The Metis sash was born out of a practical need of Metis people: tying your coat together before

buttons, carrying wood or even children, used as a sewing kit on the trail, part of your tack when riding a

horse etc. It is 8 feet long with braided ends for strength. Braiding represents intertwining, the mixture

of two cultures to form a third, and intertwining of families and extended families.

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Now days the Metis sash is used to: identify as a proud Metis person, to honour someone as a gift, have

a physical symbol of a rich Metis heritage.

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Shauna was able to learn the skill of hand loom weaving of the sash from Elder Mary Conway, from

Deloraine, MB. Mary shared her loving kindness, knowledge and skill of making the sashes with Shauna

and Shauna wants to give honour to Mary and her teaching.

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The sash is a symbol of our story as Metis people.

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Red – life blood of the Metis nation, love, south direction

 

Blue – water and sky, continuity and west direction

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Yellow – sun, happy nature, new beginnings, east direction

 

Green- grass, growing, strong, fertility, living things, life, sustenance

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White – purity, water, life, snow, north direction

 

Black – dark period hunting lands gone, Riel was hung, Metis were called half breed/not proud of who

they were, residential schools, west direction

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Each sash, ribbon skirt and quilt are smudged and blessed before being sent.

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Hand weaved sashes are custom made to order.