Episode 7: Elder Joanna Potiyondi - Métis Horse Culture

Métis elder Joanna Potyondi traces her roots back to one of the first Michif leaders, Cuthbert Grant, the hero of a crucible moment in the birth of the Metis people, the Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816. And she has Grant's shotgun to prove it. Now in her 80's, Grandma Joe was raised in Roche Percée, Southern Saskatchewan, by her grandparents who were born in the midst of the Métis Resistance of the 1880's. She has lived her life steeped in the rich heritage of Métis horse culture that grew out of the years of the buffalo hunt and has dedicated her life to sharing the stories and traditions of Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle Valley with the generations that have followed.

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.