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The North-West Is Our Mother: The Story of Louis Riel's People, the Metis Nation
There is a missing chapter in the narrative of Indigenous Peoples in Canada—the story of the Métis Nation, a new Indigenous people descended from both First Nations and Europeans.
Their story begins in the last decade of the eighteenth century in the Canadian North-West. Within twenty years the Métis proclaimed themselves a nation and won their first battle. Within forty years they were famous throughout North America for their military skills, their nomadic life and their buffalo hunts.
The Métis Nation didn’t just drift slowly into the Canadian consciousness in the early 1800s; it burst onto the scene fully formed. The Métis were flamboyant, defiant, loud and definitely not noble savages. They were nomads with a very different way of being in the world—always on the move, very much in the moment, passionate and fierce. They were romantics and visionaries with big dreams. They battled continuously—for recognition, for their lands and for their rights and freedoms. In 1870 and 1885, led by the iconic Louis Riel, they fought back when Canada took their lands. These acts of resistance became defining moments in Canadian history, with implications that reverberate to this day: Western alienation, Indigenous rights and the French/English divide.
After being defeated at the Battle of Batoche in 1885, the Métis lived in hiding for twenty years. But early in the twentieth century, they determined to hide no more and began a long, successful fight back into the Canadian consciousness. The Métis people are now recognized in Canada as a distinct Indigenous nation. Written by the great-grandniece of Louis Riel, this popular and engaging history of “forgotten people” tells the story up to the present era of national reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
2019 marks the 175th anniversary of Louis Riel’s birthday (October 22, 1844)
Their story begins in the last decade of the eighteenth century in the Canadian North-West. Within twenty years the Métis proclaimed themselves a nation and won their first battle. Within forty years they were famous throughout North America for their military skills, their nomadic life and their buffalo hunts.
The Métis Nation didn’t just drift slowly into the Canadian consciousness in the early 1800s; it burst onto the scene fully formed. The Métis were flamboyant, defiant, loud and definitely not noble savages. They were nomads with a very different way of being in the world—always on the move, very much in the moment, passionate and fierce. They were romantics and visionaries with big dreams. They battled continuously—for recognition, for their lands and for their rights and freedoms. In 1870 and 1885, led by the iconic Louis Riel, they fought back when Canada took their lands. These acts of resistance became defining moments in Canadian history, with implications that reverberate to this day: Western alienation, Indigenous rights and the French/English divide.
After being defeated at the Battle of Batoche in 1885, the Métis lived in hiding for twenty years. But early in the twentieth century, they determined to hide no more and began a long, successful fight back into the Canadian consciousness. The Métis people are now recognized in Canada as a distinct Indigenous nation. Written by the great-grandniece of Louis Riel, this popular and engaging history of “forgotten people” tells the story up to the present era of national reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
2019 marks the 175th anniversary of Louis Riel’s birthday (October 22, 1844)
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
243 people are currently reading
2402 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 27, 2020
Canadians often look abroad and tell ourselves that “we’re not as bad” as some other countries struggling with systemic racism and prejudice. But the truth, as Jean Teillet lays out beautifully here, is that this country was built on a structure that systemically impoverished and marginalized huge communities of people for the sake of white settlers. We would do well to make this available to all Canadians, so that we could better understand our history. When I think back on my high school history textbooks, I’m ashamed how little I knew about the story of the Métis Nation. Ms. Teillet’s sharp legal mind and compassionate storytelling are a shining example of an oppressed community coming forward to tell their side of our story. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2019
Jean Teillet sheds light on a chapter in Canadian history that is often overlooked and ignored. She covers the entire history of the Metis nation - starting from its roots in the late 1700s to the present day. It was truly a remarkable read and I would highly recommend it to any Canadian.
What I liked in particular about the book is how it was written from the perspective of someone who is Metis (Teillet is a great-grandniece of Louis Riel). Most history books tend to be written entirely from a “Western” perspective. In this way, it was quite a refreshing read, and helped unravel the lies told about the Metis.
Another dimension of the book that I found interesting (while albeit infuriating as well) was just the pure ignorance and mistreatment Canadian society and the government has shown towards the Metis people even to this day. I didn’t realize that the situation the Metis nation has been facing for over two-hundred years was nearly this bad. The new trend of people claiming to be “Metis” in the Canadian-east for example undermines both the definition of what it means to be Metis, and as well as their history. This book is a wake up call for Canada that reveals how much work is still needed to mend the wounds the government has inflicted (and is still inflicting) on so many people. If we truly pride ourselves on being a diverse and multi-cultural society, then we need to start being more respectful and accepting of these diverse cultures in the first place.
What I liked in particular about the book is how it was written from the perspective of someone who is Metis (Teillet is a great-grandniece of Louis Riel). Most history books tend to be written entirely from a “Western” perspective. In this way, it was quite a refreshing read, and helped unravel the lies told about the Metis.
Another dimension of the book that I found interesting (while albeit infuriating as well) was just the pure ignorance and mistreatment Canadian society and the government has shown towards the Metis people even to this day. I didn’t realize that the situation the Metis nation has been facing for over two-hundred years was nearly this bad. The new trend of people claiming to be “Metis” in the Canadian-east for example undermines both the definition of what it means to be Metis, and as well as their history. This book is a wake up call for Canada that reveals how much work is still needed to mend the wounds the government has inflicted (and is still inflicting) on so many people. If we truly pride ourselves on being a diverse and multi-cultural society, then we need to start being more respectful and accepting of these diverse cultures in the first place.
