They were natives, and most of these native women got married to fur traders that worked for the NWC, as the NWC thought the loyalty of the Natives for them would increase, and the Natives thought it would be an advantage towards their living as well. Wives of the fur traders enjoyed an improved standard of living and their lives were generally easier than those of most women. The Metis formed the largest group of people with mixed ancestry. People with Native and Scottish or Native and British ancestry preferred the term "country-born". The Metis usually spoke French and Algonkian, or a dialect that combined the two languages and they were usually Roman Catholic. The Metis lived on some of the best prairie soils, and they built farms along the banks of both rivers.
These are my notes in paragraph format on the Metis. Could you please give me some notes or information that you know about the Metis. And Please no sites. I'm reading through the text about the Metis, and so I did this paragraph to get a better idea.
Metis were people who had both European and Native ancestors.
I don't understand the "seigneurial pattern". I know that their farms were layed out in this pattern, but I don't quite understand it. Could you please give me some info on that?
I believe that the Bison hunt was also very important to the Metis.
What were Red River Carts?
Were they just two wheeled carts that were used on the Prairies?
This pattern was long narrow strips of land with the narrow end bordering the river. This site shows a diagram of the "seigneurial pattern"
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Seigneurial_system.svg/300px-Seigneurial_system.svg.png
Yes. Red River carts were two-wheeled carts usually drawn by oxen.
Here's a picture.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/photos/cart3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/cart.html&h=368&w=571&sz=39&tbnid=CzwtsfSV2TwKJM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=134&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dred%2Briver%2Bcarts%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=red+river+carts&hl=en&usg=__idCQel4nnK8rie28Pu_FmEF7S-0=&sa=X&ei=lBDCTZPAEsWbOre83Z0I&sqi=2&ved=0CCkQ9QEwAg
Certainly! Based on the information provided in your paragraph, here are some additional notes about the Métis:
1. Métis Origins: The Métis are a distinct Indigenous group in Canada with a mixed ancestry of Indigenous (often Cree or Ojibwe) and European (often French or Scottish) heritage. They trace their origins primarily to the fur trade era of the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Cultural Identity: Métis people developed a distinct cultural identity, blending elements of Indigenous and European traditions. This includes a unique language called Michif, which combines French and Cree or Ojibwe.
3. Economic Activities: Métis individuals were heavily involved in the fur trade as traders, trappers, and other roles. They played a crucial role in connecting Indigenous communities and European fur trading companies. Many Métis individuals became skilled hunters, guides, and interpreters.
4. Social Relationships: Interactions between fur traders and Indigenous women led to the formation of Métis communities. These communities typically had close ties to both Indigenous and European worlds. Métis individuals often married within their community, and the Métis formed close-knit kinship networks.
5. Geographic Settlement: Métis communities were primarily found in the Canadian Northwest, particularly along the banks of rivers such as the Red River and the Assiniboine River. These areas offered fertile land for farming and easy access to transportation.
6. Land Struggles: Métis communities faced significant land-related issues, particularly with the increasing wave of European settlers and governments seeking to gain control over the land. This eventually led to conflicts such as the Red River Rebellion (1869-1870) and the Northwest Resistance (1885).
7. Political Representation: Métis leaders, such as Louis Riel, emerged as important figures advocating for the rights and recognition of the Métis people. Their activism sought to protect Métis lands, language, and cultural practices.
It's important to note that this summary is based on the information provided and may not cover all aspects of the Métis people. For further research, I encourage you to consult academic sources, books, or reputable articles on Métis history and culture.