The Métis people, whose ancestors were fur traders, developed core cultural values including Otipemisiwak (being your own boss and adapting to change) and Wahkohtowin (kinship and mutual respect). These values emphasize that Métis people historically lived in close-knit communities where everyone worked together, helping each other as extended family. When circumstances change, Métis people adapt by finding new opportunities rather than giving up, as demonstrated by their ancestors who transitioned from the fur trade to farming and business. The series teaches that being a good relative to your koozon (cousin/friend) means treating everyone with respect and recognizing our interconnectedness, while also celebrating cultural traditions like the jig dance and the fiddle (la v'yalon) that were passed down through generations.
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ALL EPISODES Season 1 | Michif Makers! Métis Puppet Series for KidsAdded:
Bella: <i>Mon Frère</i> <b>(Gentle laugher)</b> <i>Taanishi</i> <i>Taanishi</i> <i>TAANISHI</i>!
<b>Whah!</b> <b>(laugher)</b> <i>Taanishi kiya koozon</i>.
<b>What was that?</b> <i>Taanishi kiya</i>. How are you?
<b>Well, I guess I'm doing fine.</b> <i>Boon matayn</i>. Good morning.
<b>What do you feel like doing today?</b> <b>Well, I've got some new chalk</b> <b>we could play a giant game of tic-tac-toe.</b> <b>Great idea!</b> <b>Great, I'll get the chalk.</b> <b>Wait! Aren't we forgetting something?</b> Oh, <i>tapwe</i> Together: Our secret <i>koozin</i> handshake!
Alright, <i>allon</i>.
Henri: <i>Taanishi kiyawow</i>!
Oh, <i>taanishi</i> Henry!
Angelique, <i>mon amii</i> Henry <i>awa</i> <b>This is my friend, Henry.</b> <i>Taanishi</i> Henry. Angelique <i>nishakashoon</i>.
<b>I'm Angelique.</b> <b>It's good to meet you, Angelique.</b> <b>Hey, where are you two going?</b> <b>Oh we were just gonna go play some tic-tac-toe.</b> Oh, I was gonna see if you wanted to come play with me in <i>le gran bwaa</i>.
Oh...<i>le gran bwaa</i>? Mmm...I don't know.
<b>Sure Henry, that sounds like fun.</b> <b>Ahh, William.</b> <b>I thought we were gonna play tic-tac-toe</b> Yeah <i>wah</i>, that's not a good game for three people <b>Let's go into the woods and find a game we can all play.</b> <b>I guess. I do like the forest.</b> Okay, <i>mon frère</i>, let's go!
<i>Ataan</i>! Aren't you forgetting something?
<b>Oh, that's right it's out...</b> <b>(Together) Super duper extreme secret handshake!</b> <b>(Goofy noises)</b> (laughter) <i>ekwa</i>, let's go!
<i>Comma vyen</i>, Angelique?
<b>Uhh...yeah...</b> <i>Wah</i>!
<i>Hen, deu, traw</i> one, two, three <i>katr, saenk, sis</i> four, five, six <b>ready or not, here I come!</b> <b>Hmm...</b> <b>Henri: (laughter)</b> <b>Oh!</b> <b>(laughter)</b> Found you, <i>mon frère</i>!
<b>You found me!</b> <b>Now where could Angelique be?</b> <b>- I don't know. - Okay, let's go.</b> <b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>Hey, found you!</b> <b>(forced laughter) Yeah, you did.</b> <b>Hey, hey, William do you remember the time that you hid here?</b> <b>Yeah, it took you forever to find me didn't it?</b> <b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>And it was only because you started making those strange noises.</b> <b>(William: strange animal noise)</b> <b>(laughter)</b> I thought there was some kind of a <i>lii zisprii</i> or like a sick animal or something.
<b>I was worried you were going to run away</b> and I was gonna be hiding here <i>pour tou taan</i>!
<b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>(Angelique) hey, hey, hey, William.</b> <b>Remember that time you were hiding and you got bit by a wasp?</b> <b>(crickets)</b> <b>That actually hurt quite a bit.</b> <b>Alright, well my turn to hide.</b> Alright, I'll be coming to get you <i>mon frère</i>.
<b>(William: strange animal noise)</b> <b>(angry huff)</b> <b>Hey, what's wrong?</b> <b>It's nothing.</b> <b>It doesn't look like nothing.</b> <b>It's just I was looking forward to playing just the two of us</b> <b>then Henry comes around and you guys want to make super cool handshakes</b> <b>and talk about all the fun you have together, calling him man frier</b> <b>Man frier?</b> Oh, I think you mean <i>mon frère</i>.
Yeah, <i>s'id valeur</i>. I'm sad.
<b>It's not a nickname, it's --</b> <b>Henri: Hey! You guys coming?</b> <b>Oh, what's wrong?</b> <b>I don't think Angelique wants to play hide and seek anymore.</b> <b>Oh. Well, that's okay with me.</b> <b>What do you want to play instead?</b> <b>I don't know. Do you want to play tag?</b> <b>Sure, I'll play!</b> What do you say <i>mon frère</i>?
Ready when you are, <i>mon frère</i>.
<b>Argh! That does it!</b> <b>I've had it with all your nicknames and special games</b> <b>I don't want to play with you two anymore!</b> <b>I'm going to make special friends with...</b> <b>with...</b> <b>(leaves rustling)</b> <b>...this rock.</b> <b>It's my new best friend.</b> <b>Come along, man frier.</b> <i>Miina kaawaapaamatin, mo koozon</i>.
<b>Goodbye cousin.</b> <b>♪sad music♪</b> <b>Would you like some tea to go with your bannock?</b> <b>Rock: Aye lass, tis a fine spread yea 'ave 'ere.</b> <b>(Bella Huffing)</b> Oh! <i>Taanishi kiya</i>, Angelique.
<i>Taanishi</i>, Bella. <i>Keushte fay</i>?
Oh, you know. Just playing catch with <i>moon namii</i>, Ermin. And you?
<b>I am having some tea and bannock with my new best friend, Barney Stone.</b> Say <i>taanishi</i>, Barney.