November 23, 2025
Overall I think this book should be read by everyone who lives in Canada, the USA or those who work with Indigenous people or are Indigenous people, around the world.
I think high school students would be able to handle this - especially the audio version. Hopefully our education system has graduated in knowledge about the Métis to be able to handle this book by grade 10-12.
First Nations - this book is helpful in understanding our relationship to each other in details.
I still can’t reconcile with Chapter 29 to - I think about Ch. 30 but maybe the leaders discussed figure less significantly in the author’s book because the future and how history will look back on some of those named and so called leaders, will be seen. I know it’s hard not to mention them but also, the caution in the retelling may not be as masked enough as it should be.
The Settlements - there was a bit of an abrupt ending to the current way of life and struggles of being a minority within a minority (perhaps like the Dene Métis) maybe. It is one of the first really good explanations of historic dealing between the province and the Métis who now form the settlements. I often beg for people to get to know more about the settlements in the context of the Métis.
The following is a personal note of experience (I’m Métis and worked with the nations and amongst the diversity of Métis);
I very much appreciated hearing about the diversity of the Métis across the lands because it’s so true. We are urban, rural, farmers, city dwellers, politicians, business leaders, variety of faiths, it was uplifting to be validated in the knowing that diversity exists and hearing it said aloud when it was politically drilled into heads that we are one nation and basically the diversity of our expressions was ridiculed internally to the point of driving identities to homogenous Métis identities.
The new threat of Fetis is real and glad it was addressed. I would have also still liked to have heard a little more about how the Métis women’s voices were involved politically to push the force, protect our nation in name? Covering up for our men, working the offices and phones and families and yelling at assemblies. The women to keep it all together, working hard at one or many jobs, farms, supporting political campaigns, still traveling to gatherings; rendezvous and pow wows, mtgs. I’m learning it can’t be assumed that women are being referred to or talked about when history is written. I did appreciate the earlier references of Métis women in historic contexts and their contributions during the Resistance.
The 60’s scoop - the trauma felt deeply by generations of unrecognized Métis day schools, missions and boarding schools and the effect that they’ve had on our families to present day.
The end came too quick and I would have sat through more of a current overview on the Métis today. Maybe there will be a part two. The best part is hearing the author’s voice. I don’t think I would have absorbed this in the same wat had I not listened to the audio version first. I’ve also gotten my dad on podcasts and audio books during his medical healing because normally he’s on the land. He’ll love this and think about where he was during all these events.
I think high school students would be able to handle this - especially the audio version. Hopefully our education system has graduated in knowledge about the Métis to be able to handle this book by grade 10-12.
First Nations - this book is helpful in understanding our relationship to each other in details.
I still can’t reconcile with Chapter 29 to - I think about Ch. 30 but maybe the leaders discussed figure less significantly in the author’s book because the future and how history will look back on some of those named and so called leaders, will be seen. I know it’s hard not to mention them but also, the caution in the retelling may not be as masked enough as it should be.
The Settlements - there was a bit of an abrupt ending to the current way of life and struggles of being a minority within a minority (perhaps like the Dene Métis) maybe. It is one of the first really good explanations of historic dealing between the province and the Métis who now form the settlements. I often beg for people to get to know more about the settlements in the context of the Métis.
The following is a personal note of experience (I’m Métis and worked with the nations and amongst the diversity of Métis);
I very much appreciated hearing about the diversity of the Métis across the lands because it’s so true. We are urban, rural, farmers, city dwellers, politicians, business leaders, variety of faiths, it was uplifting to be validated in the knowing that diversity exists and hearing it said aloud when it was politically drilled into heads that we are one nation and basically the diversity of our expressions was ridiculed internally to the point of driving identities to homogenous Métis identities.
The new threat of Fetis is real and glad it was addressed. I would have also still liked to have heard a little more about how the Métis women’s voices were involved politically to push the force, protect our nation in name? Covering up for our men, working the offices and phones and families and yelling at assemblies. The women to keep it all together, working hard at one or many jobs, farms, supporting political campaigns, still traveling to gatherings; rendezvous and pow wows, mtgs. I’m learning it can’t be assumed that women are being referred to or talked about when history is written. I did appreciate the earlier references of Métis women in historic contexts and their contributions during the Resistance.
The 60’s scoop - the trauma felt deeply by generations of unrecognized Métis day schools, missions and boarding schools and the effect that they’ve had on our families to present day.
The end came too quick and I would have sat through more of a current overview on the Métis today. Maybe there will be a part two. The best part is hearing the author’s voice. I don’t think I would have absorbed this in the same wat had I not listened to the audio version first. I’ve also gotten my dad on podcasts and audio books during his medical healing because normally he’s on the land. He’ll love this and think about where he was during all these events.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
I had no idea how little I knew about the Métis Nation until I read this book. Jean Teillet, a great grandniece of Louis Riel, tells the story of the Métis Nation, from its formation in the 1700s to its renaissance today. There is so much detail in this book that it's impossible to absorb everything (it's over 500 pages long, incredibly well-researched). But I'm walking away from this with a deep knowledge of who the Métis are, and a fuller understanding of the Métis side of the story from the last 300+ years of Canadian history.
