Defining Métis: Catholic Missionaries and the Idea of Civilization in Northwestern Saskatchewan, 1845-1898

Timothy P. Foran delves into the complex relationship between Catholic missionaries and the Métis people of Northwestern Saskatchewan during a transformative period in history. Through a careful analysis of the various categories and definitions that emerged from this interaction, the work illuminates the missionaries' perceptions of civilization and their attempts to engage with the Métis community between 1845 and 1898. This era was marked by significant cultural shifts, as both groups navigated the challenges posed by colonial expansion and the encroachment of new social norms.

The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of theological and sociopolitical change, revealing how missionaries sought to redefine and classify the Métis identity within the framework of Catholic values and European civilization. Foran's exploration not only highlights the missionaries' motivations and beliefs but also emphasizes the resilience and agency of the Métis as they faced external pressures and negotiated their own identity in response to these evolving definitions.