The Labatte family’s history in Penetanguishene embodies a pattern of Métis connection-building across generations, rooted in kinship, community life, and collective political action.  When Louis George Labatte signed the 1840 Penetanguishene “Halfbreed” Petition, he did so alongside several members of his resilient Métis community as an assertion of shared identity, mutual responsibility, and continued presence on Georgian Bay following their displacement from Drummond Islan

When Alexis Beausoleil placed his name on the 1840 Penetanguishene Métis Petition, he did more than sign a document. He joined other Métis families in a collective act of solidarity, asserting shared rights, privileges, and a distinct Métis presence in Georgian Bay.  That moment of unity between Alexis Beausoleil and his fellow signatories would echo across generations, as the Beausoleil family continued to weave itself tightly into the social, cultural, and familial life of

Dance, specifically jigs, has long been a vital part of Métis community life, connecting families and generations through a shared spirit of love and celebration. Far more than entertainment, dance created spaces where elders, adults, and children gathered, sharing rhythm, movement, and joy throughout the long winter months.  These celebrated social gatherings were frequently documented by Métis community members and non-Métis visitors alike. For example, American poet and lo

For Métis communities across the historic North-West, music has always been a vibrant, continuous thread woven through daily life, setting the tone for both family gatherings and large community celebrations.  One such event took place on New Year’s Day in 1859 at Moose Factory. A festive celebration of music and dance took an unexpected turn when a fight broke out among the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Métis or “Halfbreed” and Norwegian employees. The story of the Moose Factory Fi

Métis oral histories contain many stories of New Year’s celebrations across the Métis Homeland, Sault Ste. Marie is no exception! They tell of Métis going from house to house for cakes and pies, with the sounds of fireworks, gunshots, church bells, and fiddle music ringing in the air, all accompanied by dancing.  Métis were so fond of this time of year that they often shared stories with non-Métis authors interested in their community’s history. In the 1920s, for example, Jam

DOWNLOAD THE DIGITAL COLOURING PAGE TO PRINT AT HOME A long time ago, Métis families celebrated New Year’s in the most fun and lively way! After a quiet Christmas, New Year’s was all about visiting neighbours, eating cakes and pies, dancing to fiddle music, and lighting up the night with fireworks! Everyone joined in—ringing church bells, sharing laughs, and enjoying good food. It was the perfect way to brighten the coldest months of winter and bring the whole community toge