The Métis people are known for their sense of humour and love of a good joke.
Despite forced relocations, restrictive government policies, and countless personal hardships, Upper Great Lakes Métis have always maintained—and been quick to share—their vibrant sense of humour.
Self-deprecating humour was one way that Métis in Upper Great Lakes could enliven the spirits of themselves and others.
In her interview with A.C. Osborne, for example, then-elderly Angelique Langlade of the Métis community at Penetanguishene couldn’t help poking fun at herself about her age, in her broken English, saying: “I not know how old I be—ha-a—I no chicken—me.”
Métis in the Upper Great Lakes could also be counted on to pick out the humorous qualities in others—and were known to draw on the well-known Métis tradition of nicknaming.
A July 1921 Toronto Star article called, “Strand Old Legends Surround Penetang” captures two such nicknames. The first being then-92-year-old, Paul the ‘he-man’ Vasseur. The second being the equally elderly ‘McKoy’ (Isadore) Dussome, also known as ‘the jovial one’.
While some nicknames, such as those of Vasseur and Dussome, appear to be welcomed, others may not have been so much appreciated.
In his own interview with A.C. Osborne, for instance, retired Upper Great Lakes Métis guide Lewis Solomon takes great pains to ensure his name is properly recorded—perhaps in response to a lifetime of being known by his nickname:
“My name is Lewis Solomon—spelled L-e-w-i-s—though they call me Louie.”
Despite this, Lewis, like other Métis, could also be counted on to find the humour and absurdity in everyday life.
Recalling his life’s work as a Métis guide in the Great Lakes, for example, Lewis joked about the many would-be treasure hunters that had been lured to the area by tales of riches, saying, “Many pits have been dug on Beausoleil Island, Present Island, Flat Point and other places in search of hidden treasures.”
Humour remains one of the many enduring bonds that connects the Métis in the Upper Great Lakes to this day.
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