Tân'si, my name is Lisa Berry and I take immense pride in my rich heritage and culture. I spent my childhood growing up on Treaty 8 Territory located in Alberta. Currently, I reside on Stò:lō Territory in Hope, British Columbia, where I am proudly associated with Métis Nation British Columbia. My Métis ancestry comes from my birth father's side, with family names such as Flett, Lizzotte, and Carifelle, among others. I hold my ancestry in the highest regard.

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I have a personal connection to the Métis Homeland of Red River through my ancestry. My second great-grandmother, Julia (Mercredi) Lizotte, along with other family members, received "halfbreed Land Script" which was meant to extinguish Métis Indigenous title. The script was designed to work similarly to the treaties that were used to extinguish First Nations' title. However, the Métis were dealt with on an individual basis, rather than through the collective extinguishment of title pursued through the treaty process.

 

My mother's ancestry can be traced back to the Hordaland region of Norway, which is known for its stunning fjords and rugged landscapes. In 1925, my grandfather made the decision to leave Norway behind and settle in Canada. 

 

I have faced challenges in my life that made it hard for me to appreciate and take pride in my Indigenous heritage. However, before I started creating art, there were some individuals who played a significant role in helping me embrace my Métis culture. They also motivated me to connect with my community, and for that, I am forever grateful. It has transformed my life.

 

I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and art with those who feel disconnected from their culture. I hope by sharing a small part of my story and art, I can inspire others to embrace and celebrate their indigenous roots.

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Lisa Berry