Eastern Métis Identity

In spite of the many historical treaties that were signed without the inclusion of Métis, the 1982 Constitution Act recognises Métis as one of three Aboriginal groups in Canada. Transcripts of recent court battles such as the Daniels v. Canada (2013) and R. v. Powley (2003) make it clear, however, that Métis people still face everyday and legal questioning about their identity, rights, and disenfranchisement (Chartrand, 2001; Green, 2011; Rivard, 2017; White & Dyck, 2013). Although these questions have been discussed in the literature, the conversation mainly focusses on the western Métis peoples and their histories, struggles, and successes (Andersen, 2014; Dubois & Saunders, 2017; Gaudry & Leroux, 2017; Green, 2009, 2011; Rivard, 2017). In that literature, the Red River Settlement and Louis Riel heritage occupy a central place (Green, 2011; White & Dyck, 2013); thus, western Métis people have been a powerful and important force in Canadian Métis political history (Dubois & Saunders, 2017; Osborne, 2002; White & Dyck, 2013). This literature reinforces the perspective that Métis only existed in the west (Gaudry & Leroux, 2017).

Yet, individuals, families, and communities in more easterly communities also identify as Métis (Green, 2011; Rivard, 2017; White & Dyck, 2013). How their cultural and historical heritage has come to be determined and contested remains largely ignored in both research literature and public awareness. Empirical documentation capturing the daily reality of individuals self-identifying as Métis in eastern Canada represent a gap deserving attention. The present study is in response to this situation. It employs a qualitative research methodology that centres the voices and experiences of contemporary self-identified eastern Métis peoples. 

Our purpose is to contribute to a more complete and nuanced understanding of Canadian Métis identity and history. Through this research lens, interviews with self-identified Métis people residing east of Manitoba is the source of data that will come into focus. The group of individuals to be interviewed includes both ‘rights-bearing-Métis’ and non ‘rights-bearing-Métis.’ Whether or not an individual holds a membership in the Métis Nation of Ontario does not represent a criterion to meet for inclusion in the present research.

As with all of our research, this study centres a marginalised perspective with the goal of developing social policy recommendations that will promote equity and social justice.

If you are interested in participating, or have any questions regarding this research, please contact us for more information. Contacting us does not put any obligation on you to participate. If you are interested in participating, please note that all interviews will be confidential and anonymous, unless you decide otherwise.