Rock: <i>Feasgar Math</i>!
<b>...okay. Where's William?</b> <b>Argh. He’s busy with his new man frier, Henri.</b> <b>Would you like to come and play with us instead?</b> <b>Well, I dunno...</b> <b>You can bring that rock of yours.</b> <b>Hmm...</b> <b>(quiet whispering)</b> <i>Si kwaarak</i>, we’ll come.
<b>(Ermin huffing noises)</b> <b>Oh there you are, Bella.</b> <b>I was just talking to Angelique. She’s going to come play with us too.</b> <b>You know what they say: the more the harrier!</b> <b>Or maybe that’s just a weasel thing.</b> <i>Astam</i>! Let’s go!
Right away, <i>mon frère</i>.
<b>Don’t tell me you two are man friers too!</b> <b>Oh no!</b> <b>What’s wrong?</b> <b>I didn’t want to play with William and his friend Henri because all they wanted to do</b> <b>was call each other fun nicknames and talk about all the fun they have together</b> <b>and did I mention the fun nicknames because I don't know if I did.</b> <b>Oh, I understand. You felt like you were being left out, right?</b> <b>It’s not that I don’t want Henri to come play with us</b> <b>but when they use their special nicknames, I feel left out.</b> <b>Oh, Angelique.</b> <b>It's okay to feel sad, but just because your best friend is having fun with</b> <b>someone else, doesn't make him any less of your friend.</b> <b>It doesn't?</b> <b>Of course not! Us weasels have tons of friends!</b> <b>But what about that nickname you all use for each other, man frier?</b> <b>(Bella chuckling)</b> I think you mean <i>mon frère</i>.
Yeah. Why can’t I be someone’s <i>mon frère</i>?
<b>Well, that’s because it means "my brother".</b> <b>But William and Henri aren’t brother and neither are you and Ermin.</b> <b>That's true.</b> <b>Bella: That's because a long time ago</b> <b>the Métis people used to live in small communities.</b> <b>Everyone need to work together and help each other.</b> <b>You would have big families</b> <b>not just parents, brother and sisters</b> <b>but also cousins, grandparents and even friends.</b> <b>So if you had friend who was a boy and you were really close</b> you think of him like a brother and call him <i>mon frère</i>.
Bella: So you see, when William calls his friend Henri <i>mon frère</i> <b>it's just his way of showing him how much he cares about him.</b> <b>But how do I know if William cares about me?</b> <b>Oh, I'm sure William lets you know in his own kind of way.</b> <b>Angelique: Hmm...</b> <b>♪reflective music♪</b> <b>You're right. Gee, I feel a little silly now.</b> <b>I hope William and Henri are okay that I ran off.</b> <b>I'm sure they're okay. Did you still want to play catch with us?</b> <b>I have an even better idea.</b> <b>(Sigh)</b> <b>Tag, you are it.</b> <b>No. You are the one who is it.</b> <b>William! Henri!</b> Angelique! You’re back. <i>Tu bayn</i>?
<i>Oui</i>, I'm feeling better.
<b>I 'm sorry I ran away like that.</b> I understand now why Henri is your <i>frère</i> and <i>si bonn</i>.
<b>You do?</b> <b>Um-hmm.</b> <b>It's nice to have good friends.</b> <b>People you call family, even when you aren't really related.</b> <b>That's right!</b> Henri might be <i>mon frère</i> but you are still my number one <i>koozon</i>.
<b>(Angelique gentle laughter)</b> <b>Having lots of friends just means you have more people you can play with.</b> <b>Speaking of...</b> <b>I hope you don't mind</b> <b>but I brought even more friends to play the most epic game of hide and seek ever!</b> <b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>Alright, I'll count first.</b> <i>hen, deu, traw</i> <b>one, two, three</b> <b>ready or not, here I come!</b> <b>William: (strange noise)</b> <b>Angelique: William, I can hear you!</b> <i>Taanishi, taanishi</i>! Step right up, ladies and gentlemen.
<b>Step right up and taste the most amazing, the most scrumptious</b> <i>lii pwaer</i> berry jam you have ever tasted!
<b>Its the jam with the wham!</b> <i>Lii pwaer</i> with the..umm... <b>Hmm...</b> <i>Taanishi, koozon</i> <b>Ah, is that some of your jam?</b> <i>Oui</i>. Would you like to it?
<i>Astam</i>, Ermin. This is that wonderful jam I was telling you about.
<b>Here, try it!</b> <b>(lip smacking)</b> <b>Mmm....that is gee, double-oh, dee good!</b> <b>How do you make it.</b> <i>Astam</i>, I'll tell you.
<b>(whispering) Secret perry patch.</b> <b>(yelling) A secret berry--</b> <b>Shh!</b> <b>(whispering) That's amazing!</b> <b>What are you selling all this jam for anyway?</b> <b>I'm trying to get a brand new bicycle.</b> That’s great, <i>koozon</i>.
<b>Mme. Buffloo: Oh, no, no, no.</b> <b>We're going to have to move fast to outrun those market predators.</b> <b>I say we sell our stock now!</b> (<i>headset beep</i>) <i>Boon matayn</i>, Mme. Buffloo!
Oh! <i>boon matayn</i>, children!
<b>And what are you doing this morning?</b> <b>I am selling the most wonderfying, the most tantalizing,</b> <b>the most adjective inspiring saskatoon jam in the whole wide world.</b> <b>Would you like to try some?</b> <b>Its so good to see children carrying on that entrepreneurial spirit.</b> <b>I'd love to!</b> <b>(approvingly) Mmm...</b> <b>It’s good, isn’t it?</b> <b>It’s better than good, it’s perfect!</b> <b>I’d like to buy a few jars. Let’s say...one hundred.</b> <b>One...one hundred?</b> <b>Yes! I think this is the perfect new product</b> <b>for my line of rustic but charming hand-crafted goods.</b> <b>Well that’s great, kuz. You’ll be able to buy that bike in no time.</b> <b>There's just one problem.</b> <i>Ke say sa</i>? What is it?
