The Mountain Métis have a long and proud history that extends back to the fur trade when the Northwest Company, XY Company and the Hudson Bay Company sent their men into the Rocky Mountain region. The Freemen culture developed as a result of Scottish, Iroquois and French bloodlines intermingling with the Indigenous women, creating a new mountain culture.

The Mountain Métis were founding members of the Métis Nation of Alberta. On December 12, 1933 Malcolm F Norris mailed a letter to Jim Brady, Secretary Treasurer addressed to Frog Lake. The correspondence detailed founding members of the Metis Association. The letter stated:

“Dear Jimmy:

This is to inform you that I have notified all counsellors of our impending conference with the exception of those four listed for Lac La Biche. I note a List of Membership Roll.”[1]

Signed, Malcolm F Norris

On page-3 of his letter, Mr. Norris listed the Provincial Councillors two of whom were:

* Isaac Plante of Entrance, Alberta
* Adam Joachim of Entrance, Alberta

The founding President of the Mountain Métis was Adam Joachim, followed by his son Allan Joachim. President Alvin Findlay took over the leadership of the Mountain Métis after the death of Allan Joachim.

[1] Glenbow Museum Archives glen-m-125-21-p043 to p045