History of the Métis people
The Métis people are descendents of the marriages between Aboriginal people and Europeans in 17th century North America. The first Métis were the children of Aboriginal women and European fur traders in the Red River area of what is now known as Manitoba. Today, they live across Canada and in northern parts of the United States. Métis speak a mixed language called Michif as well as English, French, and various Aboriginal languages.
Métis have a proud history and cultural tradition in Canada. The most famous Métis was Louis Riel who led the Métis Resistance in the Red River area of Manitoba in 1869 and again in the North-West Settlement of Saskatchewan in 1885. Other important Métis in history include: Gabriel Dumont, Howard Adams, and Malcolm Norris. Today, many Métis like Maria Campbell and John Arcand continue to celebrate and preserve Métis culture.
