The Labatte family has a strong legacy of Métis political advocacy, stretching from Penetanguishene to Sault Ste. Marie. Members of the Labatte family, across multiple generations, have contributed to numerous examples of Métis collective action.
Louis George Labatte, for example, served alongside others from the Métis community at Drummond Island during the War of 1812. During his service, he participated in decisive actions, including the capture of Mackinaw from the Americans.
Following the community’s relocation to Penetanguishene, Louis George Labatte was one of twenty-two signatories to the 1840 Penetanguishene Petition, to restore their inclusion in the British’s annual custom of present-giving. This practice had traditionally been used by the British to maintain diplomatic relationships with Indigenous peoples in the Upper Great Lakes.
Louis George’s son, Michael Labatte, then 26 years old, also signed the 1840 Penetanguishene Petition. Michael married in Penetanguishene in 1845 and had 11 known children. Alongside other members of his community, Michael also contributed to the building of the original Ste. Anne’s Church in Penetanguishene.
As a mail carrier, Michael Labatte also acted as a key line of communication between the Métis communities at Penetanguishene and Sault Ste. Marie. He maintained deep familial, economic, and political connections between the two Métis settlements.
By 1850, Michael lived on a Métis River Lot in Sault Ste. Marie and was a signatory to the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community’s 1850 petition seeking protections for their homes and distinct way of life.
Members of the Labatte family continue the tradition of Métis community organizing and political advocacy to this day.
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