Women’s History Month [ March 15, 2025 ]
This Women's History Month, we’re highlighting prominent Métis women and their lasting legacies.
Meet
Gunhilda Crowe, born in 1864 at the Hudson’s Bay Company Post at Lac Seul (present Northwestern Ontario), Gunhilda was the daughter of Moose Factory Métis woman,
Maria King, and Charles Stuart Crowe, an HBC trader. As a child, her family relocated to Fort Frances and she was sent to Winnipeg for schooling.
But at nine years old, Gunhilda would rejoin her family in Fort Frances in a nine-day adventure by dogsled, a record time. She went on to marry Edward Garden Scott,
a Scottish blacksmith who, like her father, also worked at the HBC. Together they raised four children. Gunhilda’s family went on to play a vital role in the development
of Fort Frances, building hotels, donating land for a church, and shaping the town's lasting legacy. Scott Street, the main road through downtown Fort Frances, commemorates
their contributions to the settlement. In addition to her family’s achievements, Gunhilda was a key figure in the education of Fort Frances. Before there was even a formal school, she taught children in the sitting room of their hotel, ensuring the education of the next generation. As a talented seamstress, she helped support her community in more ways than one.
A celebrated historic figure from the Northwest Ontario Métis community, Gunhilda’s remarkable contributions highlight the strength, resilience, and resourcefulness of Métis women.
Today, her descendants continue to call this place home, carrying her legacy forward with pride.
We celebrate
Mary Mackay, a Métis woman whose impressive skillsets and resourcefulness positioned her as an early leader within the Northwestern Ontario Métis community.
As the daughter of “Nor'Wester” William McKay and Josette Latour, and the Métis wife of Charles McKenzie, Mary played a key role in helping manage the Hudson’s Bay Company post at Lac Seul.
During her husband's necessary summer absences, Charles often left Mary in charge of the post, confident in her abilities to lead and manage in his stead.
Charles regularly praised Mary’s tireless work, once writing to his children, “Your good Mother… is still as brisk as a bee – She must take her hunting exercise...
I believe She snared upwards of 600 rabbits this winter – merely to give them to the people – whose wives do not set a snare.”
Like many Métis women, Mary’s contributions went beyond hunting and harvesting. She took on the essential tasks of stitching clothing,
crafting snowshoes, and managing crops. Mary also gathered and prepared food, frequently out on the lands fishing and trapping.
These skills were rooted in the traditions passed down from her First Nations ancestors, and contributed to Mary’s instrumental role in ensuring the survival
and well-being of her family, many of whom still reside in Northwestern Ontario today, and the broader community.
Today, we are recognizing
Nancy Loutit, affectionately known by as "Granny Calder" by the Northwestern Ontario Métis community and beyond. Born on January 26, 1851 at
Lockport, St. Andrew, she led an inspiring life caring for others as a respected midwife and healer.
At about 20 years of age, Nancy left her home and traveled to Fort Alexander, where she met a young fur trader, William Calder. The two were soon married, and together
they set out on a remarkable adventure, traveling from post to post, riding the old Dawson stage coach trail to the Northwest Angle, and then by canoe up Rainy River.
Eventually the pair arrived in Fort Frances in 1871 with their infant son.
A gifted midwife, Nancy delivered many of their 11 children under incredibly challenging conditions, often alone in the bush. Though she never received formal training,
Nancy became one of the only medical providers in the area, delivering hundreds of babies and caring for the sick throughout the years. Her compassion, skill,
and resilience earned her both the affectionate title of “Granny Calder,” and a lasting legacy as a nurturing, resilient and proud Métis woman. Today, her descendants
continue to carry her legacy forward with pride.
The history of Métis communities [ February 12, 2025 ]
MNO recently released a series of historical documents outlining the history of Métis communities in Ontario. These documents were submitted as part of the Expert Panel process put forth by the Métis National Council.
The documents can be found by clicking the link below
Documents
Then and Now: The Inspiration of Métis Decorative Arts
“Then and Now: The Inspiration of Métis Decorative Arts,” curated by Métis citizen Scott Carpenter, is on display at the
Midland Cultural Centre until January 4, 2025, showcasing traditional and
contemporary Métis decorative arts. Scott is a proud Métis citizen and has been a long-time collector of a cross-section of Métis decorative arts with pieces sourced from friends, family, auctions,
and antique dealers. Each artifact tells a unique story, and together they contribute to a broader narrative of Métis culture. “Each [individual] piece tells a story and the collection of pieces as a
whole tells a larger piece of our story,” he comments. “In some cases, I know the story; in other cases, I only know part of the story. For instance, a pair of beaded gauntlets from the 1800s may
tell a story of being beaded from the light of a candle or oil lantern during cold winter evenings.”
He especially admires the craftsmanship, resourcefulness and ingenuity of these Métis ancestors, honoring their stories and legacy through the Then and Now exhibition. “[The display] really highlights
how amazing our ancestors were,” he says. “Their dedication and determination were so admirable. We get our strength from them!”
Scott hopes attendees leave with a greater understanding about the Métis people in general, and develop an appreciation of the beautiful work that our ancestors created and we continue to create.
For Métis attendees, he hopes the exhibit inspires pride and encourages citizens to continue sharing their stories.
“The vibrant history of the Métis in Penetanguishene as part of the Upper Great Lakes Métis Community is not as well-known as it should be,” says Scott.
“But, I hope that Métis citizens hold their head high and are proud of who we are! And they are inspired to keep telling our stories!”
“Then and Now: The Inspiration of Métis Decorative Arts,” exhibit runs until January 4, 2025. The MNO encourages the community to come out, show their support, and keep sharing stories!
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Métis Stories [ September 02, 2024 ]
Métis history is rich with pivotal moments where Métis fought to defend our inherent rights, including self-government. Let’s celebrate our shared journey! Which Métis stories inspire you?
Read these stories here.
Amanda Rheaume [ August 29, 2024 ]
Award-winning sing-songwriter, proud Métis citizen, and composer of the “We Aspire”, the Métis Nation of Ontario song, Amanda Rheaume, needs your help!
learn more
MNO Volunteer of the Year 2024 [ August 26, 2024 ]
Kim Powley is the 2024 MNO Volunteer of the Year! With over 20 years of service, Kim’s impact on the Métis community is unmatched.
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