The Mamawi Project Zine

ABOUT US

We are a collective of young Métis people from across our homeland. The Mamawi Project aims to create space for Métis young people to (re)build relations and to celebrate who we are. Through digital storytelling, in-person gatherings, and virtual dialogue we will push our community to think critically and take action on building a stronger Métis Nation.

Mamawi is a word in Cree, Anishinaabemowin and Michif that means “together.” It is often used with verbs like mamawi-acimowak meaning, “they tell stories together” or mamawihisicikewin, “the act of working together in a concerted effort.” We felt Mamawi captured our intentions perfectly, as we first came together through a shared sense of urgency to learn, work, and laugh better together.

Stories and knowledge profiled in this project come from young people whose family roots are in the three Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta), as well as, parts of Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Northern United States.

THE ZINE

The Mamawi Project’s first zine will explore the concept of kîyokêwin (visiting) from the perspective of Métis young people through writing (e.g., poetry, short stories, reflections, etc.) and visual art (e.g., painting, drawing, digital art, photography, etc.). The concept of kîyokêwin was shared at The Mamawi Project’s ‘Journeying Home Gathering’ by Maria Campbell. She spoke about how colonialism divided and separated our people, our cultures and laws, and our languages. However, when we visit with each other, we put the pieces back together.

SUBMISSIONS

The Mamawi Project is looking for young Métis artists, writers, and creatives to share works (e.g., writing, art, etc.) that speaks to the concept of kîyokêwin (visiting). The Mamawi Project collective will review all submissions, but not all submissions will be included in the zine. Creators of selected submissions will be compensated.

Please submit works by October 1st, 2019 by email in a high quality format to themamawiproject@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Zine Submission.’ Include your contact information and a short biography that speaks to your Métis identity.