Behind the Craft – Exploring Métis Culture & Tradition

Rolling Into Classrooms: Building a Half-Size Red River Cart for St. Albert Public Schools

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:50:32 GMT

Crafted to Teach. Built to Remember.

When St. Albert Public Schools approached us with an idea for a cart made for use in the classrooms, we knew this would be more than just a cart. It was an opportunity to create something that allows students to learn about the true history of the Métis people in a fun and tangible way.

At Krtti, we believe that how we live is our culture. That belief is at the core of everything we do, from the materials we source to the way we build each Red River Cart. This half-size cart, now used in classrooms to help students explore Métis history, is a powerful symbol of our past and a tool to shape the future.

Built by Hand, Guided by History

The Red River Cart has long stood as a symbol of Métis ingenuity, resilience, and movement. Entire families relied on them during trade routes, buffalo hunts, and migration across the Prairies. Made without a single nail, each cart was a feat of practical engineering—lightweight, durable, and easily dismantled for river crossings. More than transportation, they were lifelines between communities.

Our half-size version keeps these principles alive. Using mortise and tenon joinery, dished wheels, and solid hardwood, we recreate these carts with deep respect for their origins. Every piece is cut, shaped, and assembled with the same care our ancestors once used. This cart took over 100 hours of meticulous woodcrafting—from shaping the axles to the final touches of fitting each wooden spoke into the dished wheel.

This particular build also included a hand-sewn canvas top, made from heavy-duty natural canvas and hand stitched using sinew for an authentic and lasting finish. The cover is fully removable, allowing students to engage with different elements of the cart’s function and design. And in one of the most meaningful touches, my Grandmother's name "Marie Louise Vandale" was carefully woodburned into the axel of the cart—a tribute to our family’s connection to this heritage and the generations who continue to guide us.

Whether full-size or tabletop, each cart we build is a tribute to those who came before us and a way to keep their knowledge in motion long into the future.

From Workshop to Classroom

This recent build is now in the hands of educators and students with the St. Albert Public School Board. Designed to be assembled and explored by classes throughout the school system, the cart offers a hands-on connection to the past for students and staff alike. It’s one thing to read about Métis culture—it’s another to build a piece of it with your own hands.

Students are encouraged to work together to understand how the cart fits together, how it was used historically, and how it represents the values and survival of the Métis people. This process turns learning into something felt, not just taught. It’s education rooted in experience, where culture isn’t only discussed, but physically built together .

Why It Matters

As a small Indigenous-owned business, we believe deeply in the power of cultural revitalization. These carts are more than wood and wheels—they’re storytellers. They carry our collective memory and invite others to be part of that story.

We are honoured to support educational initiatives that aim to reconnect young people with Indigenous history in meaningful, tangible ways. When students see, touch, and build these pieces, they don’t just learn—they connect.

The Red River Cart reminds us that our stories are still moving, still evolving. And the more we share them, the more resilient they become.

Want to Bring a Cart to Your School or Community?

We’d love to hear from you. Krtti creates handcrafted Red River Cart replicas—from tabletop to full size—built with traditional techniques and modern intention. Let’s work together to bring culture into the classroom, one cart at a time.

Reach out at kpatterson@krtti.ca or explore more at www.krtti.ca .

Reviving Traditional Indigenous Games: Bridging History, Education, and Community

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:16:00 GMT

The Historical and Cultural Significance of Indigenous Games

Games have always been a fundamental part of human culture, serving as tools for education, socialization, and entertainment. Indigenous peoples across Canada have a rich tradition of games that not only entertain but also educate and build community bonds. These games, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, offer modern society valuable lessons in history, mathematics, strategy, and social skills. Let's dive into why reviving traditional games matters and how they can inspire and connect us today.

A Celebration of Indigenous Games and Traditions

The Stick Game

The Stick Game, now available in our shop , is a traditional game with deep roots in Blackfoot Nation history. It wasn’t just for fun—this game was a way to teach and develop important skills like hand-eye coordination, precision, and focus. These were essential for everyday life, especially for activities like hunting.

Traditionally, the game was played using simple, portable materials like painted sticks or buffalo ribs, along with smaller sticks to keep score. Its portability made it easy to bring along during travels, which is why it became such a cherished part of blackfoot culture and social gatherings. When you bring this game into your home, you’re not just playing—you’re connecting with history and enjoying an activity that builds both physical and mental skills.

