The Art of Being Métis

Name: The Art of Being Métis
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2013-06-01
Duration: 2 h 34 min
Cast: Marcel LaBelle

20132013
2h 34m

YOUR RATING

Documentary

Mark Twain said that "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and thi... Read allMark Twain said that "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.... Read allMark Twain said that "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." The Art of Being Métis is one part of a four-part project that also includes The Art of ... Read all

YOUR RATING

Director
- Kevin T Milne(executive creative director)
Writer
- Kevin T Milne
Star
- Marcel LaBelle

Top credits

See production, box office & company info

1User review

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Mark Twain said that "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." The Art of Being Métis is one part of a four-part project that also includes The Art of Being Haida, The Art of Being Inca and The Art of Being Inuit. People have a natural affinity with traditionally built water craft. We have learned in our travels, in much the same way that Twain must have experienced new people and cultures, that when you have a chance to commence a conversation with a common interest that what you may have thought of as culturally different was just another way to look at life, the earth and the community that all people can share together if we have open minds. The Art of Being Métis follows the making of a traditional birch bark canoe and how through the teachings of the canoe we can learn about the Métis and Indigenous cultures. The making of the canoe melts away and the teachings and perspectives of a culture come alive in this full feature documentary. The theme of the documentary is that we can all live in concert with Mother Nature and each other and greet each other as we really are: one tribe, one community, one people. —Kevin T Milne

Genre
- Documentary
Parents guide
- Add content advisory

User reviews1

Review

Top review

10/10

An impressive documentary demonstrating the art of building an authentic and functional birch bark canoe wherein revealing the values of sustainable living

This is an incredible and timely documentary that tells about what it means to be Metis through the art of building an authentic birch bark canoe, from the very beginnings in harvesting the necessary materials, to its launch. The builder describes and demonstrates with great care the process, and the sensitive manner with which the all natural elements of the canoe are harvested in order to protect Mother Earth (including us and future generations) from harm. Herein lies a very relevant message for us today, with the growing knowledge of how we are harming the earth and its ability to sustain life, how our selfish and insatiable appetite for more and more is bringing doomsday upon us and all living creatures. It is very refreshing to watch this video and the values that are shared with us and the next generation (the builder's grandchildren are apprenticing). The video is captured in a beautiful natural setting and contains addictive Metis music at relevant points. I found this video very calming. A peace came over me as I watched this video and experienced important and relevant values being shared in such a natural way. Boat builders of all kinds will appreciate this movie/documentary as they witness a classic water craft being so lovingly crafted. The movie/documentary is suitable for all ages and contains important lessons for sustainable living. It would be a natural for screening in schools and other academic settings. I definitely give it a 10 out of 10.

helpful•0