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The Grey Nuns first introduced silk embroidery to the Red River Métis in 1844. Métis women used silk embroidery to decorate their clothing. They established a mission school in Ile-à-La Crosse where Catherine was born. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor Catherine, embroidered in the « Lake Winnipeg small flower style ». This style was generally made up of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of reds and pinks. From samples of Catherine’s embroidery, still owned by her family, Andréanne was inspired to create the design she calls Catherine’s Vine.
The Aboriginal Plains people used Eagle feathers in ceremonies as a symbol of respect and healing. In the Indigenous culture, the Eagle is the symbol of Love in the Seven Sacred Teachings. To the Inuit people, the Polar Bear is regarded as the embodiment of the spirit of the North, an animal that possesses ancient wisdom. In true Métis fashion, David Albert captured the beauty and essence of both, using the bold Haida style in his design to pay homage to his Indigenous West Coast cousins.
The Métis people helped shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the west. The Métis became the link between the First Nations and their European allies, assisted by their wives who translated the native languages and helped resolve any cultural issues that arose. Métis Artist David Albert created this arrow (Flèche) to pay tribute to the trading activities between the Métis and First Nations people . The Métis were, in fact, astute business people. The flower represents the Métis, also known as the "flower beadwork people," and the arrow represents the First Nations and the connection between them.
Raven can transform himself into anything. In Native culture, the Raven is the most powerful of mythical creatures. Traditionally, he symbolises creation, transformation, it gave people fire and water, placed the trees and grass over the land and put the sun and moon in the sky. This design, by Aboriginal Métis artist David Albert, portrays the Raven becoming a branch of life.
Story of our Héritage designs
We are proud to walk tall with our cousin nations and want to keep sharing our beautiful indigenous stories with you.Catherine’s Vine print

Spirit of The North print

La Flèche print

Raven of Life print

Catherine’s Vine embroidery

The Red River Floral Embroidery

Northern Willow
