Vernacular Houses and Farmsteads of the Canadian Metis

Abstract

As descendents of Euro-Canadian fur traders and native women, the Canadian Metis developed as an ethnic and political force in western Canada during the 19th century. A survey of Metis farmsteads along the South Saskatchewan River in central Saskatchewan provides data by which a Metis vernacular house type and farmstead plan may be defined. In studying these components of the Metis built environment, insight is provided into Metis history, perceptions of space, social organization and communal values. The Metis house and farmstead are argued to be a material reproduction of Metis culture.