Our History
The Hay River & Area Métis Local #51, incorporated in 1972, pursuant to the Societies Act of the Northwest Territories, is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Society was formed subsequent to its economic arm, the Hay River Métis Development Corporation, an Aboriginal Corporation that pursues business and economic opportunities in the Hay River area.
The Society was set up to provide representation and support for the political aspirations of the Métis people of Hay River and the area. The membership consists of persons who identify as Métis although a majority acquired aboriginal Status Cards pursuant to Bill C-31, such being a Bill passed in 1985 by the Government of Canada and, throughout that time, have overseen and provided various social and economic services locally and regionally.
Since its inception, Métis Local #51 has and continues to advocate on behalf of Métis, Non-Status Indians, and Bill C31 Indians.
The roots of Hay River Métis Local #51 stretch back to the early days of settlement in the Northwest Territories. Initially established by a collective of Metis individuals, the organization aimed to provide a supportive environment for Metis people to congregate, offering a platform to showcase their culture.
While the Organization has evolved over time, its core focus on preserving Métis heritage and bolstering the Métis community has remained unwavering.
Louis Pepamowew Courteoreille
The Pioneer of our tradition and culture
In today’s time, there are still many descendants of Louis Pepamowew Courteoreille living in Hay River.
Marius McCallum – Metis Elder
Marius was born and raised in Buffalo Narrows, SK in 1945. He came north to Hay River in Spring of 1973 to join family and friends that had come north to fish.
He started out fishing for Alex Morin and remained with him for about 5 years. He then fished for Ed Studney for a couple years. After fishing for Ed for a couple years, he decided he had enough experience and knowledge and started fishing for himself in 1981. He has summer and winter fished for himself since then.
He met his wife Diane, the love of his life in 1985, Diane fished with him in the summer during the early years. Marius has his own filleting plant in the west channel and is one of the more successful fisherman in Hay River. He is a mentor and role model to the younger generation of fishermen/women in our area.
Archival Documents
