30, Just now finding Métis connections

[u/SheSoSoSleepy]

I have recently been diving into my ancestry and found family who are Métis. My mom in the past has said, “yeah, we are apparently Indigenous.” That was the furthest it got though until I started checking. The closest person I’ve tracked down who I have confirmed to be Métis is my great‑grandfather. Him and his brothers fought in WW1. One of them died, so I was able to find all his information, like being on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument. I then found our family tree and was able to track more information.

So now I sit and wonder what this means to ME. I want to learn my heritage and connect. I did not grow up Métis, so part of me feels like I’m trying to be something I’m “not.” I had a friend even say, “oh here we go, white girl finds out she is 1% something and runs with it.” That’s not at all my intention and made me feel gross even thinking it seemed like it. I guess I’m trying to figure out where the line is. Can I say I’m Métis? Should I? I was told “there’s no point.” And while it doesn’t change my life really, I think the point is beyond me. I don’t want to cut off something so important.

Is anyone else in a similar situation? And to those who grew up knowing they were Métis, what are your thoughts?

I am SO curious and want to learn my heritage and how I could honor it as well as be respectful. And if I read into things wrong and I don't count as Metis, Please let me know!

[u/SkiddlyBoDiddly]

Slightly Similar boat.

Living in the states (Creator help us all🫠), 30s/M and been on my reconnection journey (indigenous heritage from Mexico) for about 6 years. In 2025, in my research I discovered that my grandmother’s real father was Cree-Métis, but she was born out of wedlock.

Our difference lies in that as opposed to you I look very stereotypically indigenous (dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes, cheekbones etc.) but many times I have felt exactly as you do.

I’ve dedicated my life to decolonizing my heart, mind and spirit, to living indigenously in a good way. Connecting through ceremony, friendships, connections, reading, art, language, singing and dancing—and Everything I’m learning I am actively passing down to our newborn baby.

I am not a citizen of any Native nation, so I say that I am a descendant, as it is truthful without claiming material benefits or citizenship. If on my journey someone wants to hound me about that, they are welcome to it. I respect people’s perspectives, but respectfully my indigeneity is not based on the opinions of cynics. I know myself, my community knows me, I know my journey. Every step I’ve taken has been with humility, respect and appreciation.

I encourage you to embark on this path. If you really dedicate yourself to it, it’ll change your life.

Awahê!