Metis autoethnography women and two-spirit beadwork about chronic illness and disability

Abstract

2 2 Abstract Metis people live with disability and chronic illness which is largely under reported and undocumented in Canada. In an age of Truth and Reconciliation, this thesis demonstrates the lived experience of the same Metis and appeals to all Canadians to understand Metis life as unique and deserving of culturally relevant support and health services in order to allow for Metis self- actualization. By sharing beadwork sewn by the author and their late mother, this thesis demonstrates wealth of knowledge available within the Metis embodied experience with chronic illness and disability. Feminist disability theory and Manitoba Metis Federation’s (MMF) Wellness Models are an excellent way to explore the theoretical undertones of the family’s beadwork completed while living with disability and chronic illness. Through storytelling and beading this thesis utilizes MMF’s Wellness Models to highlight the importance of dialogue with disabled Metis people. Non-Indigenous people can use this knowledge sharing to understand how Canada should meet Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action for Indigenous health.