English - Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies

The language of Métis peoples, Michif, is described as
a unique language composed of Aboriginal language
verbs and French nouns. As in other Aboriginal
languages, there is considerable regional diversity
and dialectical variation within Michif. For example,
in some areas, Cree is foundational to Michif while
in other areas, there is more emphasis on the French
language. Indigenous knowledge, principles and
laws of governance, kinship and genealogy, and
teachings about our relationship to the environment
are all found within the Michif language (Edge &
McCallum, 2006).
Metis flag
Whether or not Métis peoples have Treaty Rights is an ongoing issue in the Canadian
Aboriginal community. Some say that only First Nations could legitimately sign
treaties. An agreement reached on October 3, 1873, by the Ojibway Nation and the
Crown, Treaty 3, provided rights for the Métis and other Ojibway. Treaty 3 covers a
large part of what is now northwestern Ontario and a small part of eastern Manitoba.
PRACTICE TIP
Become familiar with
the services of the Métis
Nation of Ontario,
www.metisnation.org
The Elders spoke of the many losses experienced by Métis people over the past few
hundred years. Common experiences included: colonization; loss of Aboriginal
identity; loss of Aboriginal languages; death of family members from infectious
diseases; loss of access to land and resources; loss of access to hunting, fishing and
trapping; loss of traditional teachings; experiences with violence and abuse; loss
of parenting skills; influences of religion and/or churches; experiences of attending
Residential School; or of relocation or displacement from ancestral lands. These
historical factors mediate through each other and are believed to have an impact
on Métis identity and health today (National Aboriginal Health Organization,
2008).
E. A HISTORICAL CONTEXT FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN ONTARIO
Entire communities are experiencing social and economic conditions that are below
all socio-determinant standards. It is important for child welfare professionals to
have an understanding of what First Nations, Inuit and Métis families are likely to
have faced. In this section, some experiences that an Aboriginal family will have likely
experienced in the last two generations will be discussed:
> > A woman may have married a non-Aboriginal man, and, as part of the
Indian Act, has lost her status as an “Indian” and been required to leave her
community
> > Following the introduction of Bill C-31, a woman may have applied to regain
her status, and returned to a community that was not ready or willing to
accept her
> > A parent or grandparent went to an Indian residential school
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> > A woman in the family may have been subjected to government sterilization
practices, without her consent
> > A parent or grandparent was raised in a community where children
disappeared and were taken by CAS in the “’60s scoop”