Are there any Métis on this forum?

CDNBear

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The Métis are not JUST French and Native. It now includes those of Anglo/Scottish and native ancestry as well, that developed in the Red River Valley area.
And then you have the Dutch/Native mix. African/Native mix and so on. It's subject to the amount of Native lineage, not immigrant. Even that sometimes doesn't matter. Hell I even know a Red River Metis that can trace his roots back to an ancestor standing next to Riel. Who had his Ontario Metis status stripped, lol. But that's because he went up against the PCMNO and Tony Belcourt. In Ontario what was once called the PCMNO has an application form you fill out to be Metis. All you have to do, is prove there's a lil Injin in the wood pile.

I am not ignorant of everything concerning the Métis. I just want to further my knowledge of the culture. I have been actively involved with Métis matters for well over 20 years now, but it is much more difficult to pursue this from the States.
Really? I would have thought there would be lots of info in Minnesota or North Dakota, even way down the Mississippi.
As to the Jesuits, they have very little to do with the Métis, but thanks for your comments meant to make this thread as silly as most.
It's arguable, but there are some that claim the Jesuits coined the term Metis in the 1600's, as an insult the bastard children created by the criminal Coureur du bois. While others claim the first recorded use of the term wasn't until the mid 1700's, in Quebec death records and it was more a description, then an insult.

Those that claim the latter, oft negate the influence of the Jesuit on the Coureurs du bois, Hommes du Nord and the Voyageurs. These men may have wanted some freedom, but it was more the thought of riches, then it was some noble stretching of ones legs and getting out from under the control of the King and the Cross, that made these men delve deep into the wilds, without Leave.

Of course this kind of work, brings you into contact with the indigenous people. Far from home a mans heart can be easily swayed, enticed by hapless beauties. Through love, purchase and rape, European blood was spread and mixed far and wide, across North America. The romanticized visages of those that helped create the Metis, are as ridiculous as the idea of the Noble Savage. The Metis began life as an abomination, born of rape, murder, slavery, and otherwise exploitative means. The Metis had to form a group for one reason, they were outcasts, their unification, was a matter of survival.

I happen to be an unusual person of the "Half-Breed" tradition, in that I happen to be Roman Catholic. Most of the Scots/English were not, but people forget that the Catholic Church never was completely suppressed in Scotland.
That's not unusual at all. We have a name for your clan of Metis, "Black Scots", or "les autres métis". Though most Scot Metis were Presbyterian, there was no shortage of RC Scot Metis in Canada. Hell there's even Orcadian Metis. Hence the use of Celtic and Scot tartans and shields to some extent in Metis culture.

I am also VERY familiar with the Jesuits, having earned my Ed.D at the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit School.
Cool, then you are fully aware that the Jesuits were hated, spread disease (accidentally or purposeful), stole "wealth", stole land and are otherwise the cause of many contemporary land claim issues.

Now, could we possibly stick to the actual subject, or must we be mired in the rantings of the semi-demented?
How semi is semi? Where do you think the term "Heavier than a dead Priest" came from? What sect do you think those dead Priests were? Who do you think coined the term?

All relevant, when discussing the reality of the Metis.

Don't take my words the wrong way. Not only are there many Metis in my family, but I've written on behalf of the Metis in a Toronto Native Daily. I was good friends with the President of the Toronto Metis Council for a time. Although I haven't seen him in years. Nor have I pursued the issue between the Toronto Metis council and the MNO.

As terms and labels seem destined to do over time, Metis has become more inclusive, (but don't tell the French that ;-)). For government purposes, Metis can mean any mix of native/non native lineage.
Yep.

While Catholicism is quite prominant, (again with the French), many reserves and native communities I have lived on did have a rather large Anglican presence due to immigration from the Protestant parts of the UK for work with the HBC.
And due to the fact that when the various Churches petitioned for the rights to a Reserves soul, the Gov't sought to keep the people divided by faith as well. You don't want a bunch of Injins getting all unified, lol.
 
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Johnnny

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No. Most aboriginals I know don't recognize the border. He meant the European squatters (colonialists and settlers).

sounds like a dumb**** to me... im sure my polish and finnish anscestors would consider me an reincarnated engishmen, not some gernaliszed ethnic group.. No worries though at least my anscestors would know know the difference....

