One of the best-know symbols of Métis culture is the Red River cart which was used for carrying belongings, or meat and hides back from the huge buffalo hunts. In appearance the carts were similar to those used in the Scottish highlands and the French areas of Quebec. Made completely from wood, with a light box frame on an axle with two large wheels, the carts were fairly light, strong, and easy to repair. The wheels, with six to eight spokes, were five to six feet high and wrapped tightly with rawhide to prevent the wood from splitting.

The screeching of this dry hubbed cart could be heard for miles. Grease was not used because it picked up mud and tiny pebbles that clogged up the hubs. When this happened the cart was forced to stop.

Although the carts were usually pulled by oxen, when speed was important the Métis used horses instead. The wheels on these versatile carts were cone-shaped out from the hub so that the wheels would not sink too deeply when they traveled over soft ground with a full load, and when the Métis wanted to cross water they simply removed the wheels which were kept in place with a wooden peg, thus creating a raft to cross rivers with ease without having to unload the cargo.

This information was found on the following web site, to see the Photo Gallery or other interesting information on Métis Heritage click on www.metisnationalcouncil.com

The Métis Commission for Children & Family Services wishes to thank and supports Mr. Jim Roberts, a very brave Métis man with Muscular Dystrophy for his talents in making duplicate ornamental Red River Carts, as seen below.

These sturdy little carts are used by the Commission for cultural gift giving.

Through the past several years, Jim has been to Batoche and watched the workshops construct the large Red River cart. This has helped him to refine his little ones to a more authentic look. After studying the history of the cart, his dream is to build a full size one.

Jim has shared the teaching of the Red River Cartwheel. Similar to some First Nations, for whom the twelve tipi poles carry a spiritual significance, so too, the twelve spokes signify the following values that should be reflected in any healing programs for Metis people.

1. Trust Based
2. Empowering
3. Committed
4. Culturally Reinforcing
5. Safe
6. Respectful
7. Dignified
8. Accessible
9. Peer Supportive
10. Ethical
11. Family - Centred
12. Confidential

The Hub of the Red River Healing Wheel represents the individual, with the outer rim representing the community.

Please note:
Within the structure of the Red River Healing Wheel is an over lapping feature which we use to represent free structure and flexibility of healing programs.