I think there's a misconception among Canadians that the term "Métis" encompasses all individuals with Indigenous and settler descent. Most people could likely recount the North-West Resistance, the fate of Métis leader Louis Riel, and the Battle of Batoche, but not much beyond that. Teillet reminds us that the Métis are a distinct Indigenous nation--one that emerged from the fur trade in the North-West--and has struggled to gain rights, land, and recognition for centuries. The Métis resisted decades of colonialism--enduring broken constitutional promises and the theft of land by Canada, the loss of the buffalo, the Reign of Terror, the hanging of their leader Louis Riel--and have persevered as a distinct Indigenous nation in Canada. There is so much more to the Métis story that many of us don't know. This book is a great starting point for those willing to learn.
I think there's a misconception among Canadians that the term "Métis" encompasses all individuals with Indigenous and settler descent. Most people could likely recount the North-West Resistance, the fate of Métis leader Louis Riel, and the Battle of Batoche, but not much beyond that. Teillet reminds us that the Métis are a distinct Indigenous nation--one that emerged from the fur trade in the North-West--and has struggled to gain rights, land, and recognition for centuries. The Métis resisted decades of colonialism--enduring broken constitutional promises and the theft of land by Canada, the loss of the buffalo, the Reign of Terror, the hanging of their leader Louis Riel--and have persevered as a distinct Indigenous nation in Canada. There is so much more to the Métis story that many of us don't know. This book is a great starting point for those willing to learn.
January 4, 2020
Wow: I hadn’t known anything about the Métis. Totally incredible story.
July 10, 2021
An absolute must read for any Manitoban.
January 22, 2022
This is a superb book. Teillet's smooth story-telling has keen eye towards blending a strong overview with just enough detail and anecdotes to be engaging. She also possesses an excellent legal analysis of the long history of the Métis Nation which is explained clearly and directly. I thoroughly appreciate that Teillet has written an unapologetically partisan Métis account. I have taught Canadian history for over a decade and I learned many useful details from this book. In particular, these new insights include the influences of the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837 on the Métis and the actions of Thomas Scott/The Reign of Terror in 1869-1871. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2022
This was excellent, and I found the audio particularly compelling. Big time recommend this to Canadians.
November 7, 2022
An eye-opening slap in the face. A must read.
January 11, 2024
This book is badass and I require a biopic about Cuthbert Grant like, yesterday
April 4, 2024
The goat Louis Riel
August 18, 2025
Lecture extraordinaire. Un de mes livres préférés de tous les temps sans doute. Quelle histoire inspirante, triste et unique. Longue vie à la Nation Métis.
January 25, 2022
The real history of the Métis nation? Certainly a more storied one. Perhaps too storied.
A thorough and convincing account, at any rate. Teillet takes us from the beginning until the present day, relying on various aural histories and sourced materials gathered directly from the Métis peoples as well as settler records. The story of the nation, and in particular its angelic if overly erudite hero Louis Riel, is certainly a case of the victor rewriting history. All Turtle Islanders/Canadians should read this much truer take on the historical record.
At the same time, there were a lot of generalizations and grandiose claims that put me off. The Métis were basically presented as perfect ... it almost felt like I was reading a grand Mary Sue fanfic. Métis leaders had courage and vision! European leaders were hierarchical and tyrannical! When ordered, not a single Métis warrior touched a bottle—they were sheer "model[s] of discipline"—but the oncoming fiends were a drunken mess! etc. etc. Look, nobody's that perfect. And nobody needs to be. A fantastical tale of "good and evil" wasn't needed (or wanted, at least for me).
Also, the Métis nation, unquestionably a nation, is nevertheless an extremely young one. Yet it was cast in ancient tones, part and parcel with myth and legend, to the extent that it felt artificially aged ... as if Teillet was overcompensating for imagined doubts about the nation's claims of sovereignty based on its relative youth. It was over the top and left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was also confused (and, as I understand it, everyone is still confused, including the Métis) about when, where, and how the French and English (and other?) Métis offshoots emerged. The last few chapters laying out some of the basics would have been better placed at the start.
I did love and appreciate how Teillet wrote Métis women back into the historial record, and called out the Métis identity and leadership for being basically a sausage fest for so long. Now the nation can boast parity in leadership, at least among women and men. How many other nations can say the same? On that point, I was a bit surprised that anyone outside of the binary, especially Two Spirit folks, were completely absent from the narrative. Is this part of Métis culture, or Teillet's own biases at work? Anyways, some Métis women to remember: Isabelle Falcon, a warrior and excellent shot; Annie McDermot Bannatyne, who literally whipped Charlie Mair's nasty racist ass out of the local store when the arrogant troll dared to show his face there; Marie Trottier, who faced abortion charges in court while laid out in agony on a stretcher; Marguerite Caron, who stood up to Riel and demanded to participate when reinforcements were needed, her gender be damned; Eleanor Laurent, whose quick-thinking and furious washtubbery saved her husband from certain death; Cindy Gladue, whose body was mutilated twice over: tw And that was in 2015.
A final curiosity: Teillet mentions how English has come to dominate the Métis nation, which was largely French-speaking from the start. French is a gendered language, and "land" is gendered feminine. Hence the title of the book. She seems to bemoan how the Métis lost this gendering of the land in the shift from "motherland" to "homeland." But she doesn't explain why. Isn't it better to be gender-neutral? Is there a nuance I'm missing between "mother" and "home"?
