METIS KABENN KAWTAYW
METIS LODGE SHIELD
The Metis Lodge Shield is an authentic ancestral hoop that has been used in Metis homes for centuries and continues to be used today in our homes to remind us of our personal connection to the Creator. Like the Medicine Wheel, it is a circle made of willow, representing the never ending life cycle and the phases of the moon. The Lodge Shield is made in one of three different styles: a full circle in moose, deer, or elk hide, a circle of leather and fur, or a full circle of fur. The fur incorporated into each piece honours the spirit of the animal. In the center of the Lodge Shield is either a slice of elk horn or an Abalone shell which honours Mother Earth. From the center of the horn or shell hangs a wild turkey or wild goose feather that connects prayers to the Creator. On the feather are four or eight red thunder dots that honour the Ancestors. There are either four lengths of horse hair, four feathers, or six leather straps hanging from the shield. These are wrapped in red trade wool at connection points, representing the cardinal points of the universe. The medicine pouch contains sage, tobacco, and cedar, traditional plants of spiritual importance to the Metis. The pouch is decorated with three seed beads of blue and white, the Metis national colours.
Dan Julian, Metis elder, continues to make the Metis Sachem Wand in the same style as it has been done for generations. Dan has pieces displayed in the Smithsonian and has also done several staffs for the movie “Dances with Wolves.” His wife, Clydette Boyer, is also Metis and is a great inspiration and strong supporter of her husband’s quest to preserve their culture.

Dan Julian, Metis elder, continues to make the Metis pieces in the same style as it has been done for generations.  Dan has pieces displayed in the Smithsonian and has also done several staffs for the movie "Dances with Wolves".  His wife, Clydette Boyer, is also Metis and is a great inspiration and strong supporter of her husband's quest to preserve their culture. 
 
"My people will sleep for one hundred years and it will be the artists who awaken them".
               --Louis Riel, 1885