Métis is French for mixed blood.  The word derives from the French language used by French Trappers discussing their fellow trappers’ offspring from a Native American.  These families of mixed race and religion began to dwell together and developed their own communities.  Both belief systems were taught and respected.  As the children grew within the community, they embraced one or the other religion.  Some left their community and dwelled within the European towns, leaving all native belief and actions in their past to fit in and become accepted without concern of prejudice.  Others would embrace their Native belief and move into the tribal system with a grandparent, aunt, or uncle.  The third scenario grew from the original community, when the children didn’t move away but continued in the lifestyle and belief system they were accustomed too. 

Canada recognizes the Métis as part of the First Nations.  The United States chose not to recognize the mixed bloods and continued with genocide by labeling the southern Métis as white. 

I live among the southern Métis within the United States.  As a Métis, we are neither white nor native, yet we are both. We are not claimed by either race.  When we are asked about our race or ethnic origins on legal forms, the option we are offered is Other.  Nonetheless and using this example, by the beginning of the next school year, our children are labeled white and we again check the Other box and fill in the blank with Métis.

You’re invited to our gathering, where Rendezvous enthusiast and Powwow enthusiast come together for a Métis Community Eastern Woodland Gathering. 

The traditional Métis community has a chain of command similar to other government institutions.  It differs from the tribal leadership.

 
Communities consist of clans also known as families.  The oldest members hold the position of Clan Grandmother and Clan Grandfather and called the Elders in conversation.  The chief of this clan in actually isn’t a chief, but a spokesperson for the clan and could be a younger member of the family that has excellent speaking skills.  The Clan Chief is not in charge of making decisions as a tribal Clan Chief would be. 

 
A Band Chief is the spokesperson for several clans.  As a family grows, so does a Clan.  As your cousins have different last names, so does the Band.  The Band is made of a family complete with blood relatives, adopted relatives and the in-laws.

 
Organized Métis communities will recognize a District Councilperson.  The District Councilperson is equivalent to a sect Chief, and does help in making changes within the community for the betterment of the people.  The Métis District Councilperson’s responsibility is very similar to that of a United States State Governor.  District Councilpersons will meet for discussion on various topics from new laws in the United Nations to Bills before the states. 

 
By not being acknowledged by the United States Government, the Métis Communities do not receive government monies or grants.  Our community functions come out of the pockets of our community people.  Our gatherings are non profit and may be sponsored by various businesses in the community or by a single person who has taken on the task of offering a community gathering to the people. 

 
If you are looking to join a Métis Community, beware of those offering ID cards, yearly memberships for a fee, or those that state they are a recognized Métis Church or Association.  They are no more recognized for their ethnic authenticity any more than a Methodist Church or the Future Farmers of America association would be.  Yes they are a church and yes they may be an organization but that is ALL they are recognized as being.  They are NOT recognized as being a Métis Tribe.