The Métis Nation

The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people with a unique history, culture, language, and collective consciousness that emerged in the western interior of North America during the fur trade era. They are not defined simply by mixed ancestry; rather, they are a political and cultural Nation that arose from the relationships between European men (primarily French, Scottish, and English fur traders) and First Nations women (primarily Cree, Saulteaux/Ojibway, and Dene).

The heartland of the Métis Nation is the historic Northwest, spanning the Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta) and extending into parts of Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and the northern United States.

  • From the unions of European traders and First Nations women, new communities developed around fur trade posts. Over generations, these communities created a unique culture that was neither fully European nor fully First Nations, but a fusion of both, adapted to life on the northern plains.

    Key elements of Métis identity include:

    • Language (Michif): The Métis have their own distinct language, Michif. It is a fascinating and rare example of a "mixed language," primarily combining French nouns with Cree verbs. There are also other dialects and languages, including Bungi (a creole of English, Scots, Gaelic, Cree, and Saulteaux) and Métis French.

    • Culture and Traditions: Métis culture is famous for its vibrant art, music, and dance. Intricate floral beadwork, energetic fiddle music, and the Red River Jig are iconic symbols of their identity. The brightly coloured, finger-woven sash (ceinture fléchée) is another powerful symbol of Métis pride and nationhood.

    • Economic Life: The Métis were the engine of the fur trade. They were expert buffalo hunters, voyageurs, traders, and guides. Their legendary Red River cart brigades formed the primary transportation network across the prairies for decades.

    • Political Consciousness: As their communities grew, the Métis developed a strong sense of themselves as a distinct political entity—the Otipemisiwak, or "the people who own themselves." This political consciousness culminated in the formation of provisional governments to assert their rights and protect their lands.

    Resistance and Recognition

    The Métis Nation played a pivotal role in the shaping of Western Canada. Led by the visionary leader Louis Riel, the Métis led two major resistance movements against the Canadian government's attempts to annex their lands without negotiation:

    1. The Red River Resistance (1869-1870): The Métis, through a provisional government, negotiated the terms for the creation of the province of Manitoba, ensuring protections for language, religion, and land rights.

    2. The North-West Resistance (1885): An attempt to protect Métis and First Nations rights in what is now Saskatchewan from the encroachment of settlers and the railway.

    Despite these efforts, the Métis were largely dispossessed of their lands and faced decades of discrimination and marginalization. It was not until the Constitution Act of 1982 that the Métis were officially recognized as one of the three distinct Aboriginal peoples of Canada, alongside First Nations and Inuit.

  • Today, the Métis Nation is organized through various democratic governing bodies. The ones listed are major political representatives for Métis citizens in their respective provinces.

    • Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF): The official democratic and self-governing representative for the Red River Métis, the founders of Manitoba. The MMF has been a powerful advocate for Métis rights and self-government for over 50 years.

    • Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA): The oldest Métis organization in Alberta, representing Métis citizens in that province. The MNA has made significant strides towards self-government, including signing a modern-day treaty with the Government of Canada.

    • Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): The democratically elected government for Métis citizens in Ontario, representing communities with deep historic roots in the province's fur trade history.

    • Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC): Represents the nearly 98,000 self-identified Métis people in British Columbia, governing and delivering programs and services to its citizens.

    A Unique Case: The Alberta Métis Settlements

    • Peavine Métis Settlement (AB): This is a unique and important entity. Peavine is one of eight Métis Settlements in Alberta, which are the only constitutionally protected Métis land base in Canada. They were established by the Metis Population Betterment Act of 1938 by the Alberta government. The Settlements are distinct from the MNA and have their own form of local governance, managing their own lands, resources, and community affairs, similar to a municipality. They represent a landmark achievement in the Métis struggle for land and self-determination.