Métis Beaded Vest (04)

Title:	Métis Beaded Vest (04)
Subject:	Beaded, Vest, Harris, Reust, Reconciliation
Description:	This image is of a beaded vest, which was donated to the Gabriel Dumont Institute by André Ruest. In January 2021, André Ruest of Rimouski, Québec generously donated a Métis beaded vest that was more than a hundred years old to the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI). Marc Masson, of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise brought M. Ruest’s request to find a proper home for this striking objet d’art to the attention of the Institute’s Culture and Heritage Department. From there, the Institute worked with M. Ruest to repatriate this wonderful example of Métis artisanal skill to the Métis Nation. This generous donation is another example of Reconciliation and involved a Fransaskois (Marc Masson), a Québécois (André Ruest) and GDI to repatriate a stunning beaded vest to the Métis Nation. M. Ruest recognized that his donation was an act of Reconciliation when he wrote his accompanying letter with vest. A translation of M. André’s donation letter to the Gabriel Dumont Institute. I will pass along information about the vest and its origins in my family. I am very happy with the outcome of this story. I am honoured that the Gabriel Dumont Institute will let us repatriate this magnificent artifact to the Métis Nation. It is a beautiful way to pay homage to the Métis Nation and its rich culture. It warms my heart to know that the Ruest family can contribute to the reconciliation and the recognition of the Métis Nation. Around 1895, Charles (1877–1935) and Émile (1877–1921) Ruest worked in construction during the winter. During that time, they learned to speak a little English from a cook that worked with them. In the spring, they decided to leave for Saskatchewan to raise cattle. On the spot, they changed their last name to King. Ruest was pronounced “Roy” in in English. They simplified that to King. Upon their arrival to Saskatchewan, they established in the Harris region. Their land was fifty miles outside of Harris. They were both bachelors. On occasion, they went into town to shop, visit their friends, and probably some girls as well. Émile bought a vest made by Indigenous people. It was probably the only occasion he wore it. After Émile’s death, his brother Désiré Ruest (1885–1978) inherited it. He kept it for many years. After all these years, he gave it to his son, André Ruest. I’ve had it in my possession for many years now. As I have no next of kin and grow older, I did some research to see where I could best entrust this beautiful Indigenous artifact. Happily, I am communicating with the best people to expose and highlight this magnificent beaded vest. —André Ruest (Translated from the original French).
Date:	1900-1910
Type:	Image
Date of Copyright:	May 14, 2026
Coverage:	Saskatchewan; Quebec
GDI Media Filename:	Ruest Vest 4.jpg

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Ruest, André