Ring and Stick

The Ring and Stick Game is a traditional Indigenous game that combines fun with skill-building. Players use a hoop—crafted from rawhide or wood—attached to a stick, aiming to toss the hoop into the air and catch it on the stick’s end. Hoop sizes and stick lengths are often adjusted by age, with larger hoops for younger players and smaller ones for older participants. It serves as both a recreational activity and an educational tool, helping to develop hand-eye coordination, precision, and focus while fostering cultural traditions.

In Métis culture, traditional games like the Ring and Stick Game hold a significant place in both socialization and entertainment. By playing the Ring and Stick Game, individuals not only enjoy a fun and engaging activity but also connect with their culture, preserving history and passing down valuable traditions in an educational and meaningful way.

Nalukataq

Inuit communities have created traditional games that beautifully reflect their environment, lifestyle, and values. These games often blend physical skill with social connection, showcasing the importance of community and adaptability. For example, Nalukataq, a celebratory game, involves participants being tossed into the air on a large blanket—a thrilling test of strength, balance, and trust that brings the community together.

Similarly, games like Ajagaq, where players use a stick to catch a ring, focus on developing dexterity, precision, and hand-eye coordination. These activities, much like the Ring and Pin Game, highlight the deep connection between traditional games and the skills needed for survival and success in their unique environments. Through play, these traditions foster both community spirit and individual growth.

Waltes

The Mi’kmaq people, from the Atlantic provinces of Canada, have a rich tradition of games that bring together fun, skill, and cultural significance. One of their traditional games, Waltes, is a dice game that challenges both strategy and precision. Players use small dice, traditionally made from animal bones, tossing them into a wooden dish and scoring points based on how they land.

Waltes is more than just a game—it’s a way to teach important skills. It introduces mathematical concepts like counting and probability while also encouraging strategic thinking. Players need to anticipate outcomes and plan their moves, making it a fun and hands-on way to build cognitive skills.

Beyond its educational value, Waltes is a social game that fosters connection and healthy competition. Played in groups, it brings people together while celebrating Mi’kmaq culture and traditions. Games like this not only entertain but also pass down important lessons, keeping the heritage and ingenuity of the Mi’kmaq alive.

Hand Pull

The Hand Pull Game is a traditional activity that blends skill, strength, and balance while celebrating Indigenous culture and tradition. This engaging game has roots in community gatherings, offering both fun and an opportunity to build essential physical and cognitive skills. Played in pairs, participants test their control and endurance as they work to outmaneuver their opponent through steady pulling, aiming to either extend their opponent’s arm fully or pull them off balance.

The game isn’t just about competition; it’s a test of strategy and focus, as players must carefully balance force with technique to succeed. Beyond its entertainment value, the Hand Pull Game helps develop coordination, grip strength, and resilience. These physical benefits, combined with its rich cultural significance, make it a meaningful activity for players of all ages.

Perfect for social settings, the Hand Pull Game fosters friendly competition and connection, while also introducing participants to traditional games that have been enjoyed and passed down for generations. It’s a great way to experience culture, skill-building, and fun all at once. Discover this handcrafted game in our store and bring a piece of tradition to your home or community!

The Educational Value of Traditional Games

As we look for ways to enrich the educational and recreational experiences of children and adults alike, traditional Indigenous games offer a unique opportunity. These games can be seamlessly integrated into various modern settings, providing numerous benefits while preserving cultural heritage.

Schools

Incorporating traditional Indigenous games into school curricula can enhance learning by providing students with hands-on experiences that teach history, mathematics, and cultural appreciation.

Educators can use these games to:

Integrate History and Culture:
Use games to teach students about the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Enhance Mathematics Skills:
Games like the Blackfoot Stick Game and Mi’kmaq Waltes involve probability, patterns, and data management.
Develop Critical Thinking:
Games encourage strategic thinking and planning as students decide how to score points and when to steal tally sticks from others.

Great for All Ages

Traditional games offer more than just fun, they’re a meaningful way to develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction for all ages. Simple games like Ring and Pin or the Stick Game are perfect for introducing elements of culture and history while keeping players engaged and active. These games aren’t just for children, they can also be enjoyed by adults and adapted for people with mobility or dexterity challenges, making them accessible to everyone.

Whether in daycare, school, or community settings, these games provide meaningful activities that promote both physical and cognitive development while fostering connection and creativity. By incorporating traditional games into our lives, we carry forward the values, skills, and traditions that have been celebrated for generations.

Explore our store to discover beautifully handcrafted traditional games and bring the spirit of Indigenous culture into your home, classroom, or community. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more stories, tips, and inspiration about Métis art, history, and craftsmanship!

