The Manitoba Act

The Manitoba Act, passed in 1870, was a law that created the province of Manitoba and established rights for the Métis people, a group of mixed Indigenous and European ancestors. It provided for land rights, language use (including French), and recognized Métis culture and governance. The act was part of a broader effort to integrate Manitoba into Canada while respecting the unique identity of its Métis residents. It laid the groundwork for the province’s development and helped protect Métis interests during Canada’s expansion westward.