Storytellers have long sustained Métis communities, celebrating the Métis way of life and safeguarding stories to be shared across generations. Non-Métis storytellers who have immersed themselves in community and captured the authentic Métis voices of their members have also contributed meaningfully to this legacy. A.C. Osborne and Christy Ann Simons are two such observers who, despite not being Métis, took great care to document the vibrant Métis lives, relationships, and ex

The practice of Métis storytelling is not merely a connection to the past, but a vibrant, ongoing tradition kept alive by the voices and memories of today's community members. Among these storytellers, Dolores Pinder (née Bussineau) stands out for her dedication to preserving the history of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community.  As an advisor, knowledge holder, and lifelong community advocate, Dolores shared stories rooted in her family’s original Métis River Lot hom

Lewis Solomon was a prominent figure throughout the Upper Great Lakes Métis community, known for his extensive travels as a Métis guide throughout the region. His numerous adventures ensured he had a remarkable collection of stories, a direct result of his life of constant movement and connection-making. Solomon offered insights into his lifetime of memorable experiences in A.C. Osborne’s, The Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828 . Lewis’ nar

John Saunders was a Métis storyteller from the Abitibi Inland Métis Community, born in 1845 at Matawagamingue—a small inland Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) post. In his 1867 autobiography, John documented stories from his upbringing and early career, casting light on both his Métis community and the fur trade world within which he grew up.  With his Métis family, John spent his early years immersed in the fur trade world, watching his father Valentine practice essential tradition

Reginald Alexander Nicolson was born in Moose Factory on September 3, 1892, to Allan Nicolson and Clara Caroline Vincent. He grew up in the James Bay region and worked as a bank clerk before the First World War.  Reginald’s grandfather, Thomas Vincent, was among the Métis at Moose Factory who petitioned the government for recognition and “compensation in lieu of lands”—a request shared directly with Prime Minister Thompson, who was warned that these Métis “would be inclined t

Frederick McLeod, son of 1905 Moose Factory Métis petitioner George McLeod, left his community in Moose Factory to enlist in the First World War in January 1916. After a year of training, Frederick sailed for overseas service with his unit on February 16, 1917. Upon arrival in England, the battalion was reorganized, and Frederick was reassigned to the 6th Railway Battalion, where he continued his training in preparation for entering active duty in France in April 1917. Unlike