Heritage Explorer

Description

(Post 1908) A plot of land nearby Canada Creek was used as a ball field and picnic area by the Metigoshe Métis Community.

Stories

Beginning of the Metigoshe Community

1908 - Present The Métis community on Turtle Mountain is somewhat unique. Its presence raises the question: How did this group of Métis come to settle here? The Métis differ from the average European settler in that they did not immigrate to the Canadian prairies. They were born here. [[inline:right:met-metis]] Red River was the first place that the Métis settled in number. In fact for several generations they made up the majority of the settlement’s population. The Red River Resistance in 1869 and the following North West Resistance of 1885 uprooted Métis families from their homesteads and scattered them in …

Canada Creek

Fishing for Food, Legal or Not [[inline:right:canada-creek]] Lake Metigoshe has long been known for harbouring a large quantity of fish in its waters. It was even known as “Fish Lake” in the early days. So it should come as no surprise that the Métis community that developed around Metigoshe Lake after 1908 ate a lot of fish. It didn't take long for the Métis to learn that for about four days and nights every spring a plethora of spawning Jack and Sucker fish came bursting into Canada Creek. The fish crowded through the short creek on their way from Metigoshe …

The Metigoshe Métis Community

The Metis have been permanently settling on Turtle Mountain for over a hundred years.

Other Features Nearby

Billy's Point

(1930s) Billy Gosselin's home became a meeting place and dance hall for the Metigoshe Métis Community.

Canada Creek

The Forestry Reserve game wardens chose to turn their heads the other direction when it came to the fishing practices of the Metis living around Metigoshe Lake.

First Métis Homestead

(1908) The first permanent Métis settler in the Turtle Mountain area was Louis McLeod who settled within a mile from the US-Canadian border. This was the beginning of the Metigoshe Métis Community.

First Métis Homesteads

(1908) Louis McLeod, Billy Gooselin and Elzear Racine came up from Belcourt and settled in the Turtle Mountain bush. These three quarter sections were the first homesteads that were the beginning of the Metigoshe Metis Community.

Lizzie Lake Station

A vacation property nestled in the Turtle Mountains near Lake Metigoshe. The building used to be the CPR station at Lyleton. PHONE: 204-748-3681 VISIT: http://www.lizzielakestation.com/

Louis McLeod Homestead

(1908) Louis McLeod's log home was probably the first permanent Metis settlement on Turtle Mountain.

Marsden School No. 2

(1938 – 1966) Métis kids from around Metigoshe Lake attended Marsden School No. 2. It became a hall and community centre for the Métis.

McCharles Cabin

(1940s) This tiny cabin was the vibrant home for Roy and Maggie McCharles and their 10 children.

Métis Cemetery

(1920s – 1942) With the establishment of the Metigoshe Métis Community, a small cemetery appeared. The first body interred was an infant from the McLeod family. She was followed by seven others at most.

Turtle Mountain All Season Resort

Cabins and suites available for rent on the shore of Lake Metigoshe. Store, restaurant and gas station. PHONE: 204-747-3919 VISIT: http://www.turtlemountainresort.ca/