FAQ

Q: Who are the Métis?

A: Prior to Canada's crystallization as a nation in west central North America, the Métis people emerged out of the relations of Indian women and European men. While the initial offspring of these Indian and European unions were individuals who possessed mixed ancestry, the gradual establishment of distinct Métis communities, outside of Indian and European cultures and settlements, as well, as, the subsequent intermarriages between Métis women and Métis men, resulted in the genesis of a new Aboriginal people - the Métis.

Q: What is the Métis Nation?

A: The Métis people constitute a distinct Aboriginal nation largely based in western Canada. The Métis Nation grounds its assertion of Aboriginal nationhood on well-recognized international principles. It has a shared history, common culture (song, dance, dress, national symbols, etc.), unique language (Michif with various regional dialects), extensive kinship connections from Ontario westward, distinct way of life, traditional territory and collective consciousness.

Q: What is the Métis National Council:

A: In March 1983, the Métis Nation separated from the Native Council of Canada to form the Métis National Council - its own Métis-specific representative body. The Métis National Council represents the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the Métis Nation's governments from Ontario Westward (Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia).

Q: What are the goals of the Métis National Council?

A: The Métis National Council reflects and moves forward on the desires and aspirations of the Métis Nation governments at a national and international level. Overall, the Métis National Council's central goal is to secure a healthy space for the Métis Nation's on-going existence within the Canadian federation.

Q: How can I register for my Métis card?

A: Registration is handled by the Métis Nation Governments in each province from Ontario westward.

Q: What is the Métis Nation definition?

A: On September 27, 2002, the Métis National Council adopted the following as it's national definition - "Métis means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry, is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples and is accepted by the Métis Nation."

Q: What is the Powley Decision?

A: On September 19, 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Métis had an Aboriginal right to harvest protected by the Canadian Constitution. The ruling was in favour of two Métis hunters, Steve and Roddy Powley, who killed a bull moose near their home in Sault Ste. Marie on October 22, 1993. more