Enough: Reclaiming Métis Identity in a World of In-Between

For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived with the feeling of being in-between. Not quite fitting on either side of the fence, never “Indigenous enough” for some, never “settler enough” for others. If you’re Métis, you probably know this feeling well. It’s the ache of being asked, “How Indigenous are you?” as if your entire story could be measured, weighed, and found wanting.

The truth is, we Métis are the living by-product of colonization. We are the children of two worlds, born from the meeting of First Nations and European ancestors during the fur trade. Our very existence is a testament to the complexity, and the pain, of Canada’s colonial history. For generations, we’ve been told we’re “too much” of one thing and “not enough” of another. We’ve been made to feel less than, from both sides of the fence.

It’s a heavy legacy. Colonial policies tried to erase us, while mainstream society often ignored or misunderstood us. Even within Indigenous spaces, we sometimes face suspicion or exclusion, asked to prove our “Indigeneity” in ways that no one else is. The question, “How Indigenous are you?” isn’t just a curiosity; it’s a wound, a reminder of every time we’ve been made to feel like we don’t belong.

But here’s the truth: being Métis is not about meeting someone else’s checklist. Our identity is not a fraction, a percentage, or a certificate. It’s a living, breathing story, rooted in kinship, community, and the resilience of our ancestors. We are the descendants of those who survived, adapted, and created something entirely new—a Nation with its own language, culture, and spirit.

Every day, I see Métis people reclaiming ceremony, language, and pride. I see us gathering around kitchen tables, sharing stories, beading, jigging, and laughing. I see youth learning Michif, Elders teaching history, and families returning to the land. We are not less than. We are enough.

So the next time someone asks, “How Indigenous are you?” stand tall and say, “Enough.” Because you are Métis enough. You are enough. Your story, your spirit, and your belonging cannot be measured by anyone else.

You belong. You are seen. You are enough.

If this resonates with you, or if you have your own story of being “in-between,” I invite you to share in the comments. Let’s lift each other up and remind every Métis person: you are enough, just as you are.