The marriage of Charles Roussain and Elizabeth Turner reflects the deep traditions of kinship, leadership, and community responsibility that have long defined Métis family life. Their union brought together two families with enduring legacies of defending Métis rights, sovereignty, and identity across the Métis Homeland. Charles Roussain was born around 1820 and raised along the shores of Sault Ste. Marie. The Roussain family was known for its long-standing role as Métis advo

Métis sisters Angélique and Marguerite Nolin carried their commitment to education with them across the Métis Homeland, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.  Raised within a strong and active Métis family along the St. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie, Angélique and Marguerite Nolin were sent to Montreal for their schooling. During the 1800s, being educated in Montreal was not uncommon for the Métis children of successful fur-trading families, including Louis Rie

Familial relationships, including those between brothers and sisters, are the glue that binds Métis communities together and the bedrock that distinguishes the Métis from other communities. These foundational connections, such as those within the Turner family of Moose Factory, can often grow and evolve across geography and time, connecting siblings and their extended families across generations. On June 30, 1822, three Turner siblings, Philip, Joseph Jr., and Elizabeth, were

In the decade following the War of 1812, Métis siblings Louis, Augustin, Adolphus, Marguerite, and Angelique Nolin extended their family’s connections from Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Great Lakes across the Métis Homeland through lives defined by shared purpose, responsibility, and service. Their paths took them in different directions, but the siblings carried forward a family tradition and legacy rooted in diplomacy, trade, education, and leadership. Following in his fath

Métis across the Homeland relied on fishing for sustenance throughout the year. Not only did fishing provide food to Métis communities, but it was also relied upon by many as an essential economic practice.  During the winter months, Métis along Northern Lake Superior had to be creative if they were going to continue fishing on the frozen lakes and waterways. One common practice was ice spearfishing. In January 1840, for instance, an ice spear fishery in Michipicoten Bay yiel

Métis communities across the Homeland have always shared a love of food. Stews and soups were and continue to be a warm, hearty meal during winter, using ingredients found within each Métis community’s place in the Homeland. One stew shared across the Homeland is Rubaboo. Rubaboo is a hearty stew or soup made from meat, vegetables, and water. The earliest record of this cultural dish dates back to the 1800s.    Traditionally, Rubaboo was made of peas or corn with bear or pork