<b>Well, I only have ten jars.</b> <b>Oh...I see. Well, how long until you can get me the rest?</b> <b>It’s going to take me a long time to pick all those berries...</b> <i>wah</i>, well I can help you, kuz.
<i>Oh oui moiun oosii</i>. I can too!
<b>You can? Wow, that would be super!</b> <b>I’ll even share some of the money with you two.</b> <b>Oh, look at you!</b> <b>Such a smart young business woman.</b> <b>You remind me of...myself!</b> You are a real <i>otipemisiwak</i>.
<b>Uhh...otti what now?</b> <b>Nevermind that.</b> <b>Right now you need to concentrate on getting that jam made.</b> I’ll be back at the end of the week. <i>Bonn shaans</i>!
(<i>headset beep</i>) <b>Yes, Cheryl?</b> <b>It’s time to buy, buy, buy!</b> <b>That’s right, I think peanut butter and bannock is going to be</b> <b>a big growth market soon.</b> <b>Start buying up shares immediately!</b> <i>On va twayr plu tard</i>, children!
Wow! <i>Bonn oourazh, koozon</i>.
<b>No time to celebrate...to the berry bush!</b> <b>♪ trumpet flourish ♪</b> <b>(bird chirping)</b> <b>Just a little further.</b> <b>We’re almost at my secret berry patch.</b> <b>Hey, where's Ermin?</b> <i>Icit</i>! I'm here!
<b>Oh!</b> <b>Oof! I'm okay.</b> <b>Alright, we're here.</b> <b>My secret berry patch!</b> Umm...Angelique? Where are all the <i>pwaer</i> berries?
<b>What do you mean?</b> <b>Oh no! My berries. They're all gone.</b> <b>It looks like the birds ate them all.</b> <b>This is terrible!</b> I’m sorry, <i>koozon</i>.
<b>Maybe you could try making a different kind of jam?</b> <b>But I’m not Angelique the different kind of jam maker</b> I'm Angelique <i>il pwaer</i> berry jam maker.
<b>What am I going to do?</b> <b>Wait a minute, look at this!</b> <b>There’s still some berries left in the dirt!</b> <b>(rummaging in dirt)</b> <b>Oh! Tasty!</b> <b>I don’t know, Angelique. Those berries aren’t looking too fresh.</b> <b>What are you talking about?</b> <b>(unappetizing crunching)</b> <b>(falsely) Yum! Better than fresh.</b> <b>(rummaging in dirt)</b> <b>There! Now, I’ll start working on the first batch</b> <b>you and Ermin keep picking away</b> <b>we’ll have those one hundred jars done in no time!</b> <b>(frantic laughter)</b> <b>(lip smacking)</b> <b>(burp)</b> <i>waah</i>! Hey, where did Angelique go? Is she going to be okay?
<b>I hope so.</b> <b>(frantic laughter)</b> There! Just finished my first batch of new and improved <i>lii pwaer</i> berry jam.
<b>(frantic laughter)</b> <b>(sigh)</b> <i>Taanshi, koozon</i>! How did the berry picking go?
<b>Not very well. I think we mostly gathered up some gravel and twigs.</b> <b>How does the jam taste?</b> <b>Here, why don’t you try some?</b> <b>Oh, I don't know --</b> <b>(unappetizing crunching)</b> <b>(deep swallow)</b> <b>Well, what do you think?</b> <b>It's...</b> <i>gootay pa bonn, koozon</i>. It’s not good.
<b>(sigh) You're right.</b> <b>I don’t know what I was thinking.</b> <b>We’ll never finish those one hundred jars now.</b> <i>Wah</i>, is there anything else we can do?
<b>No, I just want to be alone right now.</b> <b>♪ Reflective music ♪</b> <b>(heavy sigh)</b> <b>If I can’t make my jam, I’ll never be able to get that new bicycle.</b> <b>And the worst part is that I don’t know what to tell Mme. Buffloo.</b> <b>Podcast Voice: Remember, take time to unwind.</b> <b>Disconnect from work. Unplug from technology.</b> <b>Mme. Buffloo: Disconnect from work. Unplug from technology.</b> <b>Mme. Buffloo?</b> <b>Mmm? Oh, Angelique!</b> (<i>headset beep</i>) <i>Taanishi kiya</i>. Tell me, how is the jam coming along?
<b>There’s a big problem.</b> <b>The birds ate all the berries and now I can’t make you anymore jam.</b> <i>Nisitohten</i>. I understand.
<b>I guess I’m not a real Oti-what's-a-ma-called again?</b> <i>Otipemisiwak</i> <b>Oh, Angelique. I’m sorry to hear about that.</b> <b>But you know, sometimes things change and we can either give up or change with them.</b> That’s what being a real <i>Otipemisiwak</i> is all about.
<i>Tapwe</i>?
<b>That's right, you see...</b> <b>Mme. Buffloo: Long ago, your Métis ancestors started out in the fur trade</b> <b>exchanging animal furs for other goods.</b> Their Cree relatives called them <i>Otipemisiwak</i> which means <b>"people who are their own boss".</b> <b>But then, things started to change.</b> <b>The animals started disappearing and with it, the Métis way of life.</b> <b>Now, did your ancestors give up?</b> No! They were <i>Otipemisiwak</i> and they changed too.
<b>Many started farming, or moved to towns where they started their own businesses.</b> <b>It was hard work, but your ancestors took control of their future.</b> <b>So you see, sometimes your world changes</b> and you need to step back, step up and be a real <i>Otipemisiwak</i>.
A real <i>Otipemisiwak</i>.
<b>What do you think I should do?</b> <b>Look inside yourself and find something that inspires you.</b> <b>Oh! Time for my three o’clock meeting.</b> (<i>headset beeps</i>) Yes Carol, sorry I’m a little late <b>I had another very important meeting to attend</b> <b>Mmm? Um-hmm. Yes.</b> <b>(heavy sigh)</b> <b>Step back, step up. What inspires me?</b> <b>I've got it!</b> <b>(humming to herself)</b> Ah! <i>Taanishi, koozon</i>!
Ah, <i>taanishi kiya</i>!
