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Métis THe Métis TodAY
waist sash
Cuthbert Grant was one of in a new and distinct group of people who
several leaders of the early developed communities along river and
Métis (pronounced may-TEE). fur-trade routes in the 1600s and 1700s.
Métis is a French word that The Métis spoke a mixed language called
comes from the Latin word Michif. Today, most Métis speak English and
meaning “to mix.” It is related French, but the Michif language is gaining
to the Spanish word mestizo. in use once again thanks to efforts by the
Métis National Council.
The Métis Nation includes those
descended from Native Americans The Métis homeland includes the
(Woodland Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, provinces of British Columbia, Alberta,
Mi’kmaq, and Menominee Indians) Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario,
with French Canadian and/or Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
British settlers and fur and the Northwest Territories in Canada
traders. These mixed and the states of Montana, North Dakota,
marriages resulted and Minnesota in the United States.
There has been much confusion about
what it means to be Métis and whether
or not they are a distinct group of people
because of their history. However, in 2003
the Supreme Court of Canada officially
recognized the Métis as one of the
Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Gerald Cunningham,
Métis Settlements
General Council President
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