Métis moon time

Hanna M. Paul’s research project centers on Métis teachings of moon time and its relationship to self-esteem and body image. Hanna approaches her Master’s thesis through weaving emergent Indigenous feminist theory, decolonial theory and methods, and Métis methodologies. My project focuses upon: (1) the historical legacy of western menstrual teachings and its effect on Indigenous women and youth’s body images; (2) how Métis teachings can create space for knowing, healing, and identity in my community; and (3) how Métis women’s teachings and bodily connection can help reimagine and dream into existence self-image futurisms for the Métis community of Buttertown, Alberta. Current literature only addresses how colonial and patriarchal concepts of menstruation affect Métis women and young girls (Baldy 2017). Beyond the literature, there is no specific research within Métis communities, specifically Buttertown, near Fort Vermilion, Alberta, which stems from internalized patriarchal frameworks and principles that affect the well-being of women and girls during this monthly ceremony. I use autoethnography, Métis storying, Métis oral history, Métis historical archives, and most importantly the social practice of visiting (Flaminio et al. 2020; Gaudet 2018). I hope to gain new insights into how reconnection and re-emergence of Métis moon time teachings is linked to healing and Indigenous concepts of well-being (Gaudet & Caron-Bourbonnais 2015; Zinga & Styres 2013).

Access to Thesis: www.open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0434188

RESEARCH TEAM

PI: Hanna M. Paul (Master Research, PI)
Master’s Supervisor: Fiona P. McDonald, PhD (UBCO)
Master’s Supervisor: Gabrielle Legault, PhD (UBCO)

Committee Members: Allison Hargraves, PhD (Cultural Studies) UBCO and Cindy Gaudet, PhD (Indigenous Studies), University of Alberta  

FUNDED BY