Métis

Métis refers to a distinct Indigenous people in Canada and parts of the United States, descended from unions between Indigenous peoples and European settlers, especially French and Scottish traders. They are one of Canada's three recognized Indigenous groups, alongside First Nations and Inuit, and are historically associated with the fur trade and the Red River region.

Culture and language: The Métis developed a distinct culture, including Métis jigging, beadwork, and music. Michif, their traditional language, combines elements of Cree or Ojibwe with French and other languages. Today, Michif and other Métis languages are studied and revived alongside English and French.

History and politics: The Red River Resistance of 1869–70, led by Louis Riel, helped establish Métis land rights and contributed to the creation of Manitoba in 1870. Over the following decades Métis communities faced displacement and political marginalization, leading to continuing activism and negotiations. Modern organizations such as the Métis National Council and provincial Métis governments coordinate rights, culture, and self-government aspirations. The Canadian Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes Métis as Indigenous peoples with rights to be consulted and to maintain distinct cultures.

Rights and law: Canadian courts have recognized Métis harvesting rights in certain territories, notably R. v. Powley (2003) and R. v. Gladstone (2007), affirming the existence of Métis rights to hunt and fish for subsistence. The Métis Nation operates through national and provincial bodies to pursue land, governance, and self-determination agreements.

Demographics and location: The Métis are the second-largest Indigenous group in Canada, with a population in the hundreds of thousands. Most live in the Prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, with sizable communities in Ontario and British Columbia; there are also Métis communities in parts of the United States, particularly in the northern Plains.