Métis Hospitality at Michipicoten

Across the Homeland, Métis are well known and highly regarded for their deep generosity and warm hospitality to neighbours, visitors, and complete strangers alike—many of whom have noted the kindnesses they received from their Métis hosts in diaries and other official documents.

In October 1849, for instance, Indian Officer Thomas G. Anderson visited the Hudson Bay Company’s Michipicoten Post on Lake Superior as part of preparations for what became the Robinson treaties, signed between the Crown and the Anishinaabe the following year. In his diary, Anderson described the many kindnesses extended to him and his party by Métis HBC Chief Factor John Swanston upon their arrival to the post on a rainy October 9: 

“we continued our route and reached Michipicoten about 4 in the afternoon, all wet as need be – but most kind (sic) received by Mr. Swanston, the Agent – no pains were spared by him to make us comfortable – we got beds & everything else we could wish for” 

Anderson’s description of John Swanston’s warm hospitality even extended into the next day’s entry, where he affectionately described the reasons for his group’s late departure from the post for the next stage of their journey: 

“Could not shake ourselves from Mr. Swanston’s friendly grasp before 10”

Hospitality and generosity remain important and living Métis values throughout the Homeland to this day.

See Our Sources

• Diary of Thomas Gummersall Anderson, 1849

Mini Word Search

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