MÉTIS
A comprehensive step-by-step guide to researching your Métis ancestry with respect, accuracy, and cultural understanding.
Red River cart caravan on the plains - Library and Archives Canada
Where to Begin
Understand Métis Identity
Learn what Métis identity means culturally, historically, and legally before beginning your research.
Interview Family
Start with what you know by talking to relatives and gathering family stories.
Gather Records
Collect birth certificates, photos, and any family documents you can find.
Research History
Learn about Métis history and the regions where your ancestors lived.
Connect Community
Respectfully engage with Métis communities and organizations for guidance.
Complete Research Guide
- What Is Métis Ancestry?
- Understanding the Historical Context
- Why Métis Genealogy Is Unique
- Common Challenges in Métis Research
- Start With What You Know
- Interviewing Family Members
- Gathering Family Records
- Creating a Simple Family Tree
- Legal, Cultural, and Historic Definitions
- The Role of Community Acceptance
- Contemporary vs. Historical Identity
- Avoiding Self-Indigenization Pitfalls
- Early Contact and Fur Trade (1600s-1800)
- The Red River Era (1810-1870)
- Post-Confederation Displacement (1870-1900)
- The Métis Diaspora and Road Allowance Communities (1900–Present)
- Romanticized or False Métis Claims
- Misinterpreting DNA
- Misidentifying French-Canadian Ancestors as Métis
- Assuming All Fur Trade Ancestors Were Métis
- Tracking Sources and Citations
- Using Genealogy Software or Trees
- Creating a Research Log
- Understanding Name Variations, Spelling Changes, and Nicknames
- Applying the "5 Ws" to People and Records
- Evaluating Evidence and Gaps
- Respecting Community Protocols and Ethics
- National Archives and libraries
- Provincial and Territorial Archives
- Métis-Specific Institutions
- University and Regional Archives
- Church Archives
- Digital Repositories and Research Guides
- Vital & Civil Records
- Church & Parish Records
- Census & Population Records
- Land, Scrip & Claims Records
- Employment & Fur Trade Records
- Military & Resistance Records
- Cemetery & Burial Records
- Oral Histories & Community Testimony
- Other Useful Records
- Archives & Libraries Holding Core Records
- Métis Nation Registries and Organizational Resources
- Published Indexes, Transcriptions & Guides
- Digital & Online Databases
- Specialized Collections & Tools
- Can DNA Prove Métis Ancestry? (Short answer: No)
- The Limits of DNA for Métis Citizenship and Rights
- How to Interpret DNA Matches in a Métis Context
- DNA as a Supplementary Tool in Genealogical Research
- Types of DNA Tests: Autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA—What They Can and Cannot Reveal
- Common Misunderstandings About DNA and Métis Identity
- DNA Projects and Studies: What They Are and Their Limitations
- Ethical Considerations and Community Guidance
- Joining a Métis Local or Nation Registry
- Respectful Approaches to Community Engagement
- What Validation Looks Like (and What It Doesn't)
- Oral Histories and Cultural Knowledge
- Essential Books and Academic Sources
- Genealogical Guides and Finding Aids
- Library and Archives Canada's Métis Genealogy Portal
- University of Calgary Métis Studies Guides
- Published Family and Local Histories
- Key Databases and Digital Collections
- iPortal: Indigenous Studies Portal
- Library and Archives Canada Digitized Records
- Online Genealogy Forums and Communities
- Métis Nation and Community Registries
- Where to Get Help (Genealogists, Elders, Archives, Registries)
- Workshops, Webinars, and Community Events
- Glossary of Terms (including historical and contemporary language)
- Abbreviations and Acronyms List
- Templates (Interview Questions, Family Group Sheets, Research Logs, Timelines)
- Name Variations and Terminology Guide
- Citation and Documentation Templates
- Sample Record Transcriptions and Abstracts
- Printable Checklists (for research steps, document gathering)
- Family Tree Chart Templates
Respectful and accurate Métis research is a journey of discovery, connection, and understanding. By engaging with the resources, strategies, and communities outlined in this guide, you are taking meaningful steps towards uncovering your Métis ancestry and heritage.