1850 Sault Ste. Marie Métis Petition

In 1850, the Métis in Sault Ste. Marie petitioned the government seeking recognition and protections for their traditional River Lot homes along the St. Mary’s River that formed the heart of their distinct Métis way of life grounded in the region’s abundant lands and waters.

Signed by members of many well-known Métis families—including the Biron, Boissonneau, Cadotte, Lesage, Nolin, Sayer, and Labatte families—the 1850 Sault Ste. Marie Métis Petition came in response to Treaty Commissioner William B. Robinson’s earlier confirmation that the Métis were in “free and full possession of their lands on which they now reside,” and emphasized that the Métis had been “born upon the soil” and had “inherited their possessions from their mothers” or “purchased from Half-Breeds or Indians”.

The 1850 Sault Ste. Marie Métis Petition’s calls for respect and restitution were further echoed by neighbouring First Nations, including Anishinaabek Chiefs Shingwaukonse-ibun and Nebainagoching-ibun, who sent in their own petition which stated that the Métis at Sault Ste. Marie are “equally the rightful and just owners” and requested that the Crown see them “protected in their lands and properties” through “a free grant from the Crown to each of the individuals.”

Despite their collective Métis and First Nations advocacy and Treaty Commissioner Robinson’s recognition, the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community and their Anishinaabek allies continue to wait for Canada to fulfill the 1850 Sault Ste. Marie Métis Petition’s calls for equity and justice.

See Our Sources

• 1850 Sault Ste. Marie Métis Petition

• Métis River Lots in Sault Ste. Marie

• Excerpts from Robinson’s Report to Colonel Bruce

• Upper Great Lakes Submission to the MNC Expert Panel

Mini Word Search

Have fun with the facts by completing today's mini word search.