- Definition
Métis are people who have both First Nations and European family backgrounds, with a unique culture that blends these different heritages.
The colourful, finger-woven sash is an important cultural symbol for the Métis people.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A Métis family tree has roots from both First Nations families and European families who came to Canada long ago.
Ask your child: What if a family's stories came from two different places?
Common mix-up: Kids might think anyone with mixed ancestry is Métis. The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people with their own unique history, culture, and communities.
Examples
- Métis fiddle music and jigging combine traditions from their First Nations and European ancestors.
- Michif is a unique language spoken by Métis people that mixes Cree and French.
Métis is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+160 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