Canada's settler government has yet to stop maligning the Métis and all Indigenous nations. What we call reserves or reservations? In Cree, they're called iskonikan ... "leftovers." Well, the Métis are long past due for a four course meal.
A thorough and convincing account, at any rate. Teillet takes us from the beginning until the present day, relying on various aural histories and sourced materials gathered directly from the Métis peoples as well as settler records. The story of the nation, and in particular its angelic if overly erudite hero Louis Riel, is certainly a case of the victor rewriting history. All Turtle Islanders/Canadians should read this much truer take on the historical record.
At the same time, there were a lot of generalizations and grandiose claims that put me off. The Métis were basically presented as perfect ... it almost felt like I was reading a grand Mary Sue fanfic. Métis leaders had courage and vision! European leaders were hierarchical and tyrannical! When ordered, not a single Métis warrior touched a bottle—they were sheer "model[s] of discipline"—but the oncoming fiends were a drunken mess! etc. etc. Look, nobody's that perfect. And nobody needs to be. A fantastical tale of "good and evil" wasn't needed (or wanted, at least for me).
Also, the Métis nation, unquestionably a nation, is nevertheless an extremely young one. Yet it was cast in ancient tones, part and parcel with myth and legend, to the extent that it felt artificially aged ... as if Teillet was overcompensating for imagined doubts about the nation's claims of sovereignty based on its relative youth. It was over the top and left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was also confused (and, as I understand it, everyone is still confused, including the Métis) about when, where, and how the French and English (and other?) Métis offshoots emerged. The last few chapters laying out some of the basics would have been better placed at the start.
I did love and appreciate how Teillet wrote Métis women back into the historial record, and called out the Métis identity and leadership for being basically a sausage fest for so long. Now the nation can boast parity in leadership, at least among women and men. How many other nations can say the same? On that point, I was a bit surprised that anyone outside of the binary, especially Two Spirit folks, were completely absent from the narrative. Is this part of Métis culture, or Teillet's own biases at work? Anyways, some Métis women to remember: Isabelle Falcon, a warrior and excellent shot; Annie McDermot Bannatyne, who literally whipped Charlie Mair's nasty racist ass out of the local store when the arrogant troll dared to show his face there; Marie Trottier, who faced abortion charges in court while laid out in agony on a stretcher; Marguerite Caron, who stood up to Riel and demanded to participate when reinforcements were needed, her gender be damned; Eleanor Laurent, whose quick-thinking and furious washtubbery saved her husband from certain death; Cindy Gladue, whose body was mutilated twice over: tw And that was in 2015.
A final curiosity: Teillet mentions how English has come to dominate the Métis nation, which was largely French-speaking from the start. French is a gendered language, and "land" is gendered feminine. Hence the title of the book. She seems to bemoan how the Métis lost this gendering of the land in the shift from "motherland" to "homeland." But she doesn't explain why. Isn't it better to be gender-neutral? Is there a nuance I'm missing between "mother" and "home"?
Canada's settler government has yet to stop maligning the Métis and all Indigenous nations. What we call reserves or reservations? In Cree, they're called iskonikan ... "leftovers." Well, the Métis are long past due for a four course meal.
November 17, 2024
I read this in honour of Métis Week I can't stop talking about it. I learned more about history in the first 50 pages than I did during my entire formal education. It's an incredible history that's engaging and extremely readable. This passage references the theft of Métis land in St. Paul in 1909 and I cried angry tears reading it because we still see this happening around us every day, 115 years later.
"Once again hundreds of Métis were forced off their lands. As more and more Métis were displaced, the places they could go were getting fewer and fewer. Now there were real law in the North-West, not just the distant law that had governed in absentia for the previous century. There were rules, policemen and judges. Specifically, there were new rules about vagrancy. The Métis now had new names applied to them: they were "squatters" if they built a home and tried to stay on the land in one place and they were "vagrants" if they lived in camps or kept moving. Either way they were illegal.
All of Western society revolves around having an address. One must have a residence to obtain a driver's license, or to get welfare or social assistance. Even access to education and medical care requires an address. Many Métis continued to live in tents and in family groupings. Tents were not considered an address."
It is a frustrating, devastating, and upsetting read, but it also speaks to the strength and courage of the Métis Nation. I very highly recommend.
"Once again hundreds of Métis were forced off their lands. As more and more Métis were displaced, the places they could go were getting fewer and fewer. Now there were real law in the North-West, not just the distant law that had governed in absentia for the previous century. There were rules, policemen and judges. Specifically, there were new rules about vagrancy. The Métis now had new names applied to them: they were "squatters" if they built a home and tried to stay on the land in one place and they were "vagrants" if they lived in camps or kept moving. Either way they were illegal.
All of Western society revolves around having an address. One must have a residence to obtain a driver's license, or to get welfare or social assistance. Even access to education and medical care requires an address. Many Métis continued to live in tents and in family groupings. Tents were not considered an address."
It is a frustrating, devastating, and upsetting read, but it also speaks to the strength and courage of the Métis Nation. I very highly recommend.
Read
December 9, 2021DNF
Made it to Chapter 16, but very dry reading which was hard for me to follow at the end.
