The Métis and Anishinaabe communities of Sault Ste. Marie have been long-time allies. Perhaps the most notable example of allyship between the two political groups occurred both during and after the Mica Bay Incident—one of the most important moments in the history of Crown-Indigenous relations in the Upper Great Lakes. Following their collective action at Mica Bay alongside their Métis allies, the Anishinaabek Chiefs Shingwaukonse-ibun and Nebainagoching-ibun advocated f

After years of disrespect and colonial intrusion, the collective Métis and Anishinaabe action at Mica Bay in November 1849 succeeded in forcing the Crown to deal with their shared grievances. The following year, the Crown sent Treaty Commissioner William B. Robinson to Sault Ste. Marie to negotiate a treaty. In a continued act of allyship, Anishinaabek Chiefs Shingwaukonse-ibun and Nebainagoching-ibun advocated for Métis inclusion in the treaty-making process and the setting

By the mid-1800’s the Métis community at Sault Ste. Marie had built a vibrant and thriving way of life around their Métis River Lots on the north shore of the St Mary’s River—the international border between the United States and what was then claimed as British territory. These customary family allotments were well-known throughout the region and widely recognized by the Métis community and outsiders alike. In 1826, for example, U.S. Indian Affairs Superintendent, Thomas L.

From the earliest days of the Métis Nation, Métis communities and their leaders have recognized the value of maintaining a unified voice across the Métis Homeland—from the Upper Great Lakes westward—and have consistently achieved shared victories for all Métis by standing together as one. Early examples of Métis organizing and collective advocacy across geographically distant Métis communities for the shared benefit of all are numerous. In 1816, for instance, Métis from a

The Métis National Council (MNC) intervened at the Supreme Court of Canada in support of Steve and Roddy Powley and the historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community. This intervention was presented by MNC Co-Counsel, Clement Chartier, at the Supreme Court. In its submission, the MNC states that, “the Métis community at Sault Ste. Marie is a part of the Métis Nation,” situated within a broader Métis community in the Upper Great Lakes, and “is one of the oldest and well-recognized