Anglo-Métis facts for kids
 |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Today part of the Métis people (Canada). (Anglo-Metis were a pre-20th century ethnic group) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Canada |
|
| Languages | |
| Bungee, English, Scottish Gaelic (Gaelic), Cree, Saulteaux, Assiniboine, Hand Talk | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Anglican, Presbyterian | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Cree, Ojibwa, Orcadians, Scottish Canadians, English Canadians, other Métis |
The Anglo-Métis, also called Countryborn, were a community of Métis people in Canada during the 1800s. They were often the children of Scottish or English fur traders and Indigenous mothers. Their mothers were often from the Cree, Anishinaabekwe (like the Saulteaux), or Nakoda nations.
These children were sometimes known as "English halfbreeds." Some people today still identify with the Anglo-Métis name. Their first languages were usually their mothers' languages, such as Cree, Saulteaux, or Assiniboine, along with English. Some of their fathers spoke Gaelic or Scots. This mix of languages helped create a new language called "Bungee".
Contents
Who Were the Anglo-Métis?
The Anglo-Métis, like their French-speaking Métis relatives, lived in the Prairies region. They also lived near the Red River Colony and in fur trading settlements. These settlements were found in Ontario, along the Great Lakes and James Bay.
Some Anglo-Métis families came from British soldiers and Indigenous women. These families often connected more with the British culture in Canada. If their fathers were Scottish fur traders, they were often baptized into the Presbyterian church.
Life in Fur Trading Settlements
Most Anglo-Métis were born from relationships between English or Scottish fur traders and Indigenous women. The father's background often decided which fur trading company his children might work for later. If their fathers were English traders, they usually worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. If their fathers were Scottish, they often worked for the North West Company, also known as "Nor'Westers."
The Anglo-Métis or Countryborn often lived a more settled life, focusing on farming. This was different from the French-speaking Métis, who were often hunters and trappers. The French-speaking Métis moved around more because they relied on hunting for food and trade.
Challenges and Unity
The Anglo-Métis faced similar challenges as their French-speaking relatives. They experienced unfair treatment and problems with land ownership. Because of this, they played a part in important events like the Red River Rebellion in 1869 and the North-West Rebellion in 1885.
By the 1800s, the English-speaking and French-speaking Métis communities became more alike. They started to unite against the British-Canadian majority. Their music, especially fiddle music, mixed traditions from both the British Isles and France. Their traditional dance, called "jigging" or the "Red River Jig," also showed this blend.
People in the Métis community did not judge each other based on skin color. What brought them together was their families, culture, and strong Christian faith. The main differences between the two groups were their languages and Christian religions. French-speaking Métis were usually Roman Catholic, while British-descended Métis were often Protestant, mostly Anglican or Presbyterian.
Working and Living
Throughout the 1800s, the Countryborn had a mixed economy. They did subsistence farming (growing food for themselves) and hunted bison. Many also worked for the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company.
In the 19th century, the Countryborn were sometimes called "mixed-bloods," "Black Scots," "Native English," or "Half-Breeds." The term "Half-Breeds" is now considered offensive. French-speaking Métis simply called them les métis anglais (the English Métis) or les autres métis (the other Métis). Over time, the Anglo-Métis began to see themselves as very similar to the French-speaking Métis.
Today, these two groups are no longer separate politically. On the Canadian Prairies, they are simply known as Métis.
Notable Anglo-Métis People
Some well-known Anglo-Métis or Countryborn individuals include:
- James Isbister
- Thomas McKay
- John Norquay
See also
- Michif
- Métis Flag
