A crucial chapter in the narrative of Canada's Indigenous peoples is the story of the Métis Nation, a unique group descended from both First Nations and Europeans. Emerging in the late 18th century in the Canadian North-West, the Métis quickly established themselves as a nation, renowned for their military prowess, nomadic lifestyle, and buffalo hunts. Far from being passive, the Métis burst onto the scene in the early 1800s, characterized by their flamboyance, defiance, and fierce independence. They were passionate romantics and visionaries, continuously battling for recognition, land, rights, and freedoms. Led by the iconic Louis Riel, they resisted encroachments on their territory in 1870 and 1885, events that became pivotal in Canadian history, influencing issues like Western alienation, Indigenous rights, and the French/English divide. After their defeat at the Battle of Batoche in 1885, the Métis faced a period of hiding but, by the early 20th century, they began a determined resurgence into the national consciousness. Today, the Métis are recognized as a distinct Indigenous nation in Canada. This engaging history, written by Riel's great-grandniece, chronicles the journey of these "forgotten people" and their ongoing path toward reconciliation. 2019 marks the 175th anniversary of Louis Riel's birth.