<b>Glad to see that you're feeling better.</b> <b>What is it that you wanted to show us?</b> <i>Cheeshkwa</i>! In a minute.
<b>I’m just waiting for the guest of honour.</b> <i>Taanshi</i>, Mme. Buffloo!
Well, <i>bonn apray mijii</i>, children.
<b>Angelique, you said you had a very important announcement?</b> <b>Mmm-hmm. That's right.</b> <b>Step right up here and I will reveal the greatest thing since buttered bannock.</b> <b>I give you, Angelique’s fantastic birch bark baskets!</b> <b>Ohhh!</b> <b>Why Angelique, these are the perfect new accessory for my fall fashion line.</b> <b>You like them?</b> Angelique, I don’t like them <i>n’sakihtun</i>, I love them!
Hey, congrats, <i>koozon</i>.
<b>Yeah, good job!</b> <i>Maarsi</i>! And <i>maarsi</i> to you Mme. Buffloo.
<b>Sometimes things change and if we want to succeed</b> <b>we need to change as well.</b> <b>If I can’t be Angelique the jam maker</b> <b>maybe I can be Angelique the basket maker.</b> <b>Well said, Angelique!</b> You really are a real <i>Otipemisiwak</i>.
<b>Now tell me, how many baskets are ready?</b> <b>Well, just the one so far...</b> <b>Oh my. Well, I’d like to place an order for...two hundred, please.</b> <b>Wow!</b> <b>You’ll be able to get that bike in no time!</b> <b>Well, we need to make some baskets first.</b> <b>Ermin?</b> <b>Umm-hmm.</b> <b>William?</b> <b>Uh-huh.</b> To <i>le graan bwaa</i>!
<b>♪ trumpet flourish ♪</b> <b>What, like right now?</b> <b>We just got here.</b> <b>Okay, maybe later.</b> <b>(burp)</b> <b>Pirate: We be at sea now for longer than I can remember.</b> <b>Me crew and I be in search of the fabled treasure</b> <b>said to be guarded by an evil ghost ship.</b> <b>Though we be a hardy crew of rough and tumble pirates</b> <b>I still can't shakes the feeling that somethin' missin'</b> <b>Bella: What do you mean?</b> <b>Well, William, what do you think we’re missing?</b> <i>Wah</i> I can’t put my peg leg on it.
<b>We’ve got hats?</b> <i>Oui</i> <b>Treasure map?</b> <b>Yep.</b> <b>Swords?</b> <b>(loudly) Argh-argh!</b> <b>(quietly) I mean, yes.</b> <b>Hmm...</b> <b>Ahh!</b> <i>Nikishkaytean</i>! I know! We don’t have a flag.
All: <i>Tapwe</i> <b>Here, let’s use one of these old sheets.</b> <b>Good idea, I’ll go get some paints!</b> <b>Now, what colour should we make it?</b> Oh! I want to paint it <i>liroozh</i>.
But I want to paint it <i>mêhk waw</i>, No, no. We're pirates. It should be <i>liroozh</i>.
Of course, that’s why it should be <i>mêhk waw</i> <i>Liroozh</i>!
<i>Mêhk waw</i>!
<i>Liroozh</i>!
<i>Mêhk waw</i>!
<i>Aen naamii</i>! Friends! Come on <b>let’s find a colour we can all agree on.</b> Well, I want it to be <i>liroozh</i>.
That’s <i>mêhk waw</i>!
Oh. I was always told it was <i>liroozh</i>.
<b>Angelique: (laughter)</b> <i>Liroozh</i>, <i>mêhk waw</i>. It’s all the same thing.
<b>Come on, let’s start painting.</b> <b>You know what this flag really needs?</b> <b>An emblem. Something that screams "we’re pirates"!</b> <b>I know, I know...</b> how about a <i>l’jon</i> skeleton?
Hmm...I was thinking about a <i>osâwâw</i> raven.
No, no, no...it would be much better with a <i>l’jon</i> skeleton.
Well, I think it should be a <i>osâwâw</i> raven.
<b>(sigh)</b> <b>Wait, wait, wait.</b> Ermin, can you show me which colour is <i>l’jon</i>?
<b>Certainly.</b> <b>This one.</b> And Bella, can you show me which one is <i>osâwâw</i>?
<b>Yep</b> <b>Whoa!</b> <b>It’s the same one.</b> <b>You silly weasels! Its the same colour.</b> <b>See, no problem at all. Now let's paint that raven.</b> <b>But I wanted a skeleton!</b> <b>Oh. Well...Angelique?</b> <b>I kind of like the skeleton too.</b> <b>Well we like the raven.</b> <b>Team skeleton, for the win!</b> <b>Woot woot! (chuckles)</b> <b>Well, Captain William, what are you going to do?</b> <b>How about you be captain of that side of the ship</b> <b>and I can be captain of this side.</b> <b>That way we can each fly our own flags.</b> <b>Well...let's see how this goes.</b> <b>Alright, we’ve got our swords, our treasure maps</b> <b>our hats and our flags!</b> <b>Captain, are you ready to heave anchor and set sail?</b> <b>Aye-aye, captain. Ermin, set course!</b> <b>Aye-aye!</b> <b>Bella, hoist the sails!</b> <b>(together) We're off to...</b> <b>- Dig for buried treasure! -Capture merchant ships!</b> <b>Ermine and Bella: Oh oh.</b> <i>li pardoon mo’ koozon</i> but I thought it would be more fun <b>to go hunting for pirate treasures.</b> Well, <i>koozon</i>, you said I could be captain <b>and now I want to plunder all the booty I can find.</b> But <i>koozon</i>, we haven’t found any treasure yet.
<b>And I want to plunder booty.</b> <b>(frustrated) Fine! You can go plunder whatever, but I'm taking</b> <b>my ship to go look for buried treasure!</b> <b>(strained grunting)</b> <b>You aren’t allowed to do that!</b> <b>Let go!</b> <b>(strained struggling)</b> <b>Ermin: Oh boy!</b> <b>Bella: Whoa!</b> <b>Ermin: I'm getting sea sick!</b> <b>Angelique: You aren’t being a very fair captain, captain.</b> William: Well, I don’t think you’re being a good <i>koozon</i>!
