Histories of the Metis
One Man's Search into Metis History
EDITOR'S NOTE: There is no such thing as "one" Metis history or "one" Metis culture. (Sorry, Red River.) The histories and cultures of mixed blood aboriginal peoples is as diversified as the various tribes which make up each person's heritage. Although the "Garneau" histories focus on Metis (mixed blood) history in Canada, you'll find references to mixed blood histories south of what is now the Canadian-U.S. border. Additional articles will be added as time allows.
R.D. (Dick) Garneau is Metis. Born in Canada, a chance encounter in 1953 with the grandson of his great-grandfather, Lawrence Garneau (1840-1921), sparked Garneau's quest in search of his roots. The result of his 48-year search --- if result is the proper word since Garneau's quest continues --- is an ongoing history of Canada and a Metis history beginning with the 1600s.
Although Garneau's Metis history focuses mainly on the heritage, culture and history of the Metis in Canada, the Metis experience is both universal and individual. Garneau has graciously given the webmaster permission to quote, copy and use his materials to help inform the uninformed of the "people who own themselves."
When asked during an interview what he had learned after almost 50 years of research, Garneau stated: "Having Indian heritage is a value-add to my growth and not a hindrance as I was taught. Anti-native-ism is systemic even today in our churches, governments, educational and legal systems. It is part of our culture and most folks are not even aware of the role it plays including the natives themselves."
" My research is formatted by date and location to facilitate genealogy research and to gain a better understanding of the evolution of beliefs and values," Garneau states. His Canadian and Metis histories may be found in full, all 23 megs of it, on his website.
The Metis Nation of the South publicly thanks Mr. Garneau for his permission to share his family history and research with those people who visit our website. All links to his works start on this page which gives credit to the man who compiled, researched and wrote this material.
The first excerpt/article is about Lawrence Garneau, (Dick Garneau's great-grandfather.) We hope you will enjoy reading about a man described by a writer as "the finest of the French, Half-Breed it has ever been my fortune to meet."
Genealogists and family historians please note: Throughout these histories you'll find names, dates and notes on marriages, deaths and births in both Canada and the United States. We hope you'll find a family connection.
- Lawrence Garneau (1840-1921)
- 1600-1639: Defining the 'People Who Own Themselves'
- 1640-1646: The French complain those Coureur de Bois are Everywhere
- 1647-1654: The Iroquois fight invasion of their trade routes
- 1655-1659: "The Couereur de Bois are Caesars"
- 1660-1669: Trade Increases, along with Animosity
- 1670-1678: Metis "identified" at Belle-Isle-en-mer