From New Peoples to New Nations is a broad historical account of the emergence of the Metis as distinct peoples in North America over the last three hundred years. Examining the cultural, economic, and political strategies through which communities define their boundaries, Gerhard J. Ens and Joe Sawchuk trace the invention and reinvention of Metis identity from the late eighteenth century to the present day. Their work updates, rethinks, and integrates the many disparate aspects of Metis historiography, providing the first comprehensive narrative of Metis identity in more than fifty years.

Based on extensive archival materials, interviews, oral histories, ethnographic research, and first-hand working knowledge of Metis political organizations, From New Peoples to New Nations addresses the long and complex history of Metis identity from the Battle of Seven Oaks to today’s legal and political debates.

Born and raised in Manitoba, Gerhard Ens is Associate Professor of History and Classics at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He has spent his professional career researching and writing about the fur trade, the Métis, and First Nations communities in Canada. In recent years he has also worked as a consultant and testified as an expert witness in various Métis and First Nations land claims and treaty rights court cases.

Gerhard J. Ens' profile page

Joe Sawchuk is an anthropologist. He has worked as a consultant for various Aboriginal organizations and has taught anthropology at the University of Toronto and at Memorial University. He is Professor of Socio-Cultural Anthropology at Brandon University, whose research interests include 20th Century Metis, Chamorro of Guam, Native Political Organizations, and Political Anthropology. He is the author of The Metis of Manitoba: Reformulation of an Ethnic Identity, co-author of Metis Land Rights in Alberta: A Political History, and has written numerous articles.

Joe Sawchuk's profile page

• Short-listed, Canada Prize in the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Winner, CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title

"Tracing the intricate and layered process by which new peoples become new nations within politically, economically, and symbolically charges matrices, Ens and Sawchuk have contributed a theoretically and empirically bountiful text that one hopes will generate discussions within and outside of Métis studies."

History of Anthropology Newsletter, June 28, 2018

‘For its comprehensiveness, it would make an excellent textbook for undergraduate courses… Its considerable bibliography and broad treatment of Metis history will undoubtedly make it as a general reference on Metis history and identity.’

Canadian Journal of History, vol 52:02:2017

‘From New Nations to New Peoples offers an important update to Métis history and historiography… Ens and Sawchuck’s novel approach to the topic allows them to convincingly posit that Métis ethno-genesis is perpetual and continues to the present day via "dialogical processes".

Labour/Le Travail vol 78:2016

‘As a result of its diligent research and unique analytical perspective, From New Peoples to New Nations will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in historical and contemporary Métis identities.’

BC Studies winter 2016/17

‘Ens and Sawchuck have written the most comprehensive and balanced view of Métis history to date, which will provide much-needed context for all who seek to better understand who the Métis are and the centuries of struggle they have faced…. Highly recommended.’

Choice Magazine vol 54:02:2016