<b>(Thunder clap)</b> <b>(mortified realization)</b> <b>Bella and Ermine: Ohh...</b> <b>(sigh)</b> <b>I...I just...</b> <b>Wait to go, captains.</b> <b>Who knew pirates could be so mean.</b> <b>Some captain I turned out to be.</b> <b>I can’t even keep my crew together.</b> <b>Lou: ♪ whistling ♪</b> <b>(sigh)</b> Well <i>taanishi</i> young William, <i>taanishi kiya</i>.
Oh, <i>taanishi</i> Lou.
<i>S’id valeur</i>. I’m feeling sad.
<b>Oh, well...</b> <i>Taanishi itamashchihoyen</i>? What’s wrong?
<b>Well, we were all playing pirates in the park</b> <b>but we couldn’t agree on anything</b> <b>and got into a big fight and now everyone is mad at each other.</b> Even worse, I told Angelique she was a bad <i>koozon</i>.
<b>Well, is she?</b> <b>Of course not! I just wanted to do the things I wanted do.</b> <b>Yep, people can be difficult, believe me.</b> <b>But your ancestors had a way of keeping things together.</b> It’s called <i>Wahkohtowin</i>.
<i>Wahkohtowin</i>? <i>Kaykwy</i>? What is it?
Well, it’s a word they borrowed from their Cree <i>lii koozons</i>.
<b>It means "kinship" but it’s much more than that.</b> <b>Lou: You see, a long time ago</b> <b>Métis people had to get along with many different people.</b> <b>Now, did they get into disagreements with one another?</b> <b>You bet they did!</b> But through <i>Wahkohtowin</i> <b>they learned that they had to treat everyone with respect</b> <b>because we're all connected.</b> <b>Métis people changed. Many of them moved away</b> <b>and they even started speaking different languages</b> <b>but you know what? They are still family.</b> So you see, think about <i>Wahkotowin</i> and how you can be a good relative to your <i>koozon</i>.
<b>Be a good relative.</b> <b>How do I start?</b> <b>That's up to you, William</b> <b>(splashing)</b> <b>Whoa! (chuckling)</b> <b>think about what you would like</b> <b>if you were in Angelique’s position.</b> Okay. <i>Maarsi</i> Lou.
<b>I think I know what I have to do.</b> <b>I just hope everyone has calmed down a bit.</b> <b>♪ Military drumroll ♪</b> We, the pirates of the <i>l’jon</i> skull, do hereby declare war.
And we, the pirates of <i>osâwâw</i> raven <b>accept your declaration and we are prepared to fight</b> <b>to the end!</b> <b>Then let this be the hour of our final battle. One!</b> <b>Two!</b> <b>William: Wait!</b> <b>What are you two doing?!</b> <b>So, we were...</b> <b>...that is to say...</b> <b>going to...destroy each other.</b> Oh, Ermin. Bella. <i>Astam ota</i>.
<b>Come here.</b> <b>I know we all got upset with each other</b> <b>but that’s no reason to blow each other up.</b> -<i>Tapwe</i>. -<i>Tapwe</i>.
<b>We’re never going to agree on everything, but</b> <b>whether want different flags,</b> or we say <i>liroozh</i> or <i>mêhk waw</i> <b>we’re a family and we have to work together to make the world</b> <b>even an imaginary pirate one</b> <b>a place we all want to be part of.</b> <b>He’s right.</b> <b>I know. I actually think your flag is kinda neat.</b> <b>I didn’t know a bird would look so cool until I saw it.</b> <i>Wah wah</i>. Come here <i>mon naamii</i>!
<b>(laughter)</b> <b>Oh, Angelique.</b> I’m so sorry I said you were a bad, <i>koozon</i>.
It’s not true: you’re the best <i>koozon</i> I could ever wish for.
<i>Ni mihtatayn</i>.
<b>I’m sorry I said you were a bad captain.</b> <b>I was just so angry.</b> <b>(gentle laughter)</b> <b>Ermin: Let us in!</b> <b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>Look at us, a bunch of pirates hugging. Yuck!</b> <b>Do you still want to play?</b> <i>Tapwe</i> <b>Why don’t we first see about capturing those merchant ships</b> <b>and then bury our treasure on a deserted island?</b> <b>(enthusiastic agreement)</b> <b>Argh...Métis!</b> <b>Ah! I see what you did there!</b> <b>Ha! Argh argh!</b> <b>(Thunder clap)</b> <b>Pirate: So once again, me crew stands united</b> <b>ready to take on any challenge across the high seas!</b> <b>(lighthouse horn)</b> <b>Beware all ye scallywags unlucky enough to cross our swords</b> <b>for together, we be unstoppable!</b> <b>Up to bat, we’ve got Fantastique Angelique.</b> <b>Throwing the ball, we've got Billy "The Kid" Donald.</b> <b>It all comes down to this.</b> <b>Swing batta, batta.</b> <b>Swing batta --</b> <b>Ermin.</b> <b>Do you mind?</b> Oh, right. <i>Na ponotin</i>.
<b>I'll be quiet.</b> <b>♪ dramatic drum roll ♪</b> <b>Swing batta-batta!</b> <b>(crashing sound)</b> <b>Ball.</b> <b>Ermin!</b> <b>Sorry, Angelique.</b> <i>Kiyam</i>, I’ll go get it.
<i>Kaykwy ooma</i>? What’s this?
<b>(reading) Mme. Buffloo's Dance Competition</b> <b>this Saturday.</b> <b>Prizes for all winners.</b> <b>(excited) Ahh!</b> <b>Hey, koz, you find that ball?</b> <b>Saturday. Competition. Off. Dance!</b> <i>Wah wah</i>?
<b>There’s a dance off competition this Saturday!</b> <b>Oh, Angelique, you love dancing!</b> (dismissive) Ah, <i>si taynteresaan</i>.
