The Métis People

The Métis (pronounced “May-tee”) are one of the recognized distinct Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. During the height of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, many European fur traders married First Nations women. The eventual establishment of Métis communities outside of these cultures and settlements, as well as the intermarriage between Métis men and Métis women, resulted in a new Aboriginal people—the Métis. The Métis people helped to shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the West.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal nation and share a history, culture (song, dance, dress, national symbols, etc.), a unique language (Michif), distinct way of life, and a collective identity. The Métis homeland includes regions scattered across Canada, as well as parts of the northern United States.

The Red River Cart

The Red River Cart was a large two-wheeled cart that was simple to build, easy to repair, and almost indestructible. Because nails were unavailable or very expensive, these carts contained no iron at all and were entirely constructed of wood and animal hide. Often drawn by oxen, these carts were used throughout most of the 19th century in the fur trade in the area of the Red River and on the plains west of the Red River Colony. The cart was developed by the Métis for use in their settlement on the Red River, for buffalo hunts, farming and hauling goods.

Métis Flag

The Métis flag represents the merging of two cultures, and symbolizes the creation of a new society with roots in both First Nations and European traditions. The Métis have two flags; both flags have the same design, an infinity symbol, but are either red or blue.