Faith, Action and Métis Perseverance

After being displaced from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene, Upper Great Lakes Métis came together as a community to rebuild and maintain their collective identity. Central to this effort was creating a shared space for gathering and practicing their faith, leading them to request the establishment of a local church.

Although the government had promised land for a church in 1829, this commitment was never fulfilled, reflecting a broader pattern of neglect towards Métis in the Upper Great Lakes which would only increase in the coming years.

Rather than accept this, the Métis community at Penetanguishene took collective action. In 1831, they petitioned the Crown for support, demonstrating strong organization and unity. By 1832, community members such as Michel Labatte and Pierre Giroux led the construction of a cedar log church named St. Ann’s.

Together, within just a few years of relocation, the Métis in Penetanguishene had established a vital community space, reinforcing their resilience and ensuring their community’s presence would not again be overlooked.

See Our Sources

• LES VOYAGEURS

• Upper Great Lakes Expert Panel Submission

• The Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828

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