Our Values

The Métis people are a distinct nation that was born through the intermarriages of European fur-traders and First Nations women. The Métis Nation went through an ethnogenesis in the 18th and 19th century, carrying along primarily French and Cree traditions and blending them into their own Métis traditions. The word ‘Métis’ has come to define a new Indigenous nation in Canada, but the latin root word of ‘Métis’ means to mix. The Métis nation is a nation that is inclusive by nature, and contemporarily are a diverse, inclusive and strong people. Swank embraces the inclusive nature of the Métis nation to work with and employ people and organizations of all backgrounds.
‍
‍

Métis people are storytellers by nature. Both the Voyageur and First Nations ancestors of the Métis people carry their own storytelling and oral traditions. Today, storytelling is how many Métis people connect to their culture and learn more about their ancestors and their history. Métis storytelling can be very comedic, which helps to process the injustice and dark times the Métis nation has faced. At Swank, we embody the Métis tradition of storytelling in all of the work we do. Quite simply, our job is to tell the best possible story about your brand. We tell your story in the most engaging and resonating way possible through a variety of services. We may not be telling your story around the campfire or the kitchen table like great Métis storytellers that have come before us, but we are doing so in the most valuable space for your brand, the digital realm.

The Métis Nation’s laws and governance developed out of the Buffalo Hunt. The Buffalo Hunt was based on egalitarian, democratic, and inclusive principles in which all members of the community played an important role. These principles and customs later influenced the Métis Provisional Government and their innovative bill of rights which paved the way for cultural, linguistic, religious and educational rights in Canada. At Swank, we incorporate elements of traditional Indigenous and Métis governance into our own governance model. We embrace equality of thought and opinion in business decisions, and govern on egalitarian principles.

The Métis are an entrepreneurial and innovative people. As key players in the Fur and Pemmican trades, the Métis invented many revolutionary technologies on the plains including: The Red River Cart, The York Boat, and the Jigger for ice fishing. Métis people have historically needed to be innovative and entrepreneurial in order to survive, and Swank embodies that same spirit in its contemporary operations. We provide our clients with innovative solutions to assist them in growing their brands and optimizing their operations through digital and technical services. 
‍

Kinship ties and family connections are at the heart of the Métis Nation. This is how Métis people in fact know they are Metis, and how they connect and practice their culture in a contemporary setting. At Swank, we cultivate a working environment where we look after each other and respect each other as if we were kin. This kinship spirit transcends Swank’s own team members, as it is part of the company culture to give back to the community.

Métis people have had to be incredibly resilient and adaptable historically, and in current times. Whether this was through battle, subsistence, business, or the recognition of rights, Swank embodies this characteristic. We prioritize being adaptable for our clients and ourselves in order to deliver the best possible service, whether it is a tried and true or an ‘out of the box’ strategy.
‍

Indigenous peoples, including Métis peoples have a deep connection to the land. The land is a lifeline for all that takes place on Turtle Island, and there is a responsibility to be a steward to the land. At Swank, we make a conscious impact to reduce our carbon footprint and to always be conscious of the land in our daily operations and long-term business decisions. 

“My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back” - Louis Riel.
The Métis are an artistic people, and that is reflected in Métis beadwork, music, jigging, and so much more. The creative team at Swank embodies the spirit of the Métis in the design work we do in the digital realm.