The Battle for Métis Identity: Healing from Scrutiny, Lateral Violence, and "Pretendian" Witch Hunts

For generations, Métis people have stood at the crossroads of cultures, forging a nation defined by resilience and kinship. Yet today, the struggle for Métis identity remains as fierce and complex as ever, shaped by external scrutiny, internal conflict, and the deep wounds left by colonialism. The cost of this struggle is not just cultural or political; it is profoundly personal, impacting the mental health and well-being of Métis individuals and communities.

Caught Between Worlds

Métis identity is not a box to be checked or a status card to be held. It is a living connection to ancestors, land, and community. But for many, belonging is a daily negotiation. Colonial policies designed to erase Métis culture and fracture families have left generations feeling like outsiders in both Indigenous and non, Indigenous spaces. Too often, Métis people are told they are “not Indigenous enough” by First Nations, dismissed as “wannabes” by settlers, and left to navigate a landscape of suspicion and exclusion.

The Pain of Lateral Violence

This constant questioning doesn’t just come from outside. Lateral violence, gossip, exclusion, and undermining from within Métis communities, has become a devastating byproduct of identity struggles. Rooted in the trauma of colonization and the legacy of divide and conquer tactics, lateral violence tears at the fabric of Métis kinship. It leaves individuals afraid to speak up, ashamed of their heritage, and isolated from the very community that should offer support.

“Members who have experienced lateral violence will often feel disconnected from their culture, their traditions, and their community. They may struggle with their identity, have low self-esteem, and be prone to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.”

Mental Health: The Hidden Crisis

The psychological toll of these battles is immense. Métis people experience higher rates of mood disorders, anxiety, and depression than non, Métis populations. Historical traumas, such as residential and day schools, land dispossession, and chronic underfunding, continue to shape the mental health landscape, compounding barriers to culturally appropriate care. Many Métis, especially those who are white-passing or urban, feel compelled to hide their identity for fear of ridicule or rejection, leading to social withdrawal, cultural grief, and a silent epidemic of depression and anxiety.

The "Pretendian" Witch Hunts: A Double-Edged Sword

Recent years have seen a surge in public attention to “pretendians”, non-Indigenous people falsely claiming Indigenous identity for personal gain. While rooting out fraud is necessary to protect legitimate Métis rights and resources, the resulting witch hunts have created a climate of suspicion that disproportionately harms Métis people.

• Identity fraud harms: High-profile cases of false claims erode trust and divert resources from real Métis communities.

• Collateral damage: Genuine Métis, especially those with lighter skin or less visible ties to tradition, face relentless questioning and are often caught in the crossfire, exacerbating anxiety and imposter syndrome.

• Fear of disclosure: Many Métis choose silence over scrutiny, deepening the wounds of cultural disconnection and increasing vulnerability to mental health challenges.

  
  

This paradox is clear: while accountability is needed, a climate of suspicion risks repeating the very erasure and exclusion that colonialism set in motion.

Current Political Context: Fractures and Fallout

The struggle over Métis identity is not just personal, it is political. The Métis Nation is currently experiencing a profound schism, with Prairie organizations like Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and the Manitoba Métis Federation withdrawing from the Métis National Council over disputes about the legitimacy of certain Ontario Métis communities. This organizational rift has fractured the national voice that once advocated for all Métis people.

Federal policies and court decisions, such as the Supreme Court’s Daniels decision and the controversial Bill C-53, have added further complexity. While intended to advance reconciliation, these actions have sometimes deepened divisions and fueled lateral violence at the grassroots. The debate is not just about ancestry, but about historic, cultural, and community connections, raising questions about who gets to define Métis identity and who is left out.

Accountability for False Accusations: The Other Side of Justice

As the conversation around identity fraud intensifies, it is essential to recognize the harm caused when Métis people are wrongly accused of being “pretendians.” False accusations can have devastating consequences: social exclusion, damaged reputations, loss of professional opportunities, and severe impacts on mental health. In the digital age, breaches of privacy and unethical conduct, such as doxxing or public shaming, have become all too common, compounding the trauma for those targeted.

What Should the Consequences Be?

• Restorative Approaches: Métis justice must move away from punitive models toward restorative, community-based solutions. This means creating safe spaces for dialogue, truth-telling, and healing, where both the accuser and the accused can address the harm and work toward reconciliation.

• Education and Awareness: Those who make false accusations should engage in education about Métis history, identity, and the impacts of lateral violence.

• Community Accountability: Métis organizations and leadership should set clear guidelines and protocols for addressing accusations, including transparent processes for verifying identity and support systems for those wrongly accused.

• Support for the Wrongly Accused: Individuals who are falsely accused should have access to mental health support, cultural reconnection opportunities, and public statements of exoneration when appropriate.

• Discouraging Public Shaming: Communities should actively discourage “trial by social media” and public shaming. Accusations should be handled confidentially and respectfully, with a focus on healing rather than punishment.

• Privacy Protections: It is critical to respect privacy and ethical standards in all identity-related processes, ensuring that individuals are not exposed to further harm through unauthorized sharing of personal information.

  
  

Accusing someone of being a “pretendian” is a serious matter with real consequences. Justice is not served by suspicion and division, but by upholding the dignity and humanity of every community member.

A Path Forward: Healing, Not Policing

The struggle for Métis identity cannot be won through gatekeeping or suspicion. Healing requires:

• Métis-led citizenship: Community-based systems that honour both ancestry and lived connection, reducing fraud while centering Métis sovereignty.

• Culturally safe mental health care: Programs that blend land-based healing, intergenerational mentorship, and trauma-informed support.

• Ending lateral violence: Open dialogues and education to address internalized colonialism, rebuild trust, and celebrate the full diversity of Métis experience.

• Distinctions-based, community-led solutions: Respecting the diversity and sovereignty of all Métis communities, and encouraging dialogue that reflects the unique histories and realities across the homeland.

  
  

Conclusion: Reclaiming Pride and Belonging

The fight for Métis identity is not just about who gets to claim a label. It is about the right to belong, to heal, and to thrive. It is about honouring the stories, traditions, and dreams passed down by ancestors, and ensuring that every Métis person, regardless of appearance, location, or background, can stand proud in their heritage.

We must move beyond suspicion and division. Only by centering compassion, community, and Métis self-determination can we heal the wounds of the past and build a future where every Métis voice is valued, every story is heard, and every person is free to belong.

“Métis identities are nurtured and sustained by the stories, traditions and cultural practices taught by our grandmothers, grandfathers, and ancestors.” (Macdougall, 2017)

Further Reading & Resources

• Macdougall, B. (2017). Contours of a People: Métis Family, Mobility, and History. University of Oklahoma Press.

• Gaudry, A. (2018). “Communing with the Dead: The ‘New Métis,’ Identity, and the Discourse of Race.” Comparative Studies in Society and History, 60(3), 748-779.

• Supreme Court of Canada. Daniels v. Canada (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), 2016 SCC 12

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Final Report

• Understanding Métis Identity – Indigenous Foundations, UBC A clear overview of Métis history, culture, and the complexities of Métis identity in Canada.

• Métis Identity and Community – University of Calgary Library Guide Resources on Métis history, culture, language, and the legal aspects of community and identity.

• Métis Resources Guide – Concordia University A curated collection of books, articles, and online resources about Métis people and issues.

• Resource Hub for Métis Education – Métis Gathering Videos, lesson plans, and instructional materials to support Métis cultural education.