , Native people (373) , Photograph (77678)
Keys to History
The Manitoba Metis were descended from French or Scottish fur traders and Aboriginal women, and constituted a people with roots in both First Nations and European culture. Their way of life typically involved both farming on land they held in the Red River Colony (Winnipeg) and hunting the buffalo on the open prairie. Under the leadership of Louis Riel, they set up a government at Red River in 1869, but later accepted to be taken in as part of Canada, on the assurance that their land would not be confiscated from them and the use of the French language would be guaranteed. When these promises were not honoured, many left and travelled to north-central Saskatchewan to establish a new settlement.
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What
This is a picture of a young Manitoba Metis woman.
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Where
The picture was taken at the Red River Settlement, near present-day Winnipeg.
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When
Taken during an expedition to the Prairies in 1858, this is one of the oldest photographs ever taken of a Manitoba Metis.
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Who
The subject is identified as "Susan"; H.L. Hime, the photographer, did not record her last name.
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