The Visiting Way

The path to reconciliation begins with overcoming the physical and social barriers created by colonial institutions and the cultural erasure efforts that many Indigenous Peoples face living in remote areas.

This disconnect from place and people leads to cultural disruption and isolation from language and community, particularly for Métis individuals who struggle to connect with their Indigeneity more than other Indigenous cultures. Revitalizing Kiyokewin, or the visiting way, is essential to addressing this identity void and developing a foundation of belonging. 

One place where everyone can feel at home is the kitchen. The New Dawn Métis Women’s Society has recognized the power of food to bring people together, which is why they created Kiyokewin & the Kitchen Table Restoring Wahkohtowin through Food, Language, and Miyo-pimatisiwin. This project centres the Métis kitchen table as a site of governance, healing, and resilience, rooted in Wahkohtowin (kinship and interconnectedness). Up to four generations will pull up a seat to document traditional foods and narratives, transcribing them into Michif to create a legacy cookbook. This cookbook will capture the living heartbeat of Métis heritage where the wisdom of Elders meets the hands of youth, and stories are carried forward through food and language. The project will culminate in a Métis Community Kitchen Party where food, music, ceremony, and gathering restore the bonds of kinship and create space for visiting, sharing, and cultural continuity.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing funding to support this traditional and sustainable approach to cultural revitalization. The New Dawn Métis Women’s Society is dedicated to restoring the traditional role of Métis women as leaders and healers. This project reflects the organizations commitment and the IRF’s support will help the society in creating a space for the program and teaching language, while empowering resilient, self-determined Métis communities.

Diocese of St. Paul