Bob Desjarlais Interview (2)

Bob (Joseph Wilbert) Desjarlais was interviewed at the Fisher house, in Katepwa. Then he moved with the interviewers along the town, showing them places and telling stories. Bob recounts the story about a reply letter sent by Louis Riel in 1874 to the Fisher house. His mother, Mrs. Blondeau (Allary), came from Turtle Mountain, in the United States. His father told him stories about the Métis work in road construction. His mother, Mrs. Blondeau, and grandmother made clothes and blankets. In fact, the former was a well-known seamstress. Bob recalls episodes from his mother job, as well as sewing for weddings, other families, and the RCMP. Mrs. Blondeau and her Auntie Mary Poitras also made rugs. Bartering was a fundamental part of their economy. Bob recall the fire at the school of Lebret. Additionally, Bob affirms the Métis historical contribution to the prairie agricultural economy. Parties and festivals were occasions for socialization, recreation and leisure, fiddle music, and dances. When some Métis left the Red River Settlement, they settled near Ituna, close to St. Delphine. Bob analyzes issues related to the Métis hunting rights. His grandmother made medicine using ingredients in her community, they dug Seneca roots, picked berries and flowers, to eat, store, or sell. In the early 1940s, Bob went to the Katepwa school, as well as his relatives, who helped build the school. In fact, his grandfather’s brother-in-law owned a brick factory in the early 20th century. He recounts some family genealogies, diaspora, and stories, as well as employment, economics, and the impact of treaties on Métis. Bob recounts his favourite activities when he was a child. He recalls the memories about the old Métis cemetery, rediscovered and restored by the community. Then Bob describes the old settlement of St. Delphine. Religion was sometimes divisive within the community. His grandmother Racette, Kokum Maross, was used to sing a Cree song on the midnight masses. ------------------- Keywords: Employment, Housing, Land use (Subsistence Patterns), Community Breaking/Fracture, Integration & Mobility