Métis people have a long and proud history of military service. From the War of 1812 through both World Wars, the Korean Conflict, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and peacekeeping missions, Métis veterans have steadfastly defended their communities and served in the Canadian armed forces across generations.
Many Métis veterans have extended their leadership and community service throughout the rest of their lives, long after their active duty ended.
Louis George Labatte of the Upper Great Lakes Métis Community, for example, fought alongside other members of his Métis community in allyship with the British during the War of 1812. During his military service, Labatte participated in the capture of Mackinaw from the Americans and other pivotal events.
In addition to passing his stories of military service down to his children and other members of his Métis community, Louis George Labatte remained a dedicated community leader for the rest of his life. Following the community’s relocation to Penetanguishene, Louis George Labatte and his son, Michael, were signatories to the 1840 Penetanguishene Petition—creating a legacy of Métis advocacy and community leadership that continues to today.
Nicolas Chatelaine of the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community was another Métis veteran who proudly served with distinction during the War of 1812. Ebenezer McColl, Inspector of Indian Agencies, would later reflect on Chatelaine’s service, saying: “I understand that the amount of $250 was given to this veteran of the War of 1812 as an acknowledgment of the great services he had rendered to his Country…”
Chatelaine, like Louis George Labatte, continued his Métis community service and advocacy long after his military duty had ended. In 1875, Nicolas Chatelaine negotiated and signed the Métis Adhesion to Treaty No. 3 as “Chief” of the Halfbreeds of Rainy River and Rainy Lake—the only known exception to Canada’s historic policy to not negotiate treaties with Métis—securing recognition, presents, annuities, payments, and lands for his Métis community.
When Canada failed to fulfill its treaty promises, Chatelaine continued advocating for his Métis community, signing a petition along with two of his sons, asking the government to pay the annuities promised under the Adhesion.
Métis veterans’ proud legacy of enduring leadership and service to their Métis communities through advocacy, mentorship, and showing their fellow Métis citizens how dedication to justice and equity builds a better future for all has continued across the generations and carries on today.