Made it to Chapter 16, but very dry reading which was hard for me to follow at the end.
October 31, 2023
Great history. Wears its bias on its sleeve which I appreciate.
January 25, 2025
High recommendation for anyone looking to learn the full history of and gain a better understanding of those who identify with the seemingly ambiguous Canadian title of "Metis."
January 19, 2022
For a long time, history has been unkind to the First Nations, the original ancestors of the land, and their stemmed peoples such as the Métis. Speaking specifically to the Métis Nation, much of it has surrounded rebellions in western territories during the nation’s infancy, which many at the time believed may unravel a fragile confederation that had just been delicately prepared to unite an otherwise distinctly varied people. Prior to reading Jean Teillet’s The North-West is our Mother, I had a very basic knowledge of Métis history. I knew that Louis Riel had led resistance to joining confederation, that lives were lost in quelling rebellions, and that he ultimately lost his own life in the name of his cause, albeit forever leaving a legacy in Canada speaking to the rights of his people. Following this book, I know now that his was a shared cause of many, and that every story has two sides to recount, with the truth likely situated somewhere along the middle.
In her award-winning book, what The North-West is our Mother offers is the perspective of a descendant of the Riel family and a detailed version of events from the point of view of those that were ultimately not successful in their bid to establish a self-governing territory of free Métis. Teillet presents the origin story of the Métis Nation, from its voyageur and indigenous roots, to the great buffalo hunts, with all its trading and travelling anecdotes in between. Much of it is great and a significant early portion of the book paints a very bright picture. Alas, as we know all too well, this was not to last. Amidst the current climate concerning such affairs, it is indisputable that many of the interactions between settlers and the Métis were lopsided. In fact, many recount this period of history as a “stain on Canada’s legacy”. And to this, Teillet presents many of the early issues that would ultimately become cases before the Supreme Court of Canada two hundred years later, with many lives lost along the way. As such, in a wonderful entry of historical accounting to a people’s side of the story, Teillet provides important considerations for the ongoing debate of the Métis Nation’s situating, the role of her people in supplementing the founding of a nation, and the ultimate legacy left behind by Louis Riel, both bad and good.
Despite the excellence in writing and candidly presented story, such complex events do entail considerable debate. I caution readers to exercise restraint in their judgements of some character portrayals, particularly considering the foundational history and emotions that have led to the telling of such a story. Nevertheless, due diligence must be maintained in accounting for both sides of the story, and I cannot stress enough the need for follow up using the endnotes in this book (or remarking the lack thereof in recounting stories concerning specific characters in negative fashion). Overall, this was an enjoyable albeit emotionally charged read. I firmly recommend it to any Canadian seeking to deepen their knowledge of this part of our history, all while maintaining the balance and objectivity in the research this book should subsequently prompt. One thing is for sure, regardless of what did happen, some things definitely did happen. And for that alone the story deserves to be told.
Happy reading!
In her award-winning book, what The North-West is our Mother offers is the perspective of a descendant of the Riel family and a detailed version of events from the point of view of those that were ultimately not successful in their bid to establish a self-governing territory of free Métis. Teillet presents the origin story of the Métis Nation, from its voyageur and indigenous roots, to the great buffalo hunts, with all its trading and travelling anecdotes in between. Much of it is great and a significant early portion of the book paints a very bright picture. Alas, as we know all too well, this was not to last. Amidst the current climate concerning such affairs, it is indisputable that many of the interactions between settlers and the Métis were lopsided. In fact, many recount this period of history as a “stain on Canada’s legacy”. And to this, Teillet presents many of the early issues that would ultimately become cases before the Supreme Court of Canada two hundred years later, with many lives lost along the way. As such, in a wonderful entry of historical accounting to a people’s side of the story, Teillet provides important considerations for the ongoing debate of the Métis Nation’s situating, the role of her people in supplementing the founding of a nation, and the ultimate legacy left behind by Louis Riel, both bad and good.
Despite the excellence in writing and candidly presented story, such complex events do entail considerable debate. I caution readers to exercise restraint in their judgements of some character portrayals, particularly considering the foundational history and emotions that have led to the telling of such a story. Nevertheless, due diligence must be maintained in accounting for both sides of the story, and I cannot stress enough the need for follow up using the endnotes in this book (or remarking the lack thereof in recounting stories concerning specific characters in negative fashion). Overall, this was an enjoyable albeit emotionally charged read. I firmly recommend it to any Canadian seeking to deepen their knowledge of this part of our history, all while maintaining the balance and objectivity in the research this book should subsequently prompt. One thing is for sure, regardless of what did happen, some things definitely did happen. And for that alone the story deserves to be told.
Happy reading!
September 8, 2025
A powerful and deeply important book that walks readers through decades of injustice, chaos and suffering that Indigenous people in Canada endured and continue to endure. Tiellet traces the history from the earliest days through to present issues, showing how the story of the Métis people has been marked by oppression, displacement, deception and violence.
At times, I found it somewhat challenging to follow with many dates, names and places woven into the story but I believe this reflects the difficulty of capturing such a painful history. She does this with precision and compassion, creating a work that is as educational as it is heartbreaking.
