To commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, I decided to codify one of my research rabbit holes into a story ready to tell. Nicholas Montour and Anne Umphreville are two fascinating Métis characters form the 18th and 19th centuries whose stories have popped out to me out of the historical record.
MR. AND MRS. MONTOUR GO WEST A 19th Century Metis Journey From The Prairies to the Pacific North-west
Length: 1 hour (45 minutes plus discussion time).
Recommended audience: 3-30 persons
Delivered via: Zoom; Google Meets, in person (Lower Mainland BC).
A look at the life of a Métis freeman and freewoman from the Forts de Prairies. He was called the ‘leader of the Edmonton’ Métis. She spoke no English and collected names as a convenience. They ended up in Oregon as their lives followed historical events on both sides of the new border, and are remembered in French Prairie and in Canada.
Mrs. Montour is the sister of Louise Umpherville (of whom I have written many times), but whose life took a different turn. Mr. Montour is the half-brother of one of the Métis Nation’s prominent early leaders and was looked to as a leader himself on the West Side of the Rockies and the high country of the Snake River.
Nicholas and Anne’s lives match many Métis experiences of their generation. Nicholas’ education, competitive zeal, family connections, and cultural knowledge were an asset to the fur trading companies until the merger. Anne’s wealth, family, and Indigenous connections were assets until the fur trade gave away to settlement and an influx of white, protestant, English speaking women.
The couple worked for the company when it was convenient, but showed no loyalty to a Company or a country that shown none to them.
The Métis who travelled to and lived in the Pacific Northwest are often overlooked and never dull.
Book me to tell their story! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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North Wind Heritage Consulting 