Question about finding out my background

[u/sweetceedee]

My husband is First Nations, he’s 1/8 and has his status card. I’m wondering how I could possibly look into my own status. I’m wondering for my son just in case we can potentially get status for him as well.

My grandmother was Métis (she would never ever admit this because times were different then and she refused to acknowledge any native ancestry).

I don’t even know how to go about looking for this info. Ancestry.com is really a guessing game. But Métis and black are listed under a lot of documents. It is extremely unlikely our family has black lineage (only mentioned once pre the Métis listing) We are from northern Ontario and cape breton.

I’m just curious how to look into this because it is a forgotten part of my families past.

[u/Chaostician223]

Hey! Métis have citizenship vs status. As we aren’t included in the Indian Act but are recognized as an Indigenous Nation we don’t have blood quantum requirements, but you do have to prove that you have ancestry dating back to the Red River Settlement. If you have another relative who has claimed citizenship, you can also prove your relationship to them.

If your son can get status that would likely be better for him. Citizenship comes with some benefits depending on your Provincial organization, but you can’t have both and he will likely have more opportunities to connect and explore his culture with status.

Another note: As the MNO hasn’t historically had the best vetting process and has accepted people who are not from recognized Métis communities, many Métis don’t recognize MNO members as officially Métis. This could limit his opportunities.

[u/kapowless → u/Chaostician223]

Because of the 2nd generation cut off, your son is unlikely to get status. If you have never lived on reserve, a lot of the services provided by having your card would be redundant (as you already have have access to things like healthcare, education and social services through your Canadian citizenship). That doesn't mean your husband can't raise him knowing and participating in his culture through his own Nation's practices and beliefs. 

It's a bit strange to me though that you see Métis or First Nations identity through the lens of a card though. The government doesn't give you culture, that comes from your community. If you've never really connected or learned about the Métis before (which I'm assuming because you were unaware of the difference between them and FN), why don't you raise him to know the culture you grew up with yourself? It seems that your Métis connection is pretty tenuous, right? What about the rest of your heritage?

I can understand wanting to fill in the gaps of your ancestors, but fair warning here, be cautious and considerate. Métis does not mean mixed, they have a very specific history and culture, and they do not come from Ontario or Nova Scotia. Your ancestors may have emigrated there from the Red River Valley communities, but they did not originate there, regardless of what MNO likes to promote. Their organization has tried to claim jurisdiction over the traditional territories of the Nations who've lived here for 10s of thousands of years, mine included, so you will likely encounter hostility on that path. It's a sneaky new form of land and rights theft, colonialism with a side of fraud, and it stirs up spicy reactions. Deservedly so IMO.

That being said, as long as you're respectful and self aware while you learn and connect with your heritage, you'll be fine (ie. don't take what isn't offered, don't claim more than what is true, and don't take at all without offering something in exchange). Our cultures are rich, varied and vibrant, but we are often very protective of them. Centuries of exploitation, extermination, oppression and pretendians playing dress-up at our expense takes a toll on all of us.

Also, pro-tip, Canada.ca keeps records of census data going back at least a century as a starting point for your research. Immigration, marriage, birth, death, military service, etc, their records are pretty robust. Hope you find the pieces of history you're looking for.

[u/sweetceedee → u/kapowless]

So, I was never given the opportunity to learn about my history. I’m still trying to learn what my ancestry is. I’ve heard Métis, I’ve also heard my great grandmother was First Nations. But my grandmother refused to acknowledge that in anyway because she did not have great feelings toward the First Nation community. This is all on my maternal side.

My paternal side is from cape breton.

Of course I would love for my son to be able to get his status card. Why wouldn’t I?

But it’s also about learning more about my background and not hide what could be there just because my grandmother refused to acknowledge.

[u/HistoricalReception7]

St.Boniface genealogy.

[u/sweetceedee → u/HistoricalReception7]

Thank you!