At a time when the Métis are becoming increasingly visible in Canadian politics, this unique book offers a practical guide for understanding who they are and the challenges they face on the path to self-government. It shows how the Métis are giving life to Louis Riel's vision of a self-governing Métis Nation through the ongoing application of principles of governance that emerged during the fur trade. Drawing on the Métis language - Michif - Kelly Saunders and Janique Dubois demonstrate how the Métis have adapted their governance structures within the Canadian state context to meet the everyday needs of Métis citizens.