This painting of Fort Garry in 1869, was one of many.  Lionel Stephenson was only 15 years old when he was commissioned to paint the Fort for soldiers to take home with them for souvenirs.   These paintings are being found in various places - i.e. attics, private collections, etc.

Painting of Fort Garry - 1869 Lionel Stephenson Michif Metis Museum Artifact

The Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society The Michif Métis Museum in British Columbia

The Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society hosts the only Michif Métis Museum of it's kind in the Province of British Columbia and is solely dedicated to the preservation of the Michif Métis Culture and Traditions....

There are Aboriginal People recognized by the Canadian Constitution: Who are the Métis people? People of mixed First Nations and European ancestry who identify themselves as Métis people and are accepted as such by a Métis community and or its leadership.  They are distinct from First Nations, Inuit or non-Aboriginal peoples.  The Métis history and culture draws on diverse ancestral origins such as Ojibway and Cree, Scottish, Irish, French. (Government of Alberta definition) Métis are people who self-identify as Métis and are not registered under the Indian Act (Government of Manitoba definition) Article 10 of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan Constitution defines "Métis" as: 'Métis' means an Aboriginal person who self-identifies as Métis, who is distinct from Indian and Inuit & is a descendant of those Métis who received or were entitled to receive land grants and / or Scrip under the provision of the Manitoba Act, 1870 or the Dominion Lands Act, as enacted from time to time.  A person of Aboriginal descent who is accepted by the Métis Nation and / or Métis Community. ( Amended Dec. 13 / 97 ) We are a proud nation who's history and traditions date back to the early 1600's. Our culture is a rich and vigorous one. We invite you to share and learn about our people here on our site. This page is dedicated to preserving our culture and our proud heritage. The new location for the Michif Métis Museum is: 337 Bernard Rd. Vavenby BC.  Phone - 250-676-0096 Please Note: that we do not have a building as of yet, in the Clearwater, Vavenby area, for our Museum artifacts, but we are working on obtaining one.   Please feel free to drop by and visit us even just to chat, we welcome you.... BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR 'EVENTS CALENDAR' PAGE....To see what's happening in the Michif communities.... ALSO, NOTE: IMPORTANT NOTICES ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.... The Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit society and is registered with the Registrar of Companies in Victoria, BC The purposes of the Society are: -  To record and document the history of Métis people; -  To preserve the unique cultural identity of the Métis people; -  To record and preserve the unique language of Métis people; -  To educate Métis people as to their traditions and distinct cultural identity; -  To educate the public at large as to the important historical role that the Métis   people have played in the development of Canada as a Nation; -  To promote and preserve the advancement and preservation of Métis Literature, Music and Dances; -  To establish and operate a museum for the purposes of educating the public about the unique history, culture, language, music, dance, traditions and identity of the Métis people. The Michif Historical & Cultural Preservation Society will be able to provide a Receipt in the near future for the Purposes of Income Tax, if the donation meets the minimum requirements as defined by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. For more information, please contact:Dale R. Haggerty (Curator) Phone: 1-250-676-0096 or email us at: metismuseum@yahoo.ca

At present, because we do not have a building in the Clearwater, Vavenby area to house our artifacts, part of the Michif Métis Museum artifacts are brought on tour in different localities, from time to time. Other displays will be set up in the Lower Mainland area by request as well as in the Clearwater, Vavenby area. Please call: Our Cultural Director, Derrick Whiteskycloud at: 604-594-6445 or 604-818-8375 for information.

Now Available for the First Time on DVD Voices of Métis Elder's A two-hour presentation by our Métis Elder's of their wisdom and experiences Please go to our Metis Crafts Page for full details....)

Important Notice:   As we now have our Charity Status, anyone wishing to donate to the Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society, will receive a tax deductible receipt, by request, for any donations over $10.00.  Thank you for any donation you may wish to send to help our Michif Metis Museum sharing and bringing our Culture and Heritage into the Metis communities throughout BC as well as visiting other communities and areas. Please make your cheques, bank drafts or money orders out to the 'Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society' and mail to: Michif Metis Museum PO Box 126 Vavenby, BC  V0E 3A0

We are sad to report the passing of a good friend and one of our Board of Directors Rene Proulx Rene Proulx March 13, 1942 - February 18, 2010 Rene was not only one of our Board Elders, but he was also our Mechif/Michif language expert We will miss you, Rene but we know you're in a better place now (To enlarge just click on individual pictures)