<b>It’s more than interesting!</b> <b>This is my chance to show the world what I can do.</b> <b>But what dance should I do?</b> <b>A spicy salsa?</b> <b>A tantalizing tango?</b> <b>A breathtaking ballet?</b> <b>What about making up your own dance?</b> <b>My own dance?</b> <i>Tapwe</i>.
<b>I’m sure the judge would love a dance they haven’t seen before.</b> <b>My own dance.</b> <b>That’s a great idea!</b> <b>Our baseball game will have to wait.</b> <b>From now on, I will not rest until I have my new dance.</b> <i>M’wistas</i>, friends!
<b>Hey, it also says dancers must provide their own music.</b> <b>Hey, Angelique! What music do you think --</b> <b>She's gone.</b> <b>Well, I’m sure she read the whole thing.</b> <b>Hey! Why don't we go find that ball that William lost?</b> <b>I didn’t lose the ball.</b> <b>Ermin: Hey look! A nickel.</b> <b>William: Alright?</b> <b>Bella: Okay.</b> <b>Ermine, are you ready?</b> <b>All set!</b> <b>Okay, here we go.</b> <i>hen, deu, traw</i> <b>Whoa!</b> <i>Bonn apray mijii</i>, everyone!
<b>Long time, no see, koz.</b> <b>How is the dance coming along?</b> <b>I think you mean how is the dance finished.</b> <b>Do you want to see?</b> <i>Oui, sil voo play</i>!
Okay, <i>maachihtaahk</i>!
<b>(clears throat)</b> <b>First, I start with a kick</b> <b>then, I do a step</b> <b>and another step</b> <b>then a kick.</b> <b>Kick, step, step, kick.</b> <i>hen, deu, traw, katr</i> <i>hen, deu, traw, katr</i> <b>Hey! I wanna try.</b> <i>hen, deu, traw, katr</i> <i>hen, deu, traw, katr</i> <b>My turn, my turn!</b> <i>peyak, niso, nisto, newo</i> <i>peyak, niso, nisto, newo</i> <b>(shared laughter)</b> <i>Wah</i>?
<b>Aww...okay.</b> <i>hen, deu,</i> tra--ahh!
<b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>Dancing never was my specialty.</b> <i>Miiyaashin</i>. Hey, Angelique, what music are you going to use?
<i>Li pardoon</i>?
<b>The sign said everyone had to provide their own music.</b> <b>Oh. I didn’t read that part.</b> Don’t worry, <i>koozon</i> <b>I thought that might happen so we prepared.</b> <b>Ermin? Bella?</b> <b>Okay, back your way.</b> <b>(struggling noises)</b> Oh! You did this all for me. <i>Maarsi</i>!
<i>Kihcinac</i>. No problem.
<b>Here, let’s try one of my favourite songs.</b> <b>(click)</b> <b>♪ mellow alternative rock ♪</b> <i>Je regre</i>, William. I don’t think it’ll work.
<b>Oh, okay.</b> <b>(click)</b> <b>Okay, my turn!</b> <b>Here’s a track that’ll really get your feet moving.</b> <b>(click)</b> <b>♪ Fast-paced punk music ♪</b> <b>(quietly) I don't think it will work.</b> (yelling) <i>kaykway</i>?
<b>(yelling) I said, I don't think it will --</b> <b>(click) WORK!</b> <b>Step aside, boys.</b> <b>I have the perfect track for Angelique’s feet.</b> <b>(click)</b> <b>♪ Heavy metal music ♪</b> <b>(click)</b> <i>Maarsi</i> everyone.
<b>You all have interesting choices of music</b> <b>but none of them fit with my dance.</b> <b>Could you come up with a different dance?</b> <b>No. The dance-off is soon, I’ll never finish in time.</b> <b>Cheer up, koz. There's still some time.</b> <b>Maybe you’ll find some inspiration somewhere?</b> <i>Ahpo itikwi</i>. Maybe.
<b>I just need to take a little walk.</b> <b>(click) ♪ Heavy metal music ♪</b> <i>hen, deu, traw, katr</i> <i>hen, deu, traw, katr</i> <b>I have the perfect dance now I just need the perfect music.</b> <b>♪ Distant fiddle music ♪</b> <b>Ah!</b> <b>♪ Fiddle music ♪</b> <b>Where is that music coming from?</b> <b>Hey, what’s the big...</b> <b>Oh, Angelique.</b> <i>Tân’si êkwa kiya</i>. How are you?
<i>Aha, marrsi</i>. Okay, thanks.
<b>Say, did you happen to hear some music around here?</b> <b>Oh, you mean this? ♪ Fiddle chord ♪</b> Yeah! <i>Ces kway sa</i>?
Well, this is <i>la v’yalon</i>.
<i>La v’yalon</i>. Where did you get it?
Well, I’ve been playing <i>la v’yalon</i> for most of my life now.
But the story of <i>la v’yalon</i> goes back much further than that.
<b>Lou: A very long time ago, fur traders from Europe</b> brought over <i>la v’yalon</i> with them.
<b>When the first Métis communities started they</b> <b>kept playing the instruments of their forefathers.</b> <i>La v’yalon</i> was very important to the Métis.
<b>Families would gather in their homes</b> <b>move all the furniture</b> and dance the night away to the music of <i>la v’yalon</i>.
<b>Dance the night away!</b> <b>Say, do you think you could you start playing again?</b> <i>Oui</i>!
<b>♪ Fiddle music ♪</b> <b>(laughter)</b> <b>Hey, this is working!</b> <b>It works with my dance.</b> <b>Well of course it does!</b> <i>La v’yalon</i> has always gone together with the jig.
<b>The jig? What's a jig?</b> <b>That dance of yours.</b> <b>Your ancestors have been doing it for hundreds of years.</b> Like the music of <i>la v’yalon</i> <b>they took dances from all their ancestors</b> including their Cree <i>li koozon</i> <b>and put the best parts together to make the jig.</b> <b>Oh, I thought I had invented it.</b> <b>Well, everybody puts their own spin on it.</b> <b>Now tell me, why all this interest?</b> <b>I came up with it for a dance competition</b> <b>but I didn't have the right music for it.</b> <b>You mean Mme. Buffloo's dance competition?</b> <i>Tapwe</i> <b>You mean the dance competition happening...</b> <b>...right now?</b> <b>I’m sorry! I lost track of time.</b> <b>I need to hurry, or I’ll be late!</b> <b>Umm...hey, Lou.</b> <b>I was wondering, if you're not too busy...</b> <b>I can come with you, Angelique.</b> Okay! <i>Maarsi, maarsi</i>!
