Vol. 2 No. 1: Mawachihitotaak: Métis Studies Conference Themed Issue
Scholarly Papers

Exploring (Re)Connection with Métis Young Adults

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  • Jenna Himer,
  • Deinera Exner-Cortens
Jenna Himer
University of Calgary
Deinera Exner-Cortens
University of Calgary
A photo of a piece of beadwork on fish skin leather, laying on top of an open book with lined pages. The beadwork includes letters, lines, and a pine tree branch.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36939/pawaatamihk/vol2no1/art85
Categories

Published 2025-07-14

Keywords

  • Métis,
  • young adults,
  • youth,
  • reconnection,
  • well-being

How to Cite

Himer, J., & Exner-Cortens, D. (2025). Exploring (Re)Connection with Métis Young Adults. Pawaatamihk: Journal of Métis Thinkers, 2(1), 59–82. https://doi.org/10.36939/pawaatamihk/vol2no1/art85

Copyright (c) 2025 Jenna Himer, Deinera Exner-Cortens

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Strong connections to land, culture, and community are associated with increased well-being for Indigenous Peoples, yet colonial policies have disrupted such connections. Métis young adults often face unique challenges in connecting to their culture, with little research addressing such issues. This study explores how Métis young adults (aged 18–29) navigate (re)connecting to culture, and its implications for well-being. Three themes emerged: (1) In the Dark: Navigating the Shadows of Identity, (2) Reconnecting Through Kinship, and (3) Reclamation of Knowledge. Findings highlight the multifaceted ways Métis young adults navigate reconnecting and provide recommendations on supporting individuals on this journey.

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