Métis Timeline – Key Events and Notes

1869-1870 – Red River Resistance

• What Happened:

  • A movement led by Louis Riel to defend Métis land rights in the Red River Settlement (now Manitoba).

  • The Canadian government tried to take over Métis lands without consultation.

• Key Outcomes:

  • Riel and the Métis formed a provisional government.

  • The Manitoba Act (1870) was passed, creating Manitoba as a province.

  • The Act guaranteed land and language rights for the Métis, but these rights were later undermined.

Dominion Land Act & Northwest Territories Act

• Dominion Land Act (1872)

  • A Canadian law that allowed the government to grant land to settlers in Western Canada.

  • It ignored Métis land claims, leading to further displacement.

• Northwest Territories Act (1875)

  • Established legal authority over the Northwest Territories.

  • The Act enabled the Canadian government to expand into Métis territory, further threatening Métis land ownership.

1885 – Northwest Resistance (Northwest Métis Rebellion)

• What Happened:

  • The second armed conflict led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont.

  • The Métis fought against the Canadian government to protect their land and culture from settlers and the railway expansion.

• Key Outcomes:

  • The resistance was crushed by Canadian forces.

  • Louis Riel was executed for treason.

  • The Métis lost more land and faced further marginalization.

1896-1910 – Métis Establish Farms in St. Paul

• What Happened:

  • After the Northwest Resistance, many Métis became landless and impoverished.

  • They moved to St. Paul, Alberta, and established farms.

• Significance:

  • This was part of the Métis effort to regain stability and protect their culture.

  • It marked the beginning of permanent Métis settlements in Alberta.

1938 – First Métis Settlement

• What Happened:

  • The first official Métis settlement was established in Alberta.

  • It was part of the Alberta government’s response to the poor living conditions of the Métis.

• Significance:

  • It laid the foundation for future Métis settlements and land claims.

  • It represented an early step toward recognizing Métis rights.

1940-1960 – Métis Betterment Act

• What Happened:

  • Passed by the Alberta government to improve conditions for Métis people.

  • Created Métis colonies with land reserved for Métis families.

• Significance:

  • It gave the Métis some control over their land.

  • It was a step toward Métis self-governance, although the government still maintained authority.

1982 – Constitution Act

• What Happened:

  • Pierre Trudeau and Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution Act.

  • The Act included Section 35, which recognized Aboriginal and treaty rights, including Métis rights.

• Significance:

  • It was the first legal recognition of Métis as a distinct Indigenous group.

  • Métis rights became protected under Canadian law.

1990 – Métis Act Granting Sovereignty and Land

• What Happened:

  • The Métis Act in Alberta granted self-governance and land rights to Métis settlements.

  • It allowed Métis councils to pass their own bylaws and manage local affairs.

• Significance:

  • This was a major step toward Métis self-determination.

  • It protected Métis land ownership in Alberta.

2003 – Métis Rights (Powley Decision)

• What Happened:

  • The Powley Decision by the Supreme Court of Canada officially recognized Métis harvesting rights under Section 35 of the Constitution.

  • It confirmed that Métis have the right to hunt, fish, and gather for food.

• Significance:

  • It set a legal precedent for recognizing Métis as rights-bearing Indigenous people.

  • It clarified the legal definition of who qualifies as Métis.

2004 – Métis Harvesting Rights

• What Happened:

  • The Supreme Court ruling confirmed Métis people’s rights to harvest natural resources (e.g., hunting, fishing) for food.

• Significance:

  • Strengthened the legal protection of Métis harvesting rights.

  • Ensured Métis traditions were legally recognized.

2006 – Land Claims and Métis Citizenship

• What Happened:

  • Métis began filing land claims to regain traditional territories.

  • The Red River Métis Recognition and Implementation Treaty was introduced.

• Significance:

  • This treaty aimed to recognize Métis identity and their connection to the Red River region.

  • It also promoted Métis citizenship rights.

2025 – Red River Métis Recognition & Implementation Treaty

• What Happened:

  • A new self-government treaty allowed the Métis to pass their own laws that reflect their needs, goals, and traditions.

  • The treaty emphasized self-determination and preserving Métis identity.

• Significance:

  • It aimed to empower future generations of Métis to embrace their culture and heritage.

  • It strengthened Métis political and legal sovereignty.