In order to register to be a Métis citizen, one must be able to determine a direct ancestor who was recognized as Métis or Half Breed in historical records.
Historic Métis ancestry is demonstrated by providing a genealogy chart/family tree that must go back to the year 1901 using the supplied five-generation pedigree chart. Some of this can be done by talking with family members: what are their names, when and where were they born, married, or died, who were their parents?
This information must then be supported through historical documentation.
Note: All applicants will need a copy of their Long-Form or Genealogical Birth Certificate.
1. The main historical records for Métis research in Western Canada are the Métis or Half-breed scrip records or census records available online at the Metis National Council website:
http://metisnationdatabase.ualberta.ca/MNC/
2. Automated Genealogy.com: Automated Genealogy hosts several projects to index Canadian censuses. Over the last several years Library and Archives Canada has digitized their microfilms of the original census forms for several of the Canadian censuses and Automated Genealogy has organized volunteers to produce indices to the people enumerated in these censuses.
http://www.automatedgenealogy.com
3. Scrip and census records are also available from the Library and Archives of Canada which has a complete index to the microfilms that contain scrip records available online but with only some of the images digitized and available online at:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/archivianet/020105_e.html
Microfilms can be ordered through interlibrary loan from participating libraries. MN-S Genealogy Resource & Archival Centre is equipped with most Métis Scrip records.
4. Determining lineage can also be proven using a Long Form or Genealogical Birth Certificate that shows name, birth date, birth place, and names of parents.
Note: If the ordering of a long-form birth certificate is done on your behalf by the MN-S, Saskatchewan’s Vital Statistics may take up to approximately three months to process the request. MN-S can only order Saskatchewan Birth Certificates.
5. A Baptism Certificate shows name, birth date, birthplace, and parents’ names. These can be obtained by contacting the diocese’s archive, the diocese’s office or at a local church. Depending on the church, there may be a fee for this service.
6. The Census is available in western Canada starting 1870 and released after 92 years. Currently the following census years available online for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta: 1881, 1891, 1901, 1906, 1911 and 1916.
*Note the in the 1901 Canadian Census column 14 gives the person’s Race or Tribal Origins. Such terms or abbreviations as F.B (French breed), S.B (Scotch breed), O.B (Other breed), M.F (Metis French) Cree M.F (Cree Metis French) are a few examples of what may be listed. The 1911 and 1916 Canadian censuses will not likely have the same terms used. The same individuals may be listed a French, Scotch, or Indian. The Canadian census is available online at:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/census/index-e.html
7. Ancestry (pay-for-use website)
Canadian records: www.ancestery.ca
United States records: www.ancestry.com