Welcome to Liberty Local

Part of the Manitoba Métis Federation
Winnipeg Region


Who are we?

The Metis are recognized under the 1982 Constitution, The Métis are one of three distinct Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The Metis are descendants of mixed parentage between European settlers and First Nations persons. Fiercely independent, the Métis were instrumental in the development of western Canada.

The Métis National Council consequently adopted the following definition of “Métis” in 2002: “Métis” means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry and who is accepted by the Métis Nation.”

In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that Métis are a rights-bearing Aboriginal people. Its judgement in R. v. Powley set out the components of a Métis definition for the purpose of claiming Aboriginal rights under section 35 of the Consitution Act, 1982. These are as follows:

  • Self-identification as a member of a Métis community.
  • Ancestral connection to the historic Métis community
  • Acceptance by the modern community with continuity to the historic Métis community.

Manitoba is the birthplace of the Métis Nation! We, the Métis people – have our own unique culture, traditions, language (Michif), and way of life, collective consciousness and nationhood.