Collection SummaryBeginning in 1879, Metis people landed in Central Montana looking for a better way of life, many fleeing from persecution in Canada. Descendants of the Berger, LaTray, LaFountain, Gervais, Doney, and Laverdure families describe what life was like for their ancestors as well as their own life experiences in this collection of oral interviews with personal photographs. Strong work ethics, tough living, tragedy, elders closemouthed about the Native lineage, education, an unmarked mass grave in Lewistown, military service and prejudice are openly discussed with interviewer, Candi Zion. Additionally, the great, great granddaughters of Granville Stuart shared their family stories and spoke in detail about his wife, Shoshone Awbonnie Tootanka; and two white Central Montanans discussed their memories of the Metis in the community of Lewistown.
Karin Ludeman with a picture of Grandma Katie Abbott SwansonKarin Ludeman and Martha Boyce with a picture of Grandma Katie Abbott SwansonKarin Ludeman with a picture of 16 year old Grandma Katie Abbott Swanson. Martha Boyce with a picture of Katie and Martha's father William Swanson, Jr.Karin Ludeman and Martha Boyce with a picture of then-16 year old Grandma Katie Abbott Swanson, and Katie and Martha's father William Swanson, Jr.Karin Ludeman and Martha Boyce with a picture of then-16 year old Grandma Katie Abbott Swanson, and Katie and Martha's father William Swanson, Jr.
Central Montana Metis. Montana History Portal, accessed 01/12/2023, https://www.mtmemory.org/nodes/view/90075