Metis Heritage
Prior to Canada's formation as a nation in central North America, the Métis people emerged out of the relations of European men and Indian women. While the initial descendants of these Indian and European unions were individuals who had mixed ancestry, the progressive formation of distinct Métis communities, subsequent intermarriages between Métis women and Métis men, resulted in the conception of a new Aboriginal people - the Métis.
Distinct Métis communities derived, as an outgrowth of the fur trade, along some parts of the waterways and Great Lakes of Ontario, throughout the Northwest and as far north as the McKenzie river. The Métis people were connected through the fur trade network, seasonal rounds and a collective identity (i.e. common culture, language, way of life, etc.).
The Métis, indubitably shaped Canada's expansion westward through their on-going assertion of their collective rights and identity. From the Red River Resistance to the Battle of Batoche to other notable actions embarked upon throughout the Métis Nation Homeland, the identity and history of the Métis people will be a part of Canada's existence forever.
The Métis people comprise of a distinct Aboriginal nation largely based out of western Canada. The Métis Nation grounds its affirmation of Aboriginal nationhood on well-recognized international principles. It has a shared history, a common culture (dance, song, dress etc.), a unique language (Michif with diverse regional dialects), extensive kinship connections from Ontario westward, a distinct way of life, a traditional territory and a collective consciousness.
The Métis Nation's Homeland is based on the traditional territory upon which the Métis people have historically lived and relied upon within central North America. This territory roughly includes the 3 Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), parts of Ontario, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, as well as, parts of the northern United States (i.e. Montana).
The Métis Population in Canada In September 2002, the Métis people adopted a national definition of Métis for citizenship within the Métis Nation. Based on this definition, it is estimated that there are 350,000 to 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada. The Métis Nation is now in the process of uniformly implementing this definition across the Homeland, as well as, developing a consistent acceptance process.
1 Census information from Statistics Canada
Distinct Métis communities derived, as an outgrowth of the fur trade, along some parts of the waterways and Great Lakes of Ontario, throughout the Northwest and as far north as the McKenzie river. The Métis people were connected through the fur trade network, seasonal rounds and a collective identity (i.e. common culture, language, way of life, etc.).
The Métis, indubitably shaped Canada's expansion westward through their on-going assertion of their collective rights and identity. From the Red River Resistance to the Battle of Batoche to other notable actions embarked upon throughout the Métis Nation Homeland, the identity and history of the Métis people will be a part of Canada's existence forever.
The Métis people comprise of a distinct Aboriginal nation largely based out of western Canada. The Métis Nation grounds its affirmation of Aboriginal nationhood on well-recognized international principles. It has a shared history, a common culture (dance, song, dress etc.), a unique language (Michif with diverse regional dialects), extensive kinship connections from Ontario westward, a distinct way of life, a traditional territory and a collective consciousness.
The Métis Nation's Homeland is based on the traditional territory upon which the Métis people have historically lived and relied upon within central North America. This territory roughly includes the 3 Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), parts of Ontario, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, as well as, parts of the northern United States (i.e. Montana).
The Métis Population in Canada In September 2002, the Métis people adopted a national definition of Métis for citizenship within the Métis Nation. Based on this definition, it is estimated that there are 350,000 to 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada. The Métis Nation is now in the process of uniformly implementing this definition across the Homeland, as well as, developing a consistent acceptance process.
1 Census information from Statistics Canada