Reading this book left me both grateful and heavy hearted. I am thankful to be on my own journey of learning and reconciliation, yet I feel deep sadness and shame for how little of this history is ingrained in Canadian society. The use of land scrips, the systemic deceit and the manipulative, often cruel ways that governments and settlers treated the Métis are shocking but also disturbingly familiar. Teillet makes clear that many of the attitudes toward Indigenous people remain unchanged. The same disregard, the same dismissal repeating across centuries.
I do hold hope that one day things will be different; that real change will come. I also recognize it will take a long time, as so many of the old systems of power and oppression are still in place. Teillet’s work reminds us that reconciliation is not quick or easy, it requires persistence, truth telling and the courage to dismantle what has been built into our society for generations.
This is not just a book of history, it is a call to awareness. Only those who choose to educate themselves, to seek truth and reconciliation, will begin to see Canada’s past and present for what it truly is.
For me, this book was a difficult but important step in that journey.
At times, I found it somewhat challenging to follow with many dates, names and places woven into the story but I believe this reflects the difficulty of capturing such a painful history. She does this with precision and compassion, creating a work that is as educational as it is heartbreaking.
Reading this book left me both grateful and heavy hearted. I am thankful to be on my own journey of learning and reconciliation, yet I feel deep sadness and shame for how little of this history is ingrained in Canadian society. The use of land scrips, the systemic deceit and the manipulative, often cruel ways that governments and settlers treated the Métis are shocking but also disturbingly familiar. Teillet makes clear that many of the attitudes toward Indigenous people remain unchanged. The same disregard, the same dismissal repeating across centuries.
I do hold hope that one day things will be different; that real change will come. I also recognize it will take a long time, as so many of the old systems of power and oppression are still in place. Teillet’s work reminds us that reconciliation is not quick or easy, it requires persistence, truth telling and the courage to dismantle what has been built into our society for generations.
This is not just a book of history, it is a call to awareness. Only those who choose to educate themselves, to seek truth and reconciliation, will begin to see Canada’s past and present for what it truly is.
For me, this book was a difficult but important step in that journey.
November 12, 2023
What a superbly told account of the birth of the Métis Nation, and the historical and ongoing struggle within the Canadian political atmosphere. I feel gratitude towards Teillet for writing and sharing this history and Canadian reality in such an accessible way. I highly recommend this read to anyone self-educating on Canadian history.
October 27, 2021
This is an important book for Canadians to read to get a more complete comprehension of the challenges faced by the Metis and the poor treatment from the Canadian government. This books puts the Metis issues of today in good context. A good read.
December 5, 2021
A thorough look of Métis history. I found it highly educational and I feel that those who are guests here should know this history.
January 23, 2021
I really appreciated learning about the origins of the Metis Nation and the story of Louis Riel. I read this because I heard the author talk last year about writing the book, her family's history, and the Metis Nation.
December 10, 2024
I’ve lost track of how many times Euro-Canadians have spread mis/disinformation about Métis people. I’ve read papers by white authors funded by huge national scholarships that blatantly make false claims or definitions about Indigenous groups. I’ve had people ask me, “That just means you have French and Native ancestry right?… What band do you belong to?” And of course, we’ve all been steeped in a Canadian nationalist, white supremacist narrative of the country’s origins, internalizing clichés about multiculturalism or the two nations myth.
Jean Teillet undertakes a thorough historical account of the Métis nation, from a Métis perspective. The Métis were a sovereign nation of culturally distinct people who encountered Canada as a foreign entity. Faced with encroaching Settler-colonialism, the Métis negotiated a place in confederation as a self-governing Indigenous nation. But Canada violated its promises immediately following the agreement by invading and illegitimately occupying Manitoba, waging a Reign of Terror against the Métis, and stealing and selling its land to Settlers. The ramifications of Canada’s genocide against the Métis are still prolific today, and few have been effectively addressed by the government.
As a lawyer and Métis activist (not to mention a descendant of the Riels) Teillet is well-positioned to contribute to this history by compiling Métis narratives, while also putting her voice to the social and political movements that are so crucial for our liberation. And for those illiterate in legalism like myself, she also explains the legal proceedings and implications of all of the events in this book very accessibly, without sacrificing readability. If you’re Métis, you’ll probably still learn many things; if you’re not, you should take this opportunity to receive Métis knowledge.
But “The Northwest Is Our Mother” is also a heartbreaking and heavy book. It discusses a lot of abuses and crimes against humanity that may be familiar, but are nonetheless difficult to read. That only adds to how powerful and important this work is. Teillet must have poured an exhausting amount of time and energy into this research and writing, and I’m grateful for that. Every Canadian needs to read this.
Jean Teillet undertakes a thorough historical account of the Métis nation, from a Métis perspective. The Métis were a sovereign nation of culturally distinct people who encountered Canada as a foreign entity. Faced with encroaching Settler-colonialism, the Métis negotiated a place in confederation as a self-governing Indigenous nation. But Canada violated its promises immediately following the agreement by invading and illegitimately occupying Manitoba, waging a Reign of Terror against the Métis, and stealing and selling its land to Settlers. The ramifications of Canada’s genocide against the Métis are still prolific today, and few have been effectively addressed by the government.
As a lawyer and Métis activist (not to mention a descendant of the Riels) Teillet is well-positioned to contribute to this history by compiling Métis narratives, while also putting her voice to the social and political movements that are so crucial for our liberation. And for those illiterate in legalism like myself, she also explains the legal proceedings and implications of all of the events in this book very accessibly, without sacrificing readability. If you’re Métis, you’ll probably still learn many things; if you’re not, you should take this opportunity to receive Métis knowledge.
