The Strength of Métis Women

Each year, during Métis Week in November, the Delia Gray Gala honours a remarkable figure among Métis women in Alberta. Delia Gray was the first Provincial Elder of the Métis Nation of Alberta, now known as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. This annual event features a dinner, live music, and other forms of entertainment. Additionally, it awards post-secondary scholarships in memory and honour of esteemed Alberta Métis citizens Cecil Bellrose, Marlene Lanz, and Bruce Gladue. In this episode, host David Wylynko explores Delia’s legacy and the achievements of other accomplished female Métis leaders with her youngest grandchild, Krista Leddy.

Krista is a proud Métis multidisciplinary artist whose family comes from the historical Métis communities of St. Albert and Lac St. Anne. Her beadwork is deeply influenced by the teachings, stories, and patterns of her Métis ancestors, and she channels the spirit of her grandmother into all her pieces, both traditional and contemporary. Among her many stories, Krista recounts the recreation and reception of her beaded portrait of Louis Riel, which was featured in a national magazine and sparked both praise and criticism.

Notes

The True Canadians website

Intro and outro music by Métis musician Alex Kusturok

Opening quote from an address by Métis leader Jim Sinclair during the 1987 Canadian constitutional talks