Métis Scrip
1870’s: Métis Scrip
Métis scrip was implemented in Manitoba to fulfil the terms of the Manitoba Act, and to extinguish Métis Aboriginal title in a way that is seen as less expensive than entering into treaty agreements. Although the Manitoba Act is ratified in 1870, scrip will not begin to be distributed till 1876. Those who qualify for a scrip coupon must choose between either 160 acres or 160 dollars if the applicant is an adult, or 240 acres or 240 dollars if the applicant is a child. Initially, scrip was only offered to Métis born before 1870.
The following timeline produced by Camie Augustus tells the story of the Métis and Scrip policy, which was used to extinguish Métis aboriginal title.
Camie Augustus joined the PhD program in 2006. She began her studies at the University of Saskatchewan, completing her BA in History and Native Studies in 1996. Following graduation, she moved to Calgary, where she taught in adult education until her return to university. In 2005, she completed her MA in History at the University of Calgary, where she completed her thesis ‘The Scrip Solution: The North West Métis Scrip Policy, 1885-1887.’ Following the completion of her Master’s degree, Camie worked in Aboriginal land claims in the private sector.
Learning Activity
Permission: Courtesy of Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning, based on https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/metis-scrip/005005-2000-e.html
In total, 24,326 claims were approved by 1929. However, as noted in Augustus’ timeline above, the intent of Scrip was to strip Métis of Aboriginal title to the land. And this policy succeeded in doing just that. The Scrip system and the colonial mindset of individual land ownership destroyed any semblance of Métis homeland.
Works cited
(1). Gaudry, A. (2009). Metis. Retrieved from: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis/Manitoba History: The Historiography of Métis Land Dispersal, 1870-1890 (mhs.mb.ca)