Who are the Métis?
Quick answer: A distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry. In our practice tests 65% of 109 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “A people of mixed Inuit/First Nations ancestry most of whom live on the Prairies”.
Why is this the correct answer?
The Métis are a distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry, with their own culture, language (Michif), and identity. They played a key role in the development of western Canada.
Study Tip
The Métis are a group of people with a unique cultural identity, and their history is closely tied to the early European settlement of Canada. They have a distinct heritage that reflects a blend of Aboriginal and European influences.
What should you know about this topic?
The Métis are a distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry. Discover Canada explains that the majority of Métis live in the Prairie Provinces. They come from both French- and English-speaking backgrounds and speak their own dialect, Michif. The Métis are one of three Aboriginal peoples recognized in the Constitution, along with First Nations and Inuit, and they make up about 30% of the Aboriginal population.
Métis communities grew out of the fur trade, when European traders, especially French and Scottish, married First Nations women. Their children developed a unique culture blending both traditions. In 1869 and 1885, Métis leader Louis Riel led two uprisings in the Prairies to defend Métis rights. The first, the Red River Resistance, led to the creation of Manitoba in 1870. The second, the North-West Rebellion of 1885, was defeated, and Riel was tried and executed for high treason.
This question connects to other test topics: the three Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal rights in the Constitution, the fur trade and the Hudson's Bay Company, Louis Riel, and the founding of Manitoba. Remember that the Métis are a distinct people in their own right, not a sub-group of First Nations. Inuit live mostly in the Arctic, and Atlantic Canada is home to First Nations such as the Mi'kmaq. Today, Métis culture, music and the sash remain proud symbols of their heritage.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- First Nations people speaking the Michif dialect: Michif is the Métis language, but the Métis are a distinct people, not a group within First Nations.
- The distinct aboriginal people of Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Canada is home to First Nations such as the Mi'kmaq; most Métis live in the Prairies.
- A people of mixed Inuit/First Nations ancestry most of whom live on the Prairies: The Métis have mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry, not mixed Inuit and First Nations ancestry.
What is the most common mistake?
Some learners think the Métis are part of First Nations or of mixed Inuit-First Nations descent. They are a distinct people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry.
How can you remember the answer?
"Métis" comes from a French word meaning "mixed": mixed Aboriginal and European roots.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
65% of 109 practice answers from about 72 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "A people of mixed Inuit/First Nations ancestry most of whom live on the Prairies", chosen 20% of the time. The data covers practice tests on BecomeACitizen.ca from March 31, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
How hard is this question compared with others?
It is the 29th hardest of the 167 questions we have enough data to rank. The average for the Who We Are chapter is 79% correct, and the average across all questions is 75%. You need 75% to pass the real test.
These are practice questions written from the official Discover Canada guide. IRCC does not publish the real test questions. See the full ranking in the 20 most-missed citizenship test questions or browse more Who We Are questions.
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Which part of Discover Canada is this question from?
This question is from the Who We Are section of the Canadian citizenship test. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Discover Canada study guide. You need to score at least 75% (15 out of 20 correct) to pass.
This chapter has 43 questions in our database. Studying chapter by chapter is one of the most effective ways to prepare, as it helps you build deep understanding of each topic before moving to the next.
How should you study for the citizenship test?
Start by reading the complete how-to-pass guide, then work through each chapter in the study mode. When you feel ready, take a full exam simulation with the real 45-minute time limit.