What does he think of all the native youth listening to rap music and acting gangsta? He must pass that as normal eh? only point out the white mans faults.... Unfortuntaely the whiteman aint the only person on north america
 

CDNBear

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i heard that after 2012 or 2015 there not issuing anymore more status cards, native and metis... is this true?
Not sure, I haven't kept up on the issues with the Metis Nation. They can't stop issuing Status cards to true bloods though.

sounds like a dumb**** to me... im sure my polish and finnish anscestors would consider me an reincarnated engishmen, not some gernaliszed ethnic group.. No worries though at least my anscestors would know know the difference....
I was think that the comment you quoted was divisive myself.

What does he think of all the native youth listening to rap music and acting gangsta?
Myself, I like some of it. Some of it's pretty positive.

He must pass that as normal eh? only point out the white mans faults.... Unfortuntaely the whiteman aint the only person on north america
I agree.
 

Cliffy

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Nov 19, 2008
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:roll::roll::roll:

cliffy if you stood there and listened tot hat comment without saying something like "i know whites who arent drunks"

Your a pussy
You don't comprehend the post much. He was talking about drunk indians and dead whites.
 

CDNBear

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You don't comprehend the post much. He was talking about drunk indians and dead whites.
For argument's sake, let's say I didn't understand it either.

Because I see it as a very divisive train of thought. Albeit a neat thought of retribution, lol.
 

karrie

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For argument's sake, let's say I didn't understand it either.

Because I see it as a very divisive train of thought. Albeit a neat thought of retribution, lol.


What's divisive about saying that the alcoholics in your community are sick because they deserve to be for 'past sins'? Pretending they're not really 'your' people, but instead the people of some past enemy? That sounds so wholesome and healthy for the community. :lol:
 

CDNBear

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What's divisive about saying that the alcoholics in your community are sick because they deserve to be for 'past sins'? Pretending they're not really 'your' people, but instead the people of some past enemy? That sounds so wholesome and healthy for the community. :lol:
You forgot to put that in sarcastic purple, lol.
 

dumpthemonarchy

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In Canada the word Metis is acceptable because for one reason it is mentioned in the Canadian constitution. Why is a halfbreed-who is understood to have aboriginal ancestry, different from a Metis? Part of the answer is poltical as govts and governmental organizations can decide who is Metis.

Most Canadians are unaware of the Metis, they have heard of Riel, but there is no living reality of them. The Metis don't care as they are recognized by the govt and can continue their existence.

There is a good enty in the Canadian Enclycopedia about the Metis.
 

dumpthemonarchy

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Because of many things, 1, when they were born. 2, which parent was was Native. 3, what Nation was involved.

Too many things.

I heard an aboriginal chief on TV say, "Treaties don't make Indians, Indians make treaties." True to a degree as many but not all would survive without treaties.

Perhaps the idea is, the less Indian you are, the more you need a treaty to be an Indian. The govt provides land and resources, key ingredients for survival for anyone. And a legal existence, something a corporation cannot provide. A corporation can fire me, but I am always a Canadian, no matter what the govt says.
 

AnnaG

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The Métis are not JUST French and Native.
......... anymore. That's why I said, "It was usually the French Canadian father who acquired a native wife or mistress."
I happen to be an unusual person of the "Half-Breed" tradition, in that I happen to be Roman Catholic. Most of the Scots/English were not, but people forget that the Catholic Church never was completely suppressed in Scotland. I am also VERY familiar with the Jesuits, having earned my Ed.D at the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit School.
My father was superficially Catholic (it was imposed on him rather than his adopting the religion). After the Jesuit and Catholic grip on aboriginals relaxed he reverted to his traditional beliefs. My mother is Irish Catholic. I am agnostic. Catholicism in mixed subspecies is not uncommon.

Boy, you would think that the various forms of Christianity were the only religions out there. Most of the aboriginal and Metis I know are traditionals or practice both. Some don't see a conflict, but strictly traditionals do. An old medicine man I knew once said to me, "See all those drunk indians out there? Those are reincarnated white folks who tried to destroy us and now their only salvation is to get back to the traditional ways so they can learn what it was they tried to destroy."
lol.

Métis is from Old French "mestis" which is from the Latin "mixtus" meaning mix.
Online etymology dictionary

For a long period of time anyone that had a mix of heritages was referred to as this and it was considered a derogatory label.

i heard that after 2012 or 2015 there not issuing anymore more status cards, native and metis... is this true?
Not that I've heard. They are in the process of issuing a new type of status card at the moment (and dragging their asses about it).

