The Métis are one of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada who trace their descent to mixed First Nations and European heritage.

The term is historically a catch-all describing the offspring of any such union, but within generations the culture syncretizes into what is today a distinct aboriginal group, with formal recognition equal to that of the Inuit and First Nations.

Mothers are often Cree, Ojibwe, Algonquin, Saulteaux, Menominee, Mi'kmaq or Maliseet.

At one time, there is an important distinction between French Métis born of francophone voyageur fathers, and the Anglo-Métis or Countryborn descended from English or Scottish fathers.

Today these two cultures have essentially coalesced into one Métis tradition.

Other former names—many of which are now considered to be offensive—include Bois-Brûlés, Mixed-bloods, Half-breeds, Bungi, Black Scots and Jackatars.

The Métis homeland includes regions scattered across Canada, as well as parts of the northern United States (specifically Montana, North Dakota, and northwest Minnesota).