Who can identify as Metis?

Each Metis organization in Canada define for themselves who can identify in their group as Metis. The Criteria include specifics on ancestral origin, native ancestry, documentation, etc.. There are no fully developed legal definitions of Metis identification in Canada, though Canadian courts have clarified somewhat who can call themselves Metis.

The first most notable court ruling (Powley case)  is that no blood quantum is required to be Metis---but qualified as an ancestral affiliation to an early historic Metis community.  Such historic communities began with early 15th century Acadia, Kebec and Trois Riviere, (all of whom were involved in colony development and the fur trade), then later villages and towns, such as Sault St. Marie, sprang up that were on the westward fur trade route. The problem is that only those self developed communities (away from New France and Acadia) are presently considered eligible under Section 35 dealing with hunting and land. All others are not considered historical communities because of European government influence.

 The Daniel's ruling has further enhanced our identity. This most important ruling on April 14, 2016 defined  Metis (and non status “Indians”) as “Indian” under the Canada Constitution Act. This effectively extended Metis identity to mean anyone with native ancestry under an all inclusive description of "Indian" under the constitution. Unfortunately the government has chosen to recognize and favour only Metis people eligible for section 35 rights.

The effect of the Powley and Daniels cases has effectively split the Canadian Metis people into two groups: those who reference a link to an hisorical community, and the remainder making up the majority, having Native ancesty.


Roland Belanger Vice Chief MMFN