HIST/INST 370 traces the historical development of Canada's Metis from the period of the fur trade to the present. It includes discussion and debates about the origins of Metis nationalism, the validity of Métis land claims, and the character of Métis struggles for social justice from the Seven Oaks rebellion of 1816 through the two Northwest rebellions to the present.
It also examines the changes in the lives of Metis women that occurred as a result of the impact of churches, education, and racism. Throughout there is an attempt to examine the evolving character of Metis societies and the impact of Euro-Canadian government policies on these societies.