For argument's sake, let's say I didn't understand it either.

Because I see it as a very divisive train of thought. Albeit a neat thought of retribution, lol.
Yeah. Kind of a neat application of the concept of irony. lol
 
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The Old Medic

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CDN Bear, you come across as a person that has a smattering of knowledge about a lot of things, and thinks that makes you an expert. Sorry, but Natives and Métis are very different things. Different languages, different cultures, different in many, many ways.

The Supreme Court of Canada has defined what a Métis is, and just having Native and European ancestry does not qualify you as a Métis. In order to be Métis, you must descend from a unique culture (not a native culture and not a European Culture), you must consider yourself as being Métis, and you must be accepted by the community as being a Métis.

As to the Jesuits, your charges are the typical slander of the ignorant and the pure militant Protestant. The Jesuits brought education wherever they went, in fact even most Protestants will acknowledge that. The Jesuits are NOT rich, nor did they come out to new lands in order to become rich or to acquire lands.

I have no idea why you want to spout off and display your ignorance the way that you do, but you do it well. You show that you have just enough knowledge to be dangerous, a great deal of prejudice, and the willingness to say anything, no matter how little you actually know about the subject.

None of the Métis organizations in Canada issue "Status Cards" to Natives. In fact, being either a Status or Non-Status Indian specifically disqualifies you from being Métis. You are one, or the other, but not both.

Yes, all of the Métis organizations issue identification cards, which some people call "Status Cards". Right now, in most provinces, they don't mean all that much other than to show that you are a member, but over time that will change.

Now, once again, can we stick to the subject, or are you going to continue to use this thread to spread your hatred and bile?
 

CDNBear

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CDN Bear, you come across as a person that has a smattering of knowledge about a lot of things, and thinks that makes you an expert.
Not at all. I simply think it makes me more capable of understanding many perspectives, and better then most. When it comes to Native issues, (of which because of my support for the Metis, I include,) I am well heeled. Being both a Status Native, and a half breed, I am keenly aware of and subject to internal conflict with both halves of my ancestry. I have also amassed an extensive library of facts, and personal knowledge. But I'm not sure why you would take that as a threat, and react so negatively, especially without provocation.

Sorry, but Natives and Métis are very different things. Different languages, different cultures, different in many, many ways.
:roll: I'd love for you to show me where I said anything resembling what you just alluded to.

Unless of course you're confusing the historic image of the Metis, and that of the contemporary Metis Nations.

The Supreme Court of Canada has defined what a Métis is, and just having Native and European ancestry does not qualify you as a Métis. In order to be Métis, you must descend from a unique culture (not a native culture and not a European Culture)...
You might want to tell that to the MNO then.

...you must consider yourself as being Métis, and you must be accepted by the community as being a Métis.
I guess that's why there's an application. If you fill it out, you obviously want to be recognized as Metis. If they accept your application, the community obviously accepted you.

As to the Jesuits, your charges are the typical slander of the ignorant and the pure militant Protestant. The Jesuits brought education wherever they went, in fact even most Protestants will acknowledge that. The Jesuits are NOT rich, nor did they come out to new lands in order to become rich or to acquire lands.
Well, I'm not protestant and I certainly do NOT identify as Christian in any way shape or form. I rely on historical facts. You can take or leave them to your hearts content, or have a differing perspective, but that doesn't change them.

A little history on the Jesuits, one of the largest land holders in Quebec, with over 800,000 acres....
Canadian Legal History > 1889: The Jesuits Estates

http://www.uelac.org/education/QuebecResource/Chapters/Mohawks_of_Quebec.html

http://www.1oro1.com/jesuits/proofs.html

And anyone under the impression that the Jesuits didn't amass large land holdings in Canada and around the world, as well as immense sums of monetary wealth, is simply delusional.
I have no idea why you want to spout off and display your ignorance the way that you do, but you do it well.
I was thinking about asking you the same thing.

You show that you have just enough knowledge to be dangerous, a great deal of prejudice, and the willingness to say anything, no matter how little you actually know about the subject.
Again, a sentiment that would best be applied to yourself.

