Illustrations
Preface
Definitions
Acknowledgements

Approaching the Stories of the Desjarlais Family: Methods and Goals
Data Collection and Analysis
Conclusion

The Social Contexts of Europe and New France
The Psychological Terrain of Early Modern Europe
Enter Jean-Jacques De Gerlaise
Les Desjarlais and the Fur Trade Prior to the Conquest
Conclusion

From the St. Lawrence to St. Louis: The Desjarlais Migration to the Mississippi and Beyond
The Fur Trade of the Mississippi Valley
Marriage as Business: The Robidoux Family
Conclusion

The Emergence of Freemen in Rupert's Land
The Desjarlais in Rupert's Land
The Dispersion of the Desjarlais Freeman Band
The Social Dynamics of Boreal Forest Hunting Bands
Conclusion

Migration and Retrenchment: 1821-1869
The Establishment of Missions at Red River
The Emergence of Metis Populations in the Athabasca Region
The Struggle for Free Trade
Conclusion

Treaties and Rebellion
The Onset of the Rebellion of 1885
Conclusion

Some Difficult Choices: The Desjarlais after 1885
The Aftermath of the Rebellion
Conditions in Assiniboia and Saskatchewan
Northern Alberta After 1885
The Transition to Settlement in Northern Alberta
St. Paul des Metis
Treaty Number Eight
The Promised Land
Conclusion

The People Who Own Themselves

Appendix 1: A Note on Sources
Parish Records
Scrip
Indian Affairs Documents
The Desjarlais Family in the Records
Conclusion

Appendix 2: Naming Practices
Name Variations: Spelling and the Problem with "dit"
Aboriginal Naming Practices
Conclusion

Appendix 3: Genealogical Charts

Notes
Bibliography
Primary Sources
Published Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Index