Métis Heritage & Culture

Timeline of important Métis events

The history of the Métis people is rich with resilience, culture, and advocacy for rights and recognition. From the early fur trade in the 1600s to the landmark legal battles of the 21st century, the Métis have played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s social and political landscape. This timeline highlights key moments in Métis history, including their leadership during the Red River Resistance, the contributions of Métis women in the fur trade, and the ongoing fight for land and cultural rights. These events showcase the determination and strength of the Métis Nation as we continue to honour our heritage and build our future.

1600s – Early Encounters

1600s: Early intermarriage between French fur traders and Indigenous women in Canada’s Great Lakes region. These unions would later give rise to the Métis people. Source: Library and Archives Canada

1800s – Métis Women in the Fur Trade

Throughout the 19th century, Métis women played a crucial role in the fur trade, maintaining economic and cultural ties between their Indigenous and European backgrounds. Métis women often acted as key intermediaries between European traders and Indigenous communities. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Métis Women in the Fur Trade

1801 – First Métis Nation Established

1801: Establishment of the Red River Settlement, a cultural and economic center for the Métis people located in present-day Manitoba. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Red River Settlement

1816 – The Battle of Seven Oaks

June 19, 1816: Métis leader Cuthbert Grant led a group of Métis in the Battle of Seven Oaks against the Hudson’s Bay Company, marking a key assertion of Métis identity and resistance to colonial authority. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Battle of Seven Oaks

1869-1870 – Red River Resistance

1869: Under the leadership of Louis Riel, the Métis resisted the Canadian government’s encroachment on their lands in the Red River area. This resulted in the establishment of a provisional government and the passage of the Manitoba Act. Source: Manitoba Historical Society - Red River Resistance

1870 – Marie-Anne Gaboury: A Métis Matriarch

Marie-Anne Gaboury (1780–1875), known as the first European woman to settle in Western Canada, became an essential figure in Métis society. Her descendants include Louis Riel. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Marie-Anne Gaboury

1873 – Formation of the North-West Mounted Police

1873: The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) were created to bring law and order to the western territories, where the Métis people lived. This had a significant impact on Métis governance and autonomy. Source: RCMP Heritage Centre - History

1885 – The North-West Resistance

March 1885: The Métis, led once again by Louis Riel, rose up against the Canadian government in Saskatchewan, in what became known as the North-West Resistance. The Métis sought to protect their land rights and way of life. May 1885: The Métis were defeated at the Battle of Batoche, and Louis Riel was captured. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - North-West Rebellion

November 16, 1885 – Execution of Louis Riel

November 16, 1885: Louis Riel was hanged for treason in Regina, despite his efforts to protect Métis rights. Riel’s execution remains a pivotal event in Canadian history. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Louis Riel

1938 – Formation of the Métis Nation of Alberta

1938: The Métis Nation of Alberta was founded to represent the political, social, and cultural interests of the Métis people in Alberta. Source: Métis Nation of Alberta - History

1967 – Formation of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF)

1967: The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) was formed to represent the Métis people in Manitoba, focusing on governance, advocacy, and cultural preservation. Source: Manitoba Métis Federation

1982 – Métis Rights Recognized in the Constitution

1982: The Canadian Constitution was amended to include Section 35, recognizing the Métis as one of Canada's Aboriginal peoples with inherent rights to land and self-government. Source: Government of Canada - Constitution Act

1990 – Harry Daniels and the Métis Rights Movement

1990: Métis leader Harry Daniels initiated a lawsuit to secure federal recognition of Métis rights, which would eventually lead to the 2016 Daniels Decision. Source: Métis Nation - Saskatchewan

2003 – The Powley Case

September 19, 2003: In the Powley Case, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Métis have constitutionally protected hunting rights, marking a major victory in the recognition of Métis rights. Source: Government of Canada - Indigenous Rights

2003 – Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Wins Historic Victory

2003: The Métis Nation of Ontario was granted harvesting rights in the Powley Case, a landmark Supreme Court decision affirming the Métis right to hunt for food in their traditional territories. Source: Métis Nation of Ontario - Powley Decision

2006 – Historic Land Agreement in Alberta

2006: Alberta’s Métis settlements were granted a historic land rights agreement that provided the Métis with communal land ownership of 1.25 million acres. Source: Métis Settlements General Council - Land

2008 – The Apology for Residential Schools

2008: Métis students were among those included in the formal apology issued by the Canadian government for the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. This marked an important step in reconciliation. Source: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

2010 – Gabriel Dumont Institute: Métis Educational Institution

2010: The Gabriel Dumont Institute expanded its mandate to include Indigenous language revitalization, educational programming, and cultural initiatives for Métis communities across Saskatchewan. Source: Gabriel Dumont Institute

2013 – Jean Teillet: Métis Lawyer and Advocate

2013: Métis lawyer Jean Teillet, great-grandniece of Louis Riel, played a crucial role in defending Métis rights and was a key figure in the Manitoba Métis Federation land claim case. Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Jean Teillet

2016 – Daniels Decision

April 14, 2016: In the Daniels v. Canada case, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal government has a constitutional responsibility to the Métis and non-status Indians, clarifying their legal status. Source: Supreme Court of Canada - Daniels Case

2020 – Historic Accord in British Columbia

2020: The Métis Nation British Columbia signed a historic accord with the provincial government, recognizing Métis rights and committing to better governance, health, and education for Métis in BC. Source: Métis Nation BC - Accord

1600s

1800s

1801

1869

1870

1873

1885

1938

1967

1982

1990

2003

2006

2008

2010

2013

2016

2020

To learn more about the history of the Métis, including significant events, please see resources such as the Canadian Encyclopedia, Library and Archives Canada, Gabriel Dumont Institute, and Manitoba Métis Federation.