Robert Pruitt
Who are the Métis?
Traditionally, they are individuals with mixed European (usually French, Scottish, Irish or English) and First Nations (usually Cree or Ojibway) ancestry. They posses a distinctive culture which incorporates all aspects of their diverse ancestry and regards themselves as being separate from First Nations, Inuit and non-aboriginal peoples. To be considered a Métis, one must also identify oneself as such, and be regarded as such by other members in one’s community. The term “Métis” was first used in print in an 1885 Globe and Mail article by Louis Riel. The Métis have also been frequently known as half-breeds. The Ojibway term for Métis is wissakodewinmi, which means “half-burnt woodmen”, while the Cree called the Métis o-tee-paym-soo-wuk, meaning “their own boss”
A Short History of the Métis
In the Beginning: The first Métis were doubtless born just nine months after the first European settles arrived on Canada’s shores. Some of the fathers abandoned their new families, while others joined the Aboriginal culture, as devoted fathers. A sense of a unique Métis identity and culture quickly took shape, incorporating aspects of both European and Aboriginal culture. From the very beginning, they were very individualistic people who could not be forced to do anything against their will. Their adventurous spirit took them west to the Red River valley, a hundred years before true white settlement there. They developed their own dialects and languages, such as Michif, which is a large blend of Cree and French. In their communities, some farmed, but many more worked for the trading companies or followed and hunted buffalo. Some have claimed that the role of buffalo hunting in Métis life has been over exaggerated but it is certainly important. The majority of Métis took up Christianity in one form or another, though they also kept aspects of Aboriginal spirituality. With the arrival of white settlers though, life began to change.
The Battle of Seven Oaks (1816): When the governor of the Red river Colony attempted to cut off the supply routes of the North West Trading Company, the Métis, led by Cuthbert Grant, confronted the settlers. Shots were fired, leaving 21 settlers and one Métis dead. Needless to say, the Métis were regarded as a force to be reckoned with form that day on.
The Red River Insurrection (1869-1870): When John A Macdonald began to talk to The Hudson’s Bay Company about handing over their lands in Canada in return for compensation, the Métis were infuriated that they were not consulted and afraid of losing their lands to which they had no official title. Louis Riel created a provisional government which drew up demands to secure the future of the Métis, which were then presented to Ottawa. Riel, though, was then forced to flee to the US, after his government executed Thomas Scott, an Ontario Orangeman. Despite this, many of his government’s provisions found their way into the 1870 Manitoba Act. Much of the land allotted to the Métis never reached their hands though, due to bureaucratic red-tap and deliberate complications. Some became frustrated and joined first nation communities, while others moved further west. It was also at this time that the Métis first began to experience prejudice from the Europeans. Not even those who attained affluence and positions of power were immune.
The North-West Rebellion (1885): When Canada began to encroach on Métis lands further west, Riel returned to lead his people and when he was unable to negotiate with the Canadian government, he began to set up a provisional government, this time at Batoche. Fear of land loss, hunger and poverty led to armed resistance against the government which cultivated into four battles. When the rebellion ultimately failed, riel was tried for treason and executed in 1885. Some say that the Métis died with him, but that is simply a myth.
The Métis and First Nations Peoples
Many First Nations peoples resent the way in which the Métis have attempted to claim the same protections which the government has afforded them. The Métis feel that these protections are rightfully theirs by heredity and have been frustrated that they do not have levers, such as the Indian Act, with which to plead their case. There have been many successful joint efforts by the Métis and Non Status Indians though, as they have suffered in much the same fashion. Many other first Nations communities have also aided the Métis and welcomed them into their communities throughout history, so their relationship cannot be generalized.
The Métis Today
Even today, the Métis are people caught between two worlds, but, they see themselves as distinct people and the only ethnic group indigenous to the continent. Land claims continue to be a major issue for the Métis today and they also hope to assure their share of profits from oil and natural gas found on Métis land. Housing and employment also continue to be another major issue, as does representation within the government bodies. They want to ensure a proper education for their children, but an education which included their own language and culture.
The revitalization of Métis culture has become perhaps the biggest issue for the Métis in this day and age. Cultural events, such as the “Back to Batoche” festivals are uniting Métis from across Canada, and educating a new generation about their past. The Métis, like many other aboriginal peoples, have been taught through the media to feel inferior and ashamed about their culture, but the Métis are now attempting to use the media to combat this phenomenon. Many Métis have become great success throughout Canadian history, but sadly, many have had to deny their Métis identity to do so. Those who could pass for white did so, while others joined First Nations communities. As a result, there are many Canadians who are missing a key part of their family history and thus, a piece of themselves. The Métis would like to welcome these individuals back into the community, though for some, the past remains hidden forever.
References Harry W. Daniels, We are the New Nation: The Métis and National Native Policy Julia D. Harrison, Métis: People Between Two WorldsDonald Purich, The MétisDuke Redbird, We are Métis: A Métis View of the Development of a Native Canadian People