<b>(crowd cheering)</b> <b>Well, I think we’ve seen some excellent dancing here today.</b> <b>What do you all think?</b> <b>(cheering)</b> <b>(whispering) Have you seen Angelique?</b> <b>(whispering) No, but she'd better get here quickly.</b> <b>Now comes the part of the afternoon that you have all</b> <b>been waiting for.</b> <i>Payho</i>! Wait!
<b>Angelique?</b> <b>(out of breath)</b> I have a dance to perform <i>sil voo play</i>.
<b>Well, this is exciting.</b> <b>Ladies and gentlemen, we have one final performance</b> <b>this afternoon. I give you, Angelique!</b> <i>Maarsi</i> (deep breath) <b>Lou?</b> <b>♪ Fiddle music ♪</b> <b>Woo!</b> <b>(crowd cheering)</b> <b>(applause)</b> <b>Way to go!</b> <b>Great music, koz!</b> <b>What a fantastic dance, Angelique!</b> <i>Maarsi</i>, Mme. Buffloo and <i>maarsi</i>, Lou.
<b>Well, that was unexpected but delightful.</b> <b>Now, as I was going to say</b> <b>this is the part of the afternoon you have all</b> <b>been waiting for...prizes!</b> <b>I hope I win.</b> <b>(drumroll) And now, the prizes goes to...</b> <b>...everyone!</b> <b>Angelique: everyone?</b> <b>That’s right. Prizes for all winners</b> <b>and you are all winners to me.</b> <b>Sounds good to me.</b> <i>ki takahki wipinikan, koozon</i>. Congratulations!
<b>Now, Lou while you are here</b> <b>would you mind playing a little more for us?</b> <i>Tapwe</i>!
<b>♪ Fiddle music ♪</b> <i>Astam</i>, koz!
<b>Oh, okay.</b> <b>Argh!</b> <b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>I'm okay!</b> <b>Nice work, koz.</b> <b>Thank you, cousin!</b> <i>Wah Wah</i>!
<b>I can’t wait to go camping this weekend.</b> <b>are you sure we packed everything?</b> <i>Oui</i> I am one hundred percent, absolutely sure.
<b>Maybe we should check again just to be safe.</b> <b>I don’t want to miss anything!</b> <b>(William muttering to himself)</b> <b>Tent?</b> <i>Oui</i> <i>Taanishi</i>!
(dismissively) <i>Taanishi</i>.
<b>Okay, where were we?</b> <b>Tent, yep. Marshmellows?</b> Mmm. <i>Oui</i>.
<b>Did I say sleeping bags yet?</b> <b>Yes you did, William.</b> <b>I'm just so --</b> -- hey, you! <i>Naki</i>!
<i>Je regre</i>, William.
<b>I was just looking for a little snack and --</b> <b>Ermin?</b> <b>Is that you?</b> <b>Of course it’s me. Who else would I be?</b> <b>You look different.</b> <b>Oh, yeah.</b> <b>Us weasels start to change colour when it gets colder.</b> <b>What's all this for?</b> <b>We are going camping!</b> <b>Camping?</b> <b>I hope you brought your extra thick moccasins</b> <b>it's going to be chill-y.</b> <b>No it isn’t.</b> I mean, sure, the <i>nipiya</i> on the trees are turning <i>l’jon</i> <b>and the nights are getting longer but there’s no reason</b> <b>we can’t swim in the river and have a picnic.</b> <b>It’s going to be the best weekend ever!</b> <i>Wah</i>, do you want to come with us?
<b>That sure sounds fun, but when my fur starts to change</b> that tells me I need to <i>miciso, miciso, miciso</i> <b>before the snow comes.</b> <b>Snow? What do you mean, snow?</b> <b>Say it ain’t so, snow! Hehehe.</b> <b>Umm...William?</b> <i>Kikway</i>?
<i>Mispon</i>. It’s snowing.
<b>Yikes! What am I doing here when I could be out eating!</b> Alright, <i>m'wistas</i>!
<i>kikway ekwa tatotamah</i>? What should we do?
<b>It looks really light</b> <b>It’ll probably just melt by the afternoon.</b> <b>We can still go camping.</b> <i>kihcinahoon</i>? We’ve only got our summer things.
<b>Argh, that’s okay.</b> <b>Trust me, it will all work itself out once we get to</b> <i>le graan bwaa</i>.
<b>Now, let’s go over the list, one more time.</b> <b>(William muttering to himself)</b> Ah, nothing like <i>le graan bwaa</i> on a... <b>(shivers)...warm day.</b> I’m not so sure about this. you’re turning a little <i>bleu</i>.
<b>Oh, that’s just the scattering of light waves</b> <b>through atmospheric particles.</b> <b>Why, just thinking about all the fun things we can do is</b> <b>warming me up.</b> <b>We can go looking for frogs</b> <b>climb some trees</b> build <i>enn pchit mayzoon</i> out of sticks.
<b>That all sounds fun, but my toes are getting cold.</b> <b>You just need to get your blood going.</b> Come on, I’ll race you to <i>l’rivyayr</i>!
<b>I don’t know --</b> <i>hen, deu, traw, allon</i>!
<b>(loud splash)</b> <b>William: (loud scream)</b> <b>(Freezing) How refreshing</b> <b>but maybe it's time to get dressed.</b> <i>Tapwe</i>.
<b>Hey, William?</b> <b>I don’t think we can do everything you had planned.</b> <b>But what about our best weekend ever?</b> <b>I think it’s time to move on and try something different.</b> <b>But I don’t want to move on!</b> <b>I want to do everything we had planned, right now!</b> <b>Well, right now, I want to feel my toes</b> <b>so I'm going to get my boots.</b> <i>Miina kaawaapaamatin, koozon</i>.
