I grew up in Winnipeg, and the Metis occupy a VERY important place in the self identity of the average Manitoban. Phil Paine has shown how an entire people were created, and were crushed right here in Canada. I believe that it did not have to happen. I especially applaud his note that prarie colonialism was not created by and for an upper class. The establishment and make up of the Selkirk settlement (to name just one example) is worth the study. Mr. Paine's essay clearly shows the tip of the iceberg, leaving us to imagine the destructive hidden bulk which may yet tear the political ship of state apart.
I grew up in Winnipeg, and the Metis occupy a VERY important place in the self identity of the average Manitoban. Phil Paine has shown how an entire people were created, and were crushed right here in Canada. I believe that it did not have to happen.
ReplyDeleteI especially applaud his note that prarie colonialism was not created by and for an upper class. The establishment and make up of the Selkirk settlement (to name just one example) is worth the study.
Mr. Paine's essay clearly shows the tip of the iceberg, leaving us to imagine the destructive hidden bulk which may yet tear the political ship of state apart.