Available to Watch Now: Maria Nelson | Métis Identity and Archeology

We’re pleased to share a recording of Maria Nelson’s virtual presentation on Métis Identity and Archeology. On April 29, 2021 Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) members and Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) staff tuned in for a virtual talk by Maria Nelson who recently completed an Indigenous Student Museum Internship with RAM. Maria’s presentation was followed by a live audience Q & A, moderated by Kristine Fedyniak, Acting Curator of Archaeology at RAM.

In her presentation, Maria explores historical views of the Métis that stem into present day conversations surrounding identity, and the impacts for future studies. The challenging questions Maria poses include how do we determine who made an archaeological site? What is the relationship between these people and modern institutions? How do institutions, like museums, impact understandings of identity?

About the Presenter: My name is Maria Nelson. I am Métis. My family has roots in Saskatchewan, but I am the third generation to be living here in Alberta. I am currently attending the University of Alberta, and am entering into the final year of my Bachelor of Arts honours program majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Native Studies. This year, I had the pleasure of being a part of FRAMS’ Indigenous Student Museum Internship program.

You can watch the full recording of Maria’s presentation here or on our YouTube channel.