Embracing our Brilliance

An attendee of the Mawachihitotaak writes this note from the field from attending Mawachihitotaak: Métis Research Symposium 2024, which reminds us of the impact Métis–centred gatherings can have. The note posits personal anecdotes of their life and how they experienced an academic symposium in Métis-led keeoukaywin (the visiting way), which offers insights into how self–guided attendance and participation in the gathering space was, how easily relationships form, the appreciation of fashions from gathering–goers, and the Michif brilliance the attendee felt and witnessed in the environment. The attendee concludes with hope for future academic experiences and the possibilities they can hold.