<b>Well, this just means more bugs for me to catch</b> <b>but a little hot chocolate sure would be nice right about now.</b> <b>(frustrated grunting)</b> <b>Well, I wasn’t thirsty anyway.</b> <b>I know! We can play hide and seek, and --</b> <b>(sigh)</b> <b>(mouse squeaking)</b> <b>Ermin: (huffing noises)</b> <b>Ermin! You came!</b> Oh, <i>taanishi</i>.
<b>Sorry William, snacking time. Gotta go!</b> <b>Well, I don't care what anyone else says</b> <b>I can still make up my own fun</b> <b>this is still going to be the best weekend ever!</b> <b>Argh!</b> <b>(mouse squeaking)</b> <b>Ermin: (laboured breathing)</b> <i>Taanishi</i>?
<i>Taanishi</i>! <i>Wiichihin</i>! Help me!
<b>William?</b> <i>Keushte fay</i>? What are you doing?
Oh, you know, just enjoying <i>le graan bwaa</i> and -- (shivers) <i>Tahkayow</i>. It's really cold.
<b>Oh, William.</b> <b>It’s dangerous to be alone in the cold dressed like this.</b> <b>Well, I was playing with Angelique but</b> <b>she left and said we couldn’t do everything we had planned</b> <b>but I just want to play outside.</b> <b>You can still have fun outside, William.</b> You just need to pay attention to <i>Tipiskaw Pisim</i>.
What’s <i>tipiskwa pisim</i>?
<b>Look up in the sky.</b> That’s <i>tipiskaw pisim</i>.
<b>The moon?</b> <i>Tapwe</i> <b>Or, as your ancestors called it: the night sun.</b> <i>Ttipiskaw pisim</i>.
<b>Lou: A long time ago, before your ancestors had calendars</b> they would track the changes of <i>tipiskaw pisim</i>.
Each cycle of <i>tipiskaw pisim</i> had its own name.
<b>The egg hatching moon told them that spring had come</b> <b>while later in the year, the freezing up moon</b> <b>meant that winter was coming.</b> <b>I know you like the warm weather</b> <b>but the winter moons can also be a fun time.</b> <b>They’ve always been a time when families could come together</b> <b>share stories, music and the warmth of a fire.</b> <b>Things can’t stay the same forever</b> but if you pay attention to <i>tipiskaw pisim</i> <b>I’m sure you can find lots of fun things to do</b> <b>no matter what time of year it is.</b> <b>Yeah, you're right.</b> <b>I don’t know why I got hung up on all the warm weather stuff.</b> <b>I like winter too!</b> <b>There’s skating, and tobogganing</b> <b>Oh! And telling spooky stories by the fire.</b> <b>See?</b> <b>Now, why don’t we pack all this up for next year and</b> <b>you head home to get yourself a hat and pair of mitts on.</b> <b>Umm...just give me a minute though.</b> <i>Taanayhki</i>?
<b>I can’t feel my butt.</b> <b>(laughter)</b> <i>Taanishi, koozon</i>.
<i>Wah</i>! William, you look dressed for the weather.
<b>I know.</b> <b>I’m sorry I was being so stubborn.</b> <b>I just like the warm weather so much, I couldn’t let it go.</b> <i>Je regre</i>, William. I know you had big plans.
<b>It’s okay!</b> I thought about it, and just like <i>tipiskaw pisim</i> changes <b>I can change too.</b> <i>Tapwe</i>?
<b>I mean, what other time of year can you build a snow fort?</b> <b>Or skate on a frozen pond?</b> <b>And what better time is there to cozy up to a warm fire</b> <b>and have lots of tasty snacks --</b> <b>Did someone say snacks?</b> <b>Still hungry, Ermin?</b> <b>Oh, no.</b> <b>In fact, I don’t think I want to eat anything again until</b> <b>hatching moon.</b> <b>Ohhh....</b> <b>That’s too bad, because I was going to invite you both over</b> for some spooky <i>rougarou</i> stories <b>and stuff ourselves with bannock and jam!</b> <b>Did you say bannock and jam?</b> <i>Oui</i> <b>Well, I guess I have a little room left.</b> <i>Astam</i>! Follow me!
<b>(shared laughter)</b> <b>William: Taanishi!</b> <b>Let's check in with one of our young Métis friends to see</b> <b>what they like to do when the weather gets cold.</b> <b>We'll be visiting with Morrigan</b> <b>all the way up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.</b> Today Morrigan is going ice fishing with her <i>Châpân</i> <b>or grandpa.</b> <b>First, they need to prepare the little fish called ciscos to use</b> <b>as bait that they'll attach to the end of their fishing lines.</b> <b>The bigger trout they're trying to catch love to eat these</b> <b>smaller fish.</b> <b>Look at how Morrigan's grandpa</b> <b>is showing her how to do it.</b> <b>Way to go, Morri!</b> <b>It's a very cold day today</b> <b>almost minus thirty degrees with the wind.</b> <b>Good thing they brought a shelter.</b> <b>For ice fishing, you need to drill a hole all the way</b> <b>through the ice to get to the water underneath.</b> <b>Here's Morrigan, jigging her fishing line up and down</b> <b>to try and attract the fish near the bottom of the lake.</b> <b>No bites yet.</b> <b>Let's go check on the other lines.</b> <b>First things first</b> <b>kick away the small layer of ice that's building up over the hole</b> <b>Next, Morrigan lifts the line up and down</b> <b>to see if they've caught any fish.</b> <b>Grandpa's turn. Looks like nothing yet.</b> <b>The fish might not be hungry</b> <b>but Morrigan sure is.</b> <b>Time to build a windbreak and a fire to stay warm</b> <b>on the island.</b> <b>Mmm...hotdogs. Tasty!</b> <b>Time to head back to the shelter and check on the line</b> <b>Oh oh! Looks like it might be too cozy inside.</b> <b>Morrigan has fallen asleep.</b> <b>Still, what a nice way to spend</b> <b>a cold winter day with your grandpa.</b> <b>See you next time!</b> <i>M'wistas</i>!
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