But “The Northwest Is Our Mother” is also a heartbreaking and heavy book. It discusses a lot of abuses and crimes against humanity that may be familiar, but are nonetheless difficult to read. That only adds to how powerful and important this work is. Teillet must have poured an exhausting amount of time and energy into this research and writing, and I’m grateful for that. Every Canadian needs to read this.
October 1, 2024
This was a well written history of the Métis from a Métis perspective. Definitely worth it to read.
July 9, 2024
Here is another of my "Old Man Yells at Clouds" reviews.
A lot of new information that I had not previously known, some gems too; however, many of Teillet's claims are inconsistent with other historical sources. This could be a case of her being right and them being wrong, but there is no way for me to truly know - and, I suspect, this would still be the case even after a thousand more hours of research. I was distinctly aware of Teillet's personal bias in telling the story of the Métis people/nation, and I was also aware, of course, of conflicting accounts of the rebellion being biased against the Métis.
While this book is interesting, I found it frustrating at times. Notwithstanding the fact that I do not empathize whatsoever with the Canadian government's motives during the events of the Métis rebellions, Teillet seems to disregard French-Canadians' lionizing of Riel and the Métis nation as only important to Québec and French Canada due to many Métis (including Riel) being Catholic and francophone, and only caring about francophone settlement in the West and not First Nations or Métis culture in its own right.
Although I believe this to be partially true, I believe it paints an inauthentic and unfair picture of French Canadian motivations since the rebellion vis-à-vis the Métis and Riel, and completely overlooks the enormous contribution and aid Riel received his whole adult life from his non-Métis French-Canadian peers. Also, I kept thinking to myself - so what? The bogeyman in this story is supposed to be the federal and provincial governments that for over a century ensured the near total erasure of Métis status, culture, and language. I think being upset that Louis Riel has been used as a heroic example by the Bloc Québécois in the '90s is a bit ironic, all things considered.
I do wish that most of my English-Canadian and non-Canadian friends would read this book, as most people I know have no idea that Canada was not exactly founded on democratic principles.
A lot of new information that I had not previously known, some gems too; however, many of Teillet's claims are inconsistent with other historical sources. This could be a case of her being right and them being wrong, but there is no way for me to truly know - and, I suspect, this would still be the case even after a thousand more hours of research. I was distinctly aware of Teillet's personal bias in telling the story of the Métis people/nation, and I was also aware, of course, of conflicting accounts of the rebellion being biased against the Métis.
While this book is interesting, I found it frustrating at times. Notwithstanding the fact that I do not empathize whatsoever with the Canadian government's motives during the events of the Métis rebellions, Teillet seems to disregard French-Canadians' lionizing of Riel and the Métis nation as only important to Québec and French Canada due to many Métis (including Riel) being Catholic and francophone, and only caring about francophone settlement in the West and not First Nations or Métis culture in its own right.
Although I believe this to be partially true, I believe it paints an inauthentic and unfair picture of French Canadian motivations since the rebellion vis-à-vis the Métis and Riel, and completely overlooks the enormous contribution and aid Riel received his whole adult life from his non-Métis French-Canadian peers. Also, I kept thinking to myself - so what? The bogeyman in this story is supposed to be the federal and provincial governments that for over a century ensured the near total erasure of Métis status, culture, and language. I think being upset that Louis Riel has been used as a heroic example by the Bloc Québécois in the '90s is a bit ironic, all things considered.
I do wish that most of my English-Canadian and non-Canadian friends would read this book, as most people I know have no idea that Canada was not exactly founded on democratic principles.
February 28, 2023
The book suffers from a biased perspective. The narrative at the beginning of the book presents Métis leaders as unblemished and Canadian leaders as one-dimensional villains. The truth is more interesting. The cardboard characterizations are abandoned in the latter part of the book and the historical picture becomes more interesting and credible. Teillet provides a multidimensional and compelling explanation of Louis Riel, his struggle, and his demise. The book has a two-star beginning. The first half of the book is a long weak prologue but picks up in the end with a better pace, research-based writing, and credibility.
June 9, 2020
As an East Coaster, I learned very little about how the west became a part of Canada.
Everyone should know this part of our history.
This country was founded on colonialism and racism even more than I realized.
Everyone should know this part of our history.
This country was founded on colonialism and racism even more than I realized.
January 23, 2025
Phenomenal read. One of my favourites of the 2023.
This book should be essential reading in Manitoba Grade 11 Canadian History course.
The history is full of proud and heroic individuals. Tragic and important history.
This book should be essential reading in Manitoba Grade 11 Canadian History course.
The history is full of proud and heroic individuals. Tragic and important history.
July 25, 2024
In the late 1700’s French-Canadian fur-trappers (called voyageurs) headed into what is now the province of Manitoba and also, Western Ontario to get fur pelts. The animals supplying these (beavers, mink) had been depleted in Quebec and Eastern Ontario. This was a long journey of well over a thousand miles from Quebec, through the wilderness and the Great Lakes, to trap and trade for furs.
