06/04/2026
The Red River region holds a central place in Métis history.
Located near the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in what is now Manitoba, the Red River Settlement was part of Rupert’s Land, a vast territory claimed and administered by the Hudson’s Bay Company. As Métis communities developed along fur trade routes across Canada’s historic northwest, Red River became the largest settlement and an important centre of Métis life, culture and nationhood.
Métis families built communities along the waterways, developing distinct ways of life rooted in trade, bison hunting, harvesting, transportation, language, family and community governance.
When the Hudson’s Bay Company transferred Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory to the newly created Dominion of Canada, the Métis of Red River resisted, concerned that Canada would not respect their rights and freedoms. Under the leadership of Louis Riel, the Métis established a provisional government and negotiated with Canada, leading to the creation of Manitoba in 1870.
Today, the Red River region remains deeply connected to Métis identity, history and the Métis Nation Homeland.
