What are our common experiences?
Culture develops out of a people's common experience. One common experience among people of mixed ancestry is a feeling of exclusion from their parent cultures. Cher's song "Halfbreed" addresses this experience of being caught between two races, "Both sides were against me from the day I was born." Many Metis people are looking for an identity, and a community, that will give them a whole identity, rather than "part this, part that".
What is Metis culture?
The largest Metis culture area is that of the prairies. The "Red River" or "Michif" Metis had 200 years to develop a unique culture before settlers from Europe moved into the area and pushed the Metis aside. Because of this, when we talk about "Metis culture", it is this prairie Michif culture to which we refer.
Our Metis people have traditionally been independent and egalitarian, while also supporting each other through extended family ties. Our Michif ancestors demonstrated a strong sense of community, and a willingness to seize the joy in each moment. They surrounded themselves with beauty; they were called "the flower-beadwork people" because of their elaborately decorated clothing and belongings.
The traditions of the Metis are a result of our combined ancestral cultures, modified by our people's experience as voyageurs and buffalo-hunters.
Two important Metis symbols are the Red River sash and the Infinity flag.