The Red River Cart: A Symbol of Métis Ingenuity and Resilience

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:38:37 GMT

Welcome to our inaugural blog post!

Join us as we explore the history, artistry, and cultural significance of the iconic Red River Cart—a symbol of ingenuity and resilience. Through this blog, we aim to share insights, stories, and inspirations that celebrate our passion for preserving tradition and embracing creativity.

We will be posting monthly so stay tuned for more engaging content that bridges the past, present, and future of Métis artistry with us at Krtti.

The Origins of the Red River Cart:

" The Red River cart was our cradle, and it rocked us to the shores OF MANITOBA. " ~ Louis Riel

The Red River Cart holds a special place in Métis history. It was developed in the late 18th century, making its first appearance in 1801 at Fort Pembina. The design combined Indigenous and European technologies to create a sturdy and versatile cart perfectly suited for the rugged terrain of the prairies. Initially the Red River cart could support loads close to 450 kilograms (nearly1,000 pounds). Its design allowed it to navigate through rough trails and cross rivers, making it an essential tool for Métis traders and settlers.

The Design and Construction:

The Red River Cart is a unique and iconic piece of Métis heritage, known for its sturdy design and adaptability to rugged terrains. Traditionally, these carts were constructed using locally sourced materials including hardwoods, hides and sinew, reflecting the resourcefulness of the Métis people. The wooden parts were joined together using mortise and tenon joinery, a traditional woodworking technique that doesn't require nails or screws. What made the Red River Cart truly remarkable was its versatility. It could be disassembled into smaller parts for transportation across rivers or difficult terrain. Additionally, the cart could be converted into a makeshift shelter or used as a defensive barrier when needed, showcasing the ingenuity of its design.

The Wheels & Axels:

One distinctive feature of the Red River Cart is its large wooden wheels with wide rims, designed to navigate uneven and rough surfaces. The axles were also crafted meticulously to withstand heavy loads and long journeys. The wheels could be quickly removed for repair or use in other ways as the entire cart itself could be disassembled and turned into a multitude of items. These include a raft for transportation across rivers or a makeshift shelter, they could be used as a defensive barrier when it was needed, or it could be kept in smaller pieces for easy travel over difficult terrain showcasing the ingenuity of its design.

But practicality wasn’t the only memorable aspect of these carts... if you thought a symphony of bagpipes was loud, you clearly haven’t encountered a Red River Cart in action! These wooden marvels were known for their unique, ear-piercing screeches that could be heard for miles around. It’s said that “A Red River Cart’s squeal was so loud, it could wake up the prairies!” Imagine trying to hold a conversation next to a group of these – you’d have better luck chatting at a rock concert!

Symbolism:

Beyond its many uses, the Red River Cart became a symbol of Métis identity and resilience. It represented the connection between Indigenous and European cultures, as well as the adaptability required for survival in the harshest of prairie environments. As the carts creaked across the prairies, their unmistakable sound became a call of endurance and unity, echoing through generations. The sight of a Red River Cart on the horizon was a symbol of coming together, community support, and the shared journey of a people who thrived through collaboration and mutual aid. Thus, the Red River Cart is remembered not only for its practical applications but also as an enduring emblem of Métis culture, heritage, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Crafting Red River Cart Replicas at Krtti:

At Krtti, we pay homage to the history of the Red River Cart through our meticulously created replicas. Each and every cart is a labor of love, with over 90 individual handcrafted pieces joined using traditional mortise and tenon construction techniques, staying true to the historical methods.

By crafting these replicas, we not only celebrate the history of the Red River Cart but also invite our customers to connect with true Canadian culture and history in a tangible and meaningful way.

Customization and Personalization:

We offer the option of working with us directly to create custom orders, allowing customers to personalize their Red River Cart replicas according to their preferences. This attention to detail and customization adds a unique touch to each piece, making it a cherished symbol of Métis heritage and craftsmanship.

As we conclude the first of many blogs to come, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us on this adventure. Your support and interest in our heritage mean the world to us. Together, we are not just preserving traditions but also weaving them into the fabric of our modern lives, creating a tapestry of resilience, creativity, and unity. Thank you once again for being a valued member of our community. Let's continue to celebrate heritage, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration.

Special Offer

To show our appreciation, we are excited to offer you an exclusive 10% discount on your next purchase from our store. Simply use the code BLOG0124 at checkout to enjoy this special offer. It's our way of saying thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting Indigenous artistry and culture.

If you found this blog post enjoyable and insightful, we invite you to share it with your friends and family, spreading the word far and wide.