At a time when the Métis are becoming increasingly visible in Canadian politics, this book offers a novel and practical guide for understanding who they are, how they govern themselves, and the challenges they face on the path to self-government. The Métis have always been a political people. Kelly Saunders and Janique Dubois draw on interviews with Elders, leaders, and community members to reveal how the Métis are giving life to Louis Riel's vision of a self-governing Métis Nation within Canada. They look to the Métis language--Michif--to identify Métis principles of governance that emerged during the fur trade era and that continue to shape Métis governing structures. Both then and now, the Métis have engaged in political action to negotiate their place alongside federal and provincial partners in Confederation.

Métis Political Organization in Historical Perspective -- Principles of Métis Governance -- Métis Governments -- (Re)building a Métis Civil Service -- Mothers of the Métis Nation -- The Road to Métis Self-Government.