Yes, the Metis are another interesting as hell story. They were, indeed, put down. But to me it is a uniquely Canadian story that they would develope as a culture at all. In the States we surely had a mixing of cultures, but ultimately it was about making them "white" or WASP's (white/anglo saxon/protestant). In Canada they became a distinct culture that survives to this day. Canada's history with indigenous peoples is not perfect, but when compared to the way the US handled it, the Canadian's showed, and continue to show, a great deal more respect for indigenous folks.

bankley, I would love to see a picture of that sash.

All the best,

Mick