REDISCOVERING HER ROOTS

37-year-old Erin Verrier has always known that she was Métis: "I don’t recall when exactly I found out. Ever since I can remember, it has always been part of my identity." Her family is originally from Belair, in rural Manitoba. She spent a lot of time with her grandparents in the small village. "I'm proud of my ancestors, especially my grandparents. My grandfather was a fisherman who lived off the land. He had a great connection with nature, and developed skills that we don't have here in the city." Ten years ago, Erin went to the Centre du patrimoine to request a genealogical search for proof of Métis ancestry. This research was required to obtain her Métis card from the Manitoba Metis Federation. "When the genealogy was finished, my mother said, "This is what it means to be Métis." I found out that a number of my ancestors came here to work for the Hudson’s Bay Company. That’s how the Métis nation started, during the fur trade." Erin Verrier loves taking part in historical reenactments in period costume. Her Métis roots inspired her to take up this hobby. "I had already done some historic interpretation in period costume before finding out about my genealogy. Since then, it's taken on a whole new meaning. It's become more meaningful for me to re-enact scenes from 1815 and talk about that history." She adds, "It's quite moving to do the reenactments while feeling I am a part of that history. The names of my ancestors are now more "real" for me when I provide a historical interpretation of the period in which they lived." In addition to this passion, Erin’s Métis roots have also guided her in her professional life. She worked for the Historical Society of St. Boniface / Société historique de Saint-Boniface for two years, helping people register for genealogical research services. "There is such a wide diversity of Métis people. I had no idea. People came from Manitoba and from all over Canada." Erin went on to work for the MMF. "A big part of my job was to identify people belonging to the Métis Nation. All the people I've met have guided me in my path, and have contributed to the person I am today." Through her career and her choices, Erin has realized one thing: "I want to educate people about what it means to be Métis."