Métis are a distinct Indigenous people in Canada, with their own history, communities, culture, language traditions, kinship networks, and political identity. Métis are not a subgroup of First Nations or Inuit peoples. Although First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have all experienced colonization in Canada, each has separate histories, identities, and rights.
This page is an introduction to
Who Are the Métis?
The Métis emerged as a distinct Indigenous people and Nation in the historic Northwest during the fur trade era. Over generations, Métis communities developed their own shared identity, culture, family networks, political traditions, and ways of life. This is more than a matter of having both Indigenous and European ancestors.
The term “Métis” should not be used as a general label for every person of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. Métis identity is connected to historic Métis communities, family connections, culture, and the continuing life of the Métis Nation.
In Canada, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are recognized as three distinct Indigenous peoples under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The Métis Nation Homeland
Today, Métis citizens and communities live both within the historic Homeland and in urban centres across Canada. Métis governments and organizations continue to support citizenship, culture, language, education, health, economic development, family services, and self-determination.
Métis History
Important events in Métis history include the Red River Resistance of 1869–70 and the North-West Resistance of 1885. These events involved Métis efforts to protect lands, communities, political rights, and ways of life during rapid change and settlement expansion.
Historical figures such as Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, and many Métis women, families, and local leaders remain important to Métis history. Their stories should be understood within the broader history of Métis communities rather than as isolated biographies.
Métis Culture and Traditions
Métis culture varies among communities and families, but it includes strong traditions of music, dance, storytelling, visual arts, foodways, beadwork, embroidery, weaving, and community gatherings. The Red River cart, Métis sash, fiddle music, jigging, and floral beadwork are widely recognized cultural symbols, but they do not represent every Métis person or community in exactly the same way.
The Métis sash is often called the ceinture fléchée. It has practical, historical, and cultural significance and should be described respectfully rather than treated as a generic costume accessory.
Culture is living and continues to be carried forward by Métis artists, Elders, Knowledge Holders, families, youth, educators, language speakers, and community organizations.
Michif and Métis Languages
Michif is closely connected to Métis identity and history. Different forms of Michif developed in Métis communities, drawing on Indigenous languages and French. Language knowledge preserves family ties, place names, stories, humour, cultural teachings, and historical memory.
Métis communities are involved in language revitalization through classes, recordings, dictionaries, school programs, community events, and work led by fluent speakers and language learners. Information about language should always identify the specific community or variety being discussed when possible.
Métis Self-Determination Today
Métis people and governments continue to advance self-determination through citizenship systems, community programs, cultural renewal, education, housing, health services, land and resource work, and political advocacy. Métis history is not finished. It is part of the present-day work of communities and governments across the Métis Nation Homeland.
Current subjects may include Métis governance, Métis rights, language revitalization, community health, education, and cultural continuity.
Explore Métis Topics
- Métis Communities — community profiles, regional history, and related articles.
- Métis History — the fur trade, Red River, resistance, leaders, families, and historic communities.
- Métis Culture and Traditions — arts, music, dance, beadwork, foodways, and cultural learning.
- Michif and Métis Languages — language history, learning, and revitalization.
- Métis People — biographies and profiles of Métis artists, leaders, educators, and community members.
- Métis Resources — Métis-led organizations, educational resources, and research tools.
Learning Respectfully About Métis Peoples
When learning about Métis history or culture, use Métis-created and Métis-led sources whenever possible. Avoid assuming that every person with mixed ancestry is Métis, that all Métis communities are identical, or that Métis culture belongs only to the past.
This site is building its Métis section over time. Its purpose is to provide a clear starting point and direct readers toward Métis-led organizations and community sources for deeper information.