The Métis people are known for their finger woven sashes. They were traditionally tied around the waist with the fringes hanging down in order to hold a coat closed. Women have found a style of hanging the sash over the shoulder and connecting it at the side of the waist. Today the sash is made of wool and is approximately three metres long but before the introduction of wool the sash was made with plant fibres. The Métis people are not the only ones that have used the sash. The sash is shared with two other groups. One group is the Eastern Woodland Indians who were the first to wear the sash in the 19th century before any one else. The other group that used the sash were the French Canadians during the uprising in 1837 called the Lower Canadian rebellion. The three groups have the same outlook towards the sash in that it holds cultural distinction and pride. Another common name for the sash is La Cienture L’Assomption that comes from the name of the Quebec town where it was first produced. The sash does not only hold sentimental and cultural value to the Métis. It also served practical functions. The Metis used the sash as a tumpline (scarf that holds heavy objects to the back) first aid kit, rope, clothing, wash cloth and towel, saddle blanket and the ends of the sash would also serve as an emergency sewing kit on trips.
Throughout its history the sash has meant different things to different people. However, no one has celebrated and adopted L’Assomption sash as part of their proud heritage as have Métis people.
Taking its name from the Quebec town where it was produced, L’Assomption sash was not only functional, but also colorful and identifiable as Métis apparel. The sash itself served as a temporary tapeline, key holder, first aid kit, washcloth, towel, and as an emergency bridle and saddle blanket. Its fringed ends could become a sewing kit when the Métis were on a buffalo hunt.
In the west, the name, “Le Cienture l’Assomption”, gave way to today’s term, “The Métis Sash”. The sash was extremely popular among the mixed blood voyageurs and those who settled in the Red River area. Today, the Métis sash continues to be an integral part of Métis cultural celebrations.
Recently, the Manitoba Métis Federation adopted a new color variation, replacing the yellow of the original sash with black.
The blue and white represent the colors of the national flag. This flag, a white infinity symbol on a blue background, was flown on June 19th 1816 at the Battle of Seven Oaks, under the leadership of Cuthbert Grant, who led a Métis brigade on the Assiniboine River and seized the company post at Brandon House. As a result, Governor Semple and 21 of his men were killed, as well as one Métis.
The Métis hunting flag has a red background and a white infinity symbol. During a hunting expedition the flag belongs to the guide of the day, who is standard-bearer. During some of these hunting expeditions great battles have occurred, such as the Battle of Grand Coteau. The black added to the new sash, represents the dark period after 1870 during which time the Métis were suppressed and dispossessed of their land by Canada. In years that followed, Métis were beaten or shot on the streets of Winnipeg, & bounties placed on those who had collaborated with Louis Riel.
Many Métis people moved west, north, east or south. Those who stayed behind were forced off their land and became squatters living mostly on road allowances.
The yellow, which has been removed from the Manitoba sash, may appear in exceptional situations. Representing gold, it can be woven onto both sides of a sash presented by the Métis community to an individual it wishes to honor. (The same system is being contemplated by the Métis National Council and if adopted would be known as The National Order of the Métis Sash.) Green signifies fertility, growth and prosperity for the Métis Nation.
It means that we must move forward and reclaim our rightful place in Canadian History.
- Courtesy Métis Resource Centre
