METIS SACHEM PCHEE PICHAY
METIS SACHEM WAND
The Metis Sachem Wand is an ancestral piece used by the old Metis families for guidance and protection. It was traditionally used by elders of the family. Although it is rarely used today, it is still a strong reminder of where and how the Metis Nation originated as well as how the nation evolved into the strong and independent race of people that exists today. Although many furs were used on the Wand, the most common fur to include was fox. The word “Sachem” is originally of Algonquian origin, later adopted by other nations including the Metis. The leather on the Wand is always wild deer, elk, or moose. Wild turkey or wild goose feathers are used to carry prayers to the Creator. The four or eight red thunder dots painted on each feather honour the Ancestors. The long, flowing horse hair honours the horse. The medicine pouch contains sage, tobacco, and cedar, traditional plants of spiritual importance to the Metis. The pouch is decorated with the blue and white colours of the Metis Nation.


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