Communing with the Dead
- What is the author arguing?
The author’s argument is based on Metis identity. Joseph Boyden shows the disconnection existing between the current generations ‘new Metis’ to the Indigenous, who were the descendants of the community. He argues that many Metis of the present lacks the sensible connection between themselves with the traditions of the Metis communities. The author shows that the currents generation lacks the community’s history and the values of the traditional Metis. According to him, the discovery of the long-living Indian ancestors could be beneficial to the community as it can help self-identification, spiritual growth, as well as the realization of the sense the ancestors have to the Metis identity.[1] His position is that the current generation has lost the traces of their origin and the values, norms, and beliefs of their ancestors.
- What are the evidences used to support the argument?
To support his argument, Joseph Boyden reveals that the traditions of the Metis are no longer in existence among the community, but they can only be read from genealogical reports. He says that there is ‘a presumed void of Indianness,’ and the current generation believes that the indigenous people never exist or else there lacks reliable information about their existence.[2] It is, however, provided by Joseph Boyden that no void is there in the Metis culture and politics to be filled. He claims that Metis are still in existence, and so is their government, despite the disruptions that were led by colonial disturbances. He says that even though most have lost their identity, some still practice community cultural activities which they inherited from their past, which forms a lineage to the long-living Metis.
- Do you agree with the author? Why or why not?
In my opinion, the author has a point. Connecting to other communities in the world, it is right to say the young generation no longer holds the values and norms of their traditions. Boyden’s argument has sense in that people of today cannot identify themselves with their ancestors. This is probably due to the lack of safeguards of the communities’ culture and belief.
[1] Gaudry, Adam. “Communing with the dead: The “new Métis,” Métis identity appropriation, and
the displacement of living Métis culture.” American Indian Quarterly 42, no. 2 (2018): 162-190.
Ibid[2] Gaudry, Adam. “Communing with the dead: The “new Métis,” Métis identity appropriation, and
the displacement of living Métis culture.” American Indian Quarterly 42, no. 2 (2018): 162-190.