Jason McKay’s Wandering Métis undertaking celebrates Sask id and tradition.

Julia Peterson

Native Journalism Initiative Reporter

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Jason McKay is straightforward to identify at Métis gatherings. Simply search for the man in the course of the motion.

Working in Métis Nation — Saskatchewan (MN-S) for almost 5 years, McKay has all the time been an extrovert, keen to speak to folks and hearken to what they should say. Whether or not conducting his MC from the rostrum or handing out mics within the crowd, he has a knack for placing folks comfy and sparking conversations with outdated mates and complete strangers.

“My father and grandmother gave me gab presents,” he mentioned. “I name it Gab’s McKay present.”

This 12 months, McKay will showcase his abilities as a Wandering Métis, driving throughout Saskatchewan to advertise Métis tradition and be taught from Métis communities close to and much.

The thought was born at Again to Batoche, a four-day Métis cultural and heritage celebration held final 12 months in Batoche, Sask, whereas McKay was MN-S’ director of schooling. He strolled the grounds and requested folks about their fondest recollections of Batoche.

“I really like speaking and assembly folks,” he mentioned. “And that is what occurred. I went to Batosh with a selfie stick and a cellphone…and by the tip of Batosh, I spoke to over 200 folks.”

McKay spoke with households from as far-off as India and locals who attend the pageant annually. Everybody had one thing to share and McKay went residence feeling refreshed. However he thought that was the tip.

“I did not count on way more,” he mentioned. “However I gave all of the footage to our inventive staff, who created quick vignettes of all my interviews. Administration liked it. I mentioned, “Let’s do that full-time.” Are you ? ‘

“And I mentioned, ‘Completely.'”

McKay has all the time liked TV journey reveals. I particularly love watching the late Anthony Bourdain journey the world and have fun totally different locations, meals and cultures.

So for McKay, turning into Wandering Métis was a possibility to do one thing comparable on a smaller scale.

“(Bourdain) has been fortunate sufficient to journey the world. “I attempt to seize these tales, the meals, the tradition. It has that means and the story of Metis must be there.”

In lower than three months McKay clocked almost 10,000 kilometers, touring by way of La Roche, La Longe, Pine Home, Prince Albert, Christopher Lake, Kindersley, Regina and Indian Head.

He continues to gather footage and interviews, and MN-S says he has “massive plans” for the way forward for his undertaking.

“This authorities’s precedence is to have interaction residents, promote Métis tradition, language and traditions, and showcase the Métis group,” mentioned MN-S Tourism Minister Brent Dignes. “With Wandering Metis, MN-S has created a possibility to spotlight the wonderful issues which can be occurring in each area of the state (North, Central and South).”

McKay will subsequent go to Stoney Rapids and Cumberland Home.

“It is a lengthy journey, however I get pleasure from it,” he mentioned. “I get pleasure from being out locally and assembly folks.”

“Regain Mety’s Satisfaction”

Gathering these tales helped McKay be taught extra about his personal Métis tradition.

At Pine Home, we discovered how you can solid a web to catch fish. In La Roche, he spent 5 days within the bush with younger college students from the Ducharme main faculty.

“I needed to discover ways to set traps and fish and set snares. “I’m 49 years outdated.

However a few of the most enjoyable moments on McKay’s journey have been completely sudden.

At Rosthern, he met a lady who was intrigued by his colourful Ford Bronco. He embellished it with vibrant Wandering Métis decals to advertise his undertaking.

“She really had Metis Nation registration on the automobile in a plastic sleeve,” McKay recollects. ‘And she or he mentioned, ‘What are you aware? I’ve spoken to you, and I am keen to just accept this.

“By driving that automobile and having folks see it and be happy with their legacy, we’re spreading the story of the Métis. It means rather a lot to me.” For those who encourage folks to register and get a Metis card, I shall be completely satisfied and proud to be part of it.”

McKay’s mates and colleagues are thrilled to see him shine on this new position.

Regina’s retired educator, Calvin Racette, has been following his progress diligently. “I really like his power. I really like his honesty, integrity, perseverance and willingness to work with the group. He’s very honest.”

Russett describes McKay as the kind of one that places “all the hassle” into each undertaking and works from dawn to sundown to carry concepts to life.

“I’ve come to have nice respect for him,” Russet mentioned. “While you sit down and see a younger man like that, you possibly can inform he is devoted. And he is doing an awesome job.”

Russet says he cannot think about a greater particular person to gather Métis tales statewide.

“He is good at it,” Russet continued. “He all the time takes the general public street, speaks effectively of others, is all the time optimistic and approaches issues with a handshake first. That is precisely how he operates.”

As McKay travels by way of the states, he typically displays on his household heritage, particularly the teachings he discovered from his father about what it means to be a Metis.

“Being Metis is shut and pricey to my coronary heart,” McKay mentioned. “My father lived and handed away as a proud Methi. As his solely son, I wish to observe in his footsteps and keep on his legacy as greatest I can.”

McKay plans to proceed his legacy as a wandering Métis wherever potential, visiting Métis folks and communities in each nook of Saskatchewan to have fun their tradition and achievements.

“I’m a part of restoring Mety’s delight,” he added. “For me, it would not get any extra highly effective than that.”