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Introduction |  History |  Daily Life |  Culture | References

Daily Life

Clothing

Métis men often wore a short shirt, red woolen cap, deerskin pants, moccasins and a long hooded coat called a "capot".

Source
Brightly coloured sash often worn by the Métis

Métis men also wore a colourful sash around their waist. It was a very practical piece of clothing. It could be used as a rope, bandage, washcloth, towel or emergency saddle blanket. The long fringes could be used as thread. Each colour in the sash has a special meaning: blue and white represent the Métis flag; red represents the hunting flag; black reminds the Métis of their struggle for their rights; and green stands for growth and prosperity for the Métis nation. This sash is still used by the Métis today during special ceremonies.

	Source
	Métis in traditional costume dancing at Pembina, in what is now Manitoba, circa 1859

Most Métis women dressed in simple dresses with high necklines. They often wore shawls over their heads and moccasins on their feet. They sometimes decorated their clothing with embroidery or Native beadwork.

Shelter

The Métis often lived in square log cabins. In the fall they would cover their homes with a layer of mud to provide insulation. This would keep the house warmer in the winter. The floors were sometimes made of wood, but usually were dirt. The Métis heated their homes with iron stoves or mud ovens.