I merely used facts to formulate my position. If you have something to the contrary to share, please feel free to share it. Isn't that what you wanted? I'm beginning to suspect not, hence the insults, in place of debate or discussion. Or perhaps it's a fear of having your visions and images being shaken.

I'm more then willing to engage you in a debate or discussion. Although it appears that you have shrunk away from such, by simply labeling me and dismissing what I have said, with insult and childish name calling. Without ever offering a single piece of educated thought, let alone fact. I actually doubt you have the skills or the material to counter my post. Which is why you felt the need to lower yourself to the mediocre level of insult and name calling in the first place.

None of the Métis organizations in Canada issue "Status Cards" to Natives.
No kidding? Could you show me where I said anything to the contrary?

In fact, being either a Status or Non-Status Indian specifically disqualifies you from being Métis. You are one, or the other, but not both.
Cool, again, could you show me were I said anything to the contrary.

Yes, all of the Métis organizations issue identification cards, which some people call "Status Cards". Right now, in most provinces, they don't mean all that much other than to show that you are a member, but over time that will change.
They do mean "much". As they come with distinct rights. Furthermore, I wish you could point out where I said anything that needed your incorrect, correction.
Now, once again, can we stick to the subject, or are you going to continue to use this thread to spread your hatred and bile?
I was on topic, if you were sincere in discussing it. It seems to be you that wants to side track things with insults and childish name calling.

I'd love for you to actually quote my commentary directly and show me what exactly it was that was "hatred" or "bile" like in any way. Because from where I sit, there is but one post that is filled with hatred and bile, and it is the one I just quoted, of yours.

It would seem to me, that considering my support of and work with the Metis community in Toronto, and the very fact they I stated clearly my support on behalf of the Metis, it would seem you either have an agenda, or a reading comprehension issue.

Now, if you would like to discuss my posts and the facts within, without resorting to your childish insults and attacks. I'd be more then willing to discuss the relevance of what I have said and how that affects/ed the Metis, as well as the Native communities across Canada.
 
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CDNBear

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I would love to correspond with anyone that can teach me more about the Métis culture.
Are you sure that's what you want?

Unlike my grandmother, I am proud to have some native ancestry, and i am trying to learn as much about that ancestry as possible.
I tried to share facts with you, you simply dismissed them with great childishness and ignorance.
 

AnnaG

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Sorry, but Natives and Métis are very different things. Different languages, different cultures, different in many, many ways.
Some Metis I know follow Anish culture mostly, others follow Cree culture mostly.
So let us know specifically some of these many, many ways things that make Metis different from aboriginals, please.

The Supreme Court of Canada has defined what a Métis is, and just having Native and European ancestry does not qualify you as a Métis. In order to be Métis, you must descend from a unique culture (not a native culture and not a European Culture), you must consider yourself as being Métis, and you must be accepted by the community as being a Métis.
Metis: "a person of mixed North American Indian and European ancestry, who identifies as Metis. (We also accept people who may use other words to indicate their identity, such as, "bois brulez", "Michif", "half-breed", "mixed-blood", etc." and then later; "This is the same definition which is currently used by Stats Canada." - Definition of Metis

Alberta's Metis seem to have many definitions of Metis: - Definition of Métis

The Métis National Council established in September 2002 a national definition of Métis for their organization, which is as follows: 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.
Bilateral Relationships So in order to be officially Metis in Canuckville, one has to have one or some of the original aboriginal "blood" flowing in them as well as an originating male French ancestor.

None of the Métis organizations in Canada issue "Status Cards" to Natives. In fact, being either a Status or Non-Status Indian specifically disqualifies you from being Métis. You are one, or the other, but not both."

Yes, all of the Métis organizations issue identification cards, which some people call "Status Cards". Right now, in most provinces, they don't mean all that much other than to show that you are a member, but over time that will change.
The last I heard, no aboriginal organisation issues status cards at all. The group that DOES issue status cards is the Min. of Indian and Northern Affairs. At least that's what it says on the application I filled out a bunch of months ago.
 

karrie

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Some Metis I know follow Anish culture mostly, others follow Cree culture mostly.
So let us know specifically some of these many, many ways things that make Metis different from aboriginals, please.


Yep, the Metis I know are more Cree than they are what you might call 'Metis' culture. The closest thing to a Metis cultural household that I can think of was my aunt's home, and my uncle is actually treaty, not Metis, but because of the blending between our French family and his native one, it created a pretty neat environment.
 
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