“Four Metis Languages”
Oil Painting on Canvas 
20″ x 24″  

Learn more about – The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages 
JD was commissioned to come up with an oil painting representing the four Metis languages
– Michif, Southern Michif, Northern Michif, and Bungi –

     Symbolism & Meaning …. 

On the Homeland
 – Where it all started 

Fall Season
– Fall often refers to an end. The languages were almost lost.
– Bright fall day represents the good news there is hope for the languages to be persevered.
– Winter is coming, but the hard work and dedication will bring back our languages.

Four Female Elders  
– Languages throughout the world are often referred to as the “mother tongue” 
– The four languages are represented by the four elders. 
– Head scarves represent the retaining of the knowledge of our elders. 

Tree Stump & Bread Basket 
– The tree stump represents the entire homeland and not letting anything go to waste.
– The basket is a symbol of our homeland and what it has to offer. 
– The sharing of bread is a symbol of our harvesting rights and taking care of each other.

Blue Teapot  
–  Sharing tea, a symbol of unity. 
– blue and white colours used to represent the Metis Flag.
– No matter which language you speak, sharing tea is the symbol of being joined together under one flag. 

Ironic: A painting about languages. JD is dyslexic and struggles with reading and writing.