BALANCING OTIPEMISIWAK AND WAHKOHTOWIN: MÉTIS WOMEN AT ST. FRANÇOIS XAVIER, MANITOBA, 1790-1840

Abstract

Centering the principles of otipemisiwak and wahkohtowin, this thesis examines the role of Métis women in the development of the community of St. François Xavier. While recent historiographical shifts have emphasized community-engaged histories and women’s voices, the role of Métis women within the Red River region during the first half of the nineteenth century remains largely underexplored. This research addresses this gap by highlighting how women were instrumental in shaping the community’s identity during the period of 1790-1840. Utilizing the worldviews of otipemisiwak and wahkohtowin offers a nuanced understanding of how Métis women embedded these concepts into the collective identity, asserting their independence whilst nurturing kinship. Ultimately, this thesis sheds light on the enduring significance of Métis women’s leadership and their vital role in shaping Métis identity, offering a deeper understanding of the community of St. François Xavier as a whole