ISSN: 2265-6294

We are Metis: Healing from Violence in Maria Campbell’s Halfbreed

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Dr. B. ABINAYA BHARATHI

Abstract

The freedom of soul becomes a challenge to the oppressed people, which can raise them even from death. The spirit of Canadian Métis people is unfettered by the limitations of society and racism. Exploring the history of Canada throws light on how the British North American colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada joined together to develop the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Métis is a virtual specific cultural community that traces its descent to the settlers in Europe. These people are identified as one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada among the First Nations and the Inuit peoples. The Métis are called half-breed because of the mixed Indian and European blood in the recent centuries. Maria Campbell shares her happy childhood days in the novel Halfbreed where she has spent time with her parents and siblings. She follows her tradition and is joyful with her family members. She faces flaws only after the death of her mother. The full burden of the family falls on her shoulder. Throughout the book, Campbell submits to her grandma Cheechum’s advice which replicates staunch towards her heritage. This article is an attempt to study the customs and values of Metis culture and the concept of emerging with a new identity in the development of the society against the consistent discrimination and oppression.

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