Metis Scrip

Distributed 1875 - 1879 to those Metis living within the "Postage Stamp" province of Manitoba at the census of 1871. Distributed according to parish.

Click to view larger images

Dependent children - 240 acres

A.1   Unmarried individuals born prior to 15 July 1870. There are comparatively few scrip affidavits, but there are records of distribution by parish. These records give legal land description, quarter and/or part quarter, townships and range. For those born after 1860, the name of the father is given as well as the date he/she would turn 18 and presumably assume responsibility for their allocation. In the case of females who may have married, their spouse or married name is given.

A.2   Children born prior to 15 July 1870 who died.
Their allocation was applied for. The father (if living) was legal heir, otherwise the mother and/or surviving siblings received the allocation.

A.3   When both parents were deceased, grandfathers or guardians applied for scrip for the children.

Head of Households - 160 acres

Metis individuals who were married prior to 15 July 1870 and living within the "Postage Stamp" province of Manitoba during 1871 census. Distributed according to parish.

B.1   Both husband and wife received 160 acres of land.

B.2   If a spouse died after 15 July 1870 but prior to allocation fo the 160 acres would be equally divided amongst surviving children. If there were no children, either the surviving spouse or parent could be heirs.

Late Scrip Applications

Individuals born prior to 15 July 1870, residents of "Postage Stamp" province at 1871 census, but had left the province prior to 1875.

C.1   These individuals could apply at a later time, about 1879. Once again application was mad in the parish of residence at 1871 census. Their allocations were in accordance with whether they were Heads of household or Dependent Children on 15 July 1870.

Original White Settlers

Those of non-aboriginal background who had come to the Red River during the Selkirk Settlement years, e.g.; those who arrived prior to 1837 when the Selkirk lands reverted to the Hudson's Bay Company and resided here on 15 July 1870.

D.1   Dependent Children - 240 acres.

Children and grandchildren whose parent/parents were not aboriginal.

D.2   Heads of Household - 160 acres.
Once again allocations was by parish. These applications/affidavits are marked "Original White Settlers".

Metis Scrip - 1885

Born in the Northwest Territories/Rupertsland prior to 25 July 1870 and not resident of the "Postage Stamp" province of Manitoba.

E.1   Dependent Children - 240 acres or $240.00.

Born prior to 15 July 1870, unmarried 15 July 1870. (See Dependant Children Part A)

E.2   Heads of Household - 160 acres or $160.00.

Born prior to 15 July 1870 and married prior to 15 July 1870.

Metis Scrip 1900/1901 - 240 acres or $240.00

F.   Individuals born in the Northwest Territories (outside the "Postage Stamp" province of Manitoba) 15 July 1870-1885. This scrip was allocated to individuals born in the west (as far as the Rockies). By 1900/1901 many individuals were U.S. residents. If they were born in western British North America they were eligible for Scrip. These affidavits for the most part are available (copies).

Later Scrip - 240 acres or $240.00

G.   Northern areas also allowed individuals to apply and receive Scrip. Affidavits are not available, but indexes are.

The Last Scrip was allocated in about 1936/37 in the McKenzie River area.

Nellie Larocque - Genealogist, MCHRC