Before the Canadian government got involved, the Métis chose to live near rivers because there was good soil for crops, fresh water to drink, and an easy way to travel by boat. They used the river lot system—long, narrow pieces of land that gave each family access to the river. Villages like Batoche, SK, grew and thrived because of the Métis families who lived there.
River lot farms were along the South Saskatchewan River
When the numbered treaties (2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10) were signed in Saskatchewan, they were agreements between the Crown (the Canadian government) and First Nations. Most Métis people were not recognized in the treaty terms because the government did not recognize them as First Nations. This meant they were left out of the promises the government had made and received no land through the treaties.
Photo Credit: Office of Treaty Commissioner
Map of the numbered treaties in Saskatchewan
Métis had an important job during the treaty process.
Today the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) is negotiating a modern treaty with Canada as part of the unfinished treaty business since scrip never used the proper treaty protocol process with the Métis. This modern treaty in Saskatchewan is referred to as, “Kischi mashinahikan oochi Michif” or sacred document of the Michif.
