Historians and academics have described Métis in what is now Ontario as “jacks-of-all-trades”, whose adaptability and resiliency have enabled them to prosper in the face of ever-changing personal and economic circumstances.
George McPherson of the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community, for example, exemplifies the Métis “jack-of-all-trades” spirit. During his long career with the Hudson’s Bay Company, which brought him to far-reaching posts from the Albany River to Rat Portage (present-day Kenora), McPherson served in numerous Company roles. This included clerk, postmaster, interpreter, and post “in charge”.
Later in his career, McPherson also served as personal interpreter to Treaty Commissioner Alexander Morris during Treaty 3 negotiations and as Indian Agent for the Lake of the Woods.
The Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community’s Louis Miron was likewise a notable Métis “jack-of-all-trades”. While perhaps best known as a Métis mail carrier in the Upper Great Lakes, Miron also served as the very first lighthouse keeper at Gargantua Harbour—starting a family tradition that would span three generations and nearly six decades.
Lewis Solomon of the Métis community at Penetanguishene also led a diverse “jack-of-all-trades” career throughout his lifetime. In addition to being a renowned Métis guide and interpreter in the Upper Great Lakes, serving many noteworthy clients, Solomon was also an accomplished steamship captain credited with piloting the Duchess of Kalloola on its maiden voyage to the ‘Sault’ and successfully navigating the Sailor’s Bride on the first-ever entry to Port Severn’s harbour.
To this day, many Métis continue to build diverse and varied “jack-of-all-trades” careers, adapting to the ever-changing needs and circumstances of their Métis communities.
See Our Sources!
Historic Métis in Ontario: Rainy River District and Kenora District
Hudson's Bay Company Biographical Sheet for George McPherson
The story of Baw-a-ting, being the annals of Sault Sainte Marie
Superior Lightkeepers and the Lambton, Sault Star, 23 April 2011
The Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828
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