Page 22
While outside observers uniformly thought the voyageur life was more akin to drudgery, it appealed to these young Canadiens whose future otherwise offered a different kind of drudgery, endlessly the same: working on a small family farm. In addition to the physical challenges of the voyageur life, the exciting possibility of danger and the adventure of travelling into the unknown, there were other inducements to entice a young man, including pleasures largely unavailable to a young farm boy in Quebec living under the eyes of a priest: smoking, gambling, drinking, wrestling and girls.
The key to the above paragraph would be “girls”. The offspring of these relationships became the Métis. It must also be said that the voyageurs did integrate and adapt with the Indigenous peoples. They had to, and marital relationships were a way of solidifying the alliance. There were also a lesser number of Scottish men who formed relationships. They came by way of Hudson’s Bay, where the Hudson’s Bay fur-trading company was centered.
The Métis were concentrated mostly around the Red River in Southern Manitoba. But they were migratory, trapping and hunting buffalo. After the Canadian Confederation of 1867, they struggled to be recognized by the Canadian Government – this is still ongoing today.
There were four armed clashes between the Métis and the British, and then the Canadian Government. Canadian history refers to these as “rebellions”, but as the Métis author of the book points out these were “Métis resistance” struggles or clashes. They were protecting their people and land from encroachment by the government and newly arrived settlers who felt Métis land belonged to them.
One of their leaders, who most Canadian school children learn of, was Louis Riel. He was a Catholic and pacifist. He desperately wanted to avoid an armed confrontation. But the Canadian Government under Prime Minister John A. MacDonald and the people of Ontario (mostly Protestant) wanted war. There had been a few killings of Anglo-Saxons in the Red River area, and Protestant Ontario was being whipped into a frenzied hatred by the press for the French-Indian “half-breeds” who had the audacity to assert their land rights. John A. MacDonald played on this hostility and sent in the army, who would physically assault the Métis, causing many to flee to Saskatchewan and Alberta for their safety.
Louis Riel was hung in 1885 in Regina, Saskatchewan for his resistance. This was celebrated in Ontario. But Louis Riel became a martyr for his cause, not only by Métis, but by French Canadians in Quebec, who saw him as a being persecuted for his Catholic religion and French language.
With the diminishing buffalo herds in the latter part of the 19th century many Métis were facing poverty and starvation. The author describes many of the legal obstacles put in the pathway of the Métis to get recognition and compensation for the land that was stolen from them by the Canadian Government, and then handed over to settlers.
What was most troubling was to read of the extreme intolerance displayed by the Anglo people of Ontario (called Orangemen) for the Métis and also First Nations people. Ontario today is far different in racial and ethnic make-up than it was years ago, but one wonders how much residual hatred for the “other” still exists.
Page 22
While outside observers uniformly thought the voyageur life was more akin to drudgery, it appealed to these young Canadiens whose future otherwise offered a different kind of drudgery, endlessly the same: working on a small family farm. In addition to the physical challenges of the voyageur life, the exciting possibility of danger and the adventure of travelling into the unknown, there were other inducements to entice a young man, including pleasures largely unavailable to a young farm boy in Quebec living under the eyes of a priest: smoking, gambling, drinking, wrestling and girls.
The key to the above paragraph would be “girls”. The offspring of these relationships became the Métis. It must also be said that the voyageurs did integrate and adapt with the Indigenous peoples. They had to, and marital relationships were a way of solidifying the alliance. There were also a lesser number of Scottish men who formed relationships. They came by way of Hudson’s Bay, where the Hudson’s Bay fur-trading company was centered.
The Métis were concentrated mostly around the Red River in Southern Manitoba. But they were migratory, trapping and hunting buffalo. After the Canadian Confederation of 1867, they struggled to be recognized by the Canadian Government – this is still ongoing today.
There were four armed clashes between the Métis and the British, and then the Canadian Government. Canadian history refers to these as “rebellions”, but as the Métis author of the book points out these were “Métis resistance” struggles or clashes. They were protecting their people and land from encroachment by the government and newly arrived settlers who felt Métis land belonged to them.
One of their leaders, who most Canadian school children learn of, was Louis Riel. He was a Catholic and pacifist. He desperately wanted to avoid an armed confrontation. But the Canadian Government under Prime Minister John A. MacDonald and the people of Ontario (mostly Protestant) wanted war. There had been a few killings of Anglo-Saxons in the Red River area, and Protestant Ontario was being whipped into a frenzied hatred by the press for the French-Indian “half-breeds” who had the audacity to assert their land rights. John A. MacDonald played on this hostility and sent in the army, who would physically assault the Métis, causing many to flee to Saskatchewan and Alberta for their safety.
Louis Riel was hung in 1885 in Regina, Saskatchewan for his resistance. This was celebrated in Ontario. But Louis Riel became a martyr for his cause, not only by Métis, but by French Canadians in Quebec, who saw him as a being persecuted for his Catholic religion and French language.
With the diminishing buffalo herds in the latter part of the 19th century many Métis were facing poverty and starvation. The author describes many of the legal obstacles put in the pathway of the Métis to get recognition and compensation for the land that was stolen from them by the Canadian Government, and then handed over to settlers.
What was most troubling was to read of the extreme intolerance displayed by the Anglo people of Ontario (called Orangemen) for the Métis and also First Nations people. Ontario today is far different in racial and ethnic make-up than it was years ago, but one wonders how much residual hatred for the “other” still exists.
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