For generations, historic Métis communities in what is now Ontario saw themselves as distinct from First Nations with whom they shared territory. This is confirmed by the Métis communities’ own words as seen in their numerous political actions to defend their own interests and rights, consistently self-ascribing as “Halfbreeds”.
The historic record also confirms that, for generations, First Nations and settler populations alike viewed and respected the Métis as a distinct people with a way of life and culture unique to that of First Nations with whom they coexisted.
In October 1871, for example, Indian Agent Robert J. Pither drew up lists of payments in exchange for Canada’s right-of-way along the Dawson Route. One of these lists was entitled “Halfbreeds of Fort Frances” and recorded payments to nine Métis households.
These distinctions were echoed two years later during negotiations for Treaty 3. In October 1873, for instance, Chief Mawedopenais of Rainy River requested that “halfbreeds” be included in the treaty alongside the Anishinaabe.
However, Treaty Commissioner Alexander Morris explained that he was:
“sent [there] to treat with the Indians. In Red River, where I came from, and where there is a great body of Half-breeds, they must be either white or Indian. If Indians, they get treaty money; if the Half-breeds call themselves white, they get land. All I can do is to refer to the matter to the government at Ottawa, and to recommend what you wish to be granted.”
Such distinctions, along with many others like them, demonstrate that the distinctiveness of the Métis was well understood, as well as their kinship and connections to other Métis Nation communities.
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