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Métis Studies

This is a guide for researchers to showcase resources on Métis history, culture, language, genealogy and more.

Genealogical Research

Source: Library and Archives Canada, R10074-2-1-E, Container: C-079642

Genealogical research for Métis Ancestry is complex, yet very rewarding. There are a number of things to help establish a genealogical record:

 

Birth, marriage, and death records

These records are typically used to help establish and follow a family tree.

 

Métis Scrip

Scrip certificates were issued by the federal government that gave Métis people land or money settlements. Scrip was intended to extinguish the Métis' Aboriginal title to land. Scrip Commissions, established by the government, were responsible for gathering at or near Métis communities to determine who was eligible for scrip, in addition to issuing it. Métis scrip was largely issued during the period from 1870-1920. Scrip records are significant because they represent an individual identifying themselves as Métis.

 

Census records

The 1901 Census was the fourth regularly scheduled collection of national statistics. It is extremely important for researching Métis genealogy because while previous provincial/territorial censuses denoted colour, it was the first national census to do so. There are two columns that will assist with determining if someone is Métis:

  • Column 5, colour: "r" was used to denote "red" for Native Canadians
  • Column 14, racial or tribal origin: generally traced through the father; however, Aboriginal people were to have their "racial or tribal origin" traced through their mothers, with the specific name of the First Nation entered.
    • The use of "breed" and "half-breed" indicated a person of mixed Native and other background (Métis), as noted in the following examples that were used at the time:
    • Fb (French breed)
    • Eb (English breed)
    • Sb (Scottish breed)
    • Ib (Irish breed)
    • Ob (Other breed)
    • Cree fb (Cree and French breed)

It is important to note that censuses were not wholly indicative of ancestral origin, as "colour" or "racial or tribal origin" were not always recorded accurately, or those facts were not always disclosed to census enumerators.

 

The below databases and books may be utilized to find these types of records.

Genealogy Databases

Genealogy Books

Métis Scrip Example

Source: Library and Archives Canada/Canada, Department of the Interior fonds/RG15-D-II-8-a, Volume/box number: 1321, Container: C-14929

Scrip affidavit for Hunt, Frank Larned [Lorimer], concerning the claim of his children: William Gunn Hunt; born: October 28, 1861; & Winnifred Hunt; born: December 25, 1865