The Red Sky Métis Independent Nation (RSMIN) are descendants of the original French voyageurs who settled in the area and the Indigenous women they married. Specifically, they are composed of the descendants of those 84 Métis recognized by the Crown as beneficiaries and annuitants under the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. RSMIN are culturally distinct from the First Nations people, holding their own traditions, customs and practices. The history of the RSMIN dates back to as early as 1506. As part of Digital Doors Open, through the video below, the RSMIN shares with us their traditional knowledge of preparing birch tea. Birch tea has anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties to it. Different parts of the birch tree found in the Thunder Bay region have